Choke mechanism for a plunger catcher
US12065903B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2023 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B34/142
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A lubricator and plunger catcher used in conjunction with an oil or gas well includes a manifold positioned between the wellhead and the plunger catcher. The manifold includes a plunger passageway that extends from the bottom of the manifold to the top of the manifold, with the plunger catcher being mounted to the top of the manifold. The manifold also includes a production passageway through which oil or gas leaving the wellhead is routed. A choke mechanism for at least partially blocking the production passageway is provided on the manifold to selectively vary the volume of the oil or gas leaving the wellhead that is routed through the plunger catcher. This, in turn, can selectively vary a force imparted to a plunger by the oil or gas leaving the wellhead to ensure the plunger is fully seated in the catcher when it arrives at the wellhead.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.