Method and apparatus for diverting flow in a downhole pump

Abstract

The present invention comprises an apparatus for diverting flow in a downhole pump and a method for using the apparatus. A sucker rod lifting system includes a valve rod guide having a sleeve that helps divert fluid as it passes through the rod guide to minimize damage to the system tubing. The diverter sleeve may encircle discharge ports on the valve rod guide such that fluid discharging through the ports is directed upwardly past the sleeve and out a discharge gap on the upper end of the guide. Used in this manner, the diverter sleeve prevents the fluid from damaging system tubing as it moves through the rod guide.

1 . In a sucker rod fluid lifting system wherein a sucker rod has a rod string portion and a valve rod portion and tubing for accommodating the flow of fluid in said system, the improvement comprising a valve rod guide, said guide having a diverter sleeve that engages one or more discharge ports located on said guide wherein fluid being pumped by said system is forced through said ports and directed by said sleeve to a valve rod guide discharge gap, and wherein said diverter sleeve assists in directing the fluid to minimize damage to the sucker rod system. 
     
     
         2 . The invention in  claim 1  wherein the valve rod guide comprises a body and said diverter sleeve, said system including a head at the upper end of a column and a base at the lower end of the column, said base being connected to a portion of a pump barrel and means for connecting said body to said barrel. 
     
     
         3 . The invention as in  claim 2  wherein said head has two raised members on opposite sides of said head and a channel extending between the raised members, said raised members and said channel forming a fork capable of engaging portion of the system and acting as a clutch when engaging said system portions. 
     
     
         4 . The invention as in  claim 3  wherein said valve rod guide is installed in said system, and wherein said system includes system tubing for directing the travel of fluid flow within said system, said barrel, said valve rod guide and said rod being located within said system tubing for assisting in directing the travel of said fluid so that after the fluid flows out of a discharge port and between the columns, the fluid flow continues to be pumped to its collection point.