US Patent:
20160215575, Jul 28, 2016
Inventors:
- Houston TX, US
James S. Trapani - Houston TX, US
Benson Thomas - Pearland TX, US
Kyle C. Brosch - Houston TX, US
International Classification:
E21B 19/10
E21B 43/12
E21B 33/03
Abstract:
An artificial lift system for a well having a wellhead reciprocates a rod string with an uphole pump unit at the wellhead to operate a downhole pump unit in the well and lift fluid in the well. A rod segment coupled to the rod string at the wellhead has first opposing surfaces facing in first opposing directions. Opposing catchers are movable laterally relative to the rod segment at the wellhead. Each of the catchers has a face with second opposing surfaces facing in second opposing directions opposite to the first opposing directions. The catchers moved in a first condition have the second opposing surfaces disengaged from the first opposing surfaces of the rod segment, but the catchers moved in a second condition have the second opposing surfaces engaged with the segment's first opposing surfaces to hold the rod string in place.