Single Piece Guides
Patent Number: US 11187048 Grant Date: 2021-11-30 Filing Date: 2020-02-27
Overview
This patent describes a precision-engineered rod guide designed to protect and guide a sucker rod in fluid mineral extraction operations. Filed in February 2020 and granted in November 2021, the disclosure—by inventors based in Knott, TX and Midland, TX—details a cylindrical bore shell surrounding a guided bore with an inner diameter closely matched to the outer rod diameter. Radial flutes extend from the shell to minimize rubbing against tubing during insertion and withdrawal, while an engineered system of glue ports and alternating horizontal and vertical glue dams forms controlled adhesive channels that secure the guide to the rod. Tapered port diameters regulate adhesive flow into the channel and the non-symmetrical dam pattern produces an irregular adhesion profile that increases retention without compromising alignment along the central axis.
The specification emphasizes manufacturable geometry (open-ended cylindrical shell, defined flute and shell diameters) and variants including shortened embodiments for different installations. The result is a field-ready downhole component that balances low-friction guidance with robust mechanical retention—reflecting careful patent drafting and technical rigor.
Key Features
- Bore shell with guide bore sized to rod diameter for precise alignment
- Radial flutes to prevent rod-to-tubing rubbing
- Tapered glue ports feeding adhesive into alternating glue dams
- Non-symmetrical adhesive channel pattern for improved retention
This rod guide addresses common wear and retention issues in rod-pumped wells and illustrates practical innovation with clear applicability across oil and gas production tooling.
Invention Details
Abstract: A rod guide for guiding and protecting a sucker rod in a fluid mineral extraction setting. The rod guide comprising a bore shell, and a guide bore, a first end, a second end, one or more glue ports, a plurality of glue dams and a plurality of flutes. The bore shell wraps around the guide bore. The bore shell comprises an outside surface and an inside surface. The plurality of flutes are arranged around the bore shell extending outward from a central axis. The plurality of flutes are configured to prevent the sucker rod from rubbing within a tubing, as the sucker rod is inserted and withdrawn from said tubing the rod guide and the guide bore comprises the central axis.
Summary of the Invention: A rod guide for guiding and protecting a sucker rod in a fluid mineral extraction setting. Said rod guide comprising a bore shell, and a guide bore, a first end, a second end, one or more glue ports, a plurality of glue dams and a plurality of flutes. Said bore shell wraps around said guide bore. Said bore shell comprises an outside surface and an inside surface. Said plurality of flutes are arranged around said bore shell extending outward from a central axis. Said plurality of flutes are configured to prevent said sucker rod from rubbing within a tubing, as said sucker rod is inserted and withdrawn from said tubing said rod guide and said guide bore comprises said central axis. Said plurality of flutes comprises a flute diameter as measured outward from said central axis. Said bore shell comprises a shell diameter. Said guide bore comprises an inner bore diameter and an outer bore diameter. Said inner bore diameter is substantially the same or minimally larger than an outer rod diameter of said sucker rod. Said one or more glue ports each comprise an aperture in said bore shell creating a fluid channel into said guide bore. Said plurality of glue dams are arranged about said inside surface of said bore shell. Said one or more glue ports are arranged between said plurality of glue dams in said bore shell to allow an adhesive to enter an adhesive channel. Said adhesive channel can comprise a channel between said sucker rod, said bore shell, and said plurality of glue dams. Said one or more glue ports each comprise one or more port diameters. Said one or more port diameters can taper down as between said outside surface and said inside surface of said bore shell. Said plurality of flutes comprise at least a first flute, a second flute and a third flute. Said bore shell comprise a cylindrical shape with open ends at said first end and said second end.
Said rod guide for guiding and protecting said sucker rod in a fluid mineral extraction setting.
Patent Document
Related: Mechanical Engineering | Oil & Gas | Knott, Texas | Midland, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney