Boronized plunger

Abstract

A plunger for use in oil and gas production wells. The plunger may be formed of an elongate body configured to be received in a well tubing. The plunger may be formed of a base material, such as a suitable steel material. The plunger may have a hardened exterior surface formed by boronizing the plunger. The plunger may have improved wear and friction characteristics.

1 . A plunger for use in a plunger lift system, said plunger comprising:
 an elongate body configured for being received in a tubing of a well, said elongate body being formed from a base material and having an outer surface;   wherein said outer surface of the elongate body has been boronized.   
     
     
         2 . The plunger of  claim 1 , wherein said plunger further comprises a head for engagement with a tool for removing said plunger from said tubing. 
     
     
         3 . The plunger of  claim 1 , wherein said plunger further comprises one or more grooves for creating a seal with said tubing. 
     
     
         4 . The plunger of  claim 1 , wherein said base material is steel. 
     
     
         5 . The plunger of  claim 1 , wherein said base material is stainless steel. 
     
     
         6 . The plunger of  claim 1 , wherein said plunger further comprises a shoulder. 
     
     
         7 . The plunger of  claim 1 , wherein said plunger further comprises a tapered end. 
     
     
         8 . The plunger of  claim 1 , wherein said plunger further comprises a means for forming a turbulent seal. 
     
     
         9 . A plunger for use in a plunger lift system, said plunger comprising:
 an elongate body configured for being received in a tubing of a well; and   means for hardening a surface of said elongate body.   
     
     
         10 . The plunger of  claim 9 , wherein said means for hardening a surface of said elongate body comprises a boronized material. 
     
     
         11 . The plunger of  claim 9 , wherein said plunger further comprises a head for engagement with a tool for removing said plunger from said tubing. 
     
     
         12 . The plunger of  claim 9 , wherein said plunger further comprises one or more grooves for creating a seal with said tubing. 
     
     
         13 . The plunger of  claim 9 , wherein said plunger comprises a base material that is formed of steel. 
     
     
         14 . The plunger of  claim 9 , wherein said plunger further comprises a means for forming a turbulent seal. 
     
     
         15 . The plunger of  claim 9 , wherein said plunger further comprises a tapered end. 
     
     
         16 . A method of forming a plunger for use in a plunger lift system, said method comprising:
 forming an elongate body in a configuration for being received in a tubing of a well; and   boronizing a surface of said plunger.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 forming a head on said plunger for engagement with a tool for removing said plunger from said tubing.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 forming one or more grooves on said plunger for creating a seal with said tubing.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 forming said elongate body of a steel material.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 forming said elongate body of a stainless steel material.