Unibody lubricator with externally threaded nipple

Abstract

A lubricator for receiving a plunger is provided. The lubricator has a bore, a first end having a well head connection, a second end having a stem connection, and a plurality of ports, including a catcher port and flow ports. The flow ports are externally threaded nipples that extend radially beyond the outer surface of body of the lubricator.

1 . A lubricator for receiving a plunger comprising:
 an outer surface;   an inner surface defining a bore;   a well head connection at a first end for connecting a well head;   a stem connection at a second end for connecting a stem;   at least one flow port for connecting a flow line, the at least one flow port being an externally threaded nipple that extends radially outwardly from the outer surface; and   a catcher port for catching a plunger.   
     
     
         2 . The lubricator of  claim 1 , further comprising a supplementary port for attaching gauges or sensors, or for injecting chemicals. 
     
     
         3 . The lubricator of  claim 1 , wherein the externally threaded nipple is a threadolet attached to an aperture that allows fluid to flow between the inner surface and the outer surface. 
     
     
         4 . The lubricator of  claim 3 , wherein the threadolet is attached by welding. 
     
     
         5 . The lubricator of  claim 1 , wherein the lubricator is formed by forging, machining, casting, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The lubricator of  claim 1 , further comprising lifting eyelets. 
     
     
         7 . A method for connecting a plunger lubricator to a flow line fitting having external threads, comprising:
 providing an externally threaded nipple that extends radially outwardly from an outer surface of the lubricator;   threadedly connecting the externally threaded nipple to a first end of an internally threaded collar; and   threadedly connecting a second end of the internally threaded collar to the external threads of the flow line fitting.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising disposing a compressible washer inside the collar, between the externally threaded nipple and the flow line fitting.