Shock absorber for an oil well pumping unit
A shock absorber is disclosed for the pumping unit of an oil well, adapted to be placed between the walking beam and a string of sucker rods in the borehole. The shock absorber has a tubular body of steel (or an equivalent structural material) having a closed top and an open bottom. A circular top on the tubular body has a central opening through which the polished rod is adapted to pass; and a rod clamp is affixed to the polished rod-above the tubular body. A plurality of elastomeric discs, typically four or five, are positioned in a stack within the tubular body; and each disc has an external diameter which is slightly less than the internal diameter of the tubular body. The plurality of elastomeric discs rest on top of a rigid circular plate having an OD smaller than the ID of the tubular body; and the circular plate, in turn, rests on top of a rigid spool. The spool has a central opening which is significantly larger than the diameter of the polished rod, so that there is no risk of establishing rubbing contact between the spool and the carefully machined and highly polished rod. The spool rests upon and bears against the top of the hanger bar, such that upwardly directed vertical loads on the hanger bar are passed first to the spool, then to the circular plate, and then to the elastomeric discs-which constitute the vibration damping and shock insulating elements of the shock absorber. Because of the closed top and open bottom, no water can accumulate within the shock absorber; and there is no possibility of the device ''freezing up'' in very cold weather.
- Assignee:
- EDB-84-163721
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4445674
- OSTI ID:
- 6785682
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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