Double sleeve plunger

Abstract

Described herein are embodiments of apparatuses and methods that include an improved double sleeve plunger. In an exemplary embodiment, the improved double sleeve plunger includes an outer sleeve, and inner sleeve, and a clutch, whereby the clutch retards movement of the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve between and open and closed position of the plunger.

1 . A plunger for use in a well, comprising:
 an outer sleeve including a bore;   an inner sleeve located at least partially in the bore of the outer sleeve and adapted to move between an open position and a closed position, wherein well liquids and gases are able to pass through the plunger in the open position and substantially are not able to pass through the plunger in the closed position; and   a clutch for retarding movement of the inner sleeve between its open and closed position.   
     
     
         2 . The plunger of  claim 1  wherein the inner sleeve includes a bore through which well liquids and gasses are able to pass when the inner sleeve is in its open position. 
     
     
         3 . The plunger of  claim 2  wherein the inner sleeve includes one or more ports through which well liquids and gasses pass from the well into the bore of the inner sleeve when the inner sleeve is in its open position. 
     
     
         4 . The plunger of  claim 3  wherein the clutch is located in an upper end of the plunger. 
     
     
         5 . The plunger of  claim 4  wherein the clutch includes at least one leaf spring. 
     
     
         6 . The plunger of  claim 5  wherein the clutch is adjustable to provide more or less retarding force on the movement of the inner sleeve between its open and closed position. 
     
     
         7 . The plunger of  claim 6  wherein the clutch includes a tension nut. 
     
     
         8 . The plunger of  claim 7  wherein the clutch includes a cage. 
     
     
         9 . The plunger of  claim 8  wherein the clutch includes a clutch locking ring. 
     
     
         10 . The plunger of  claim 9  wherein the cage includes an outer wall and a gap in the outer wall and wherein the at least one leaf spring is located in the gap in the outer wall. 
     
     
         11 . The plunger of  claim 10  wherein the leaf spring includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is positioned in an interface between the cage and clutch locking ring and the second end is positioned in a recess in the bore of the outer sleeve. 
     
     
         12 . The plunger of  claim 11  wherein the cage includes at least two outer walls and a gap between each outer wall and wherein a leaf spring is located in each gap. 
     
     
         13 . The plunger of  claim 12  wherein the inner sleeve is configured to include a stop that at least assists in preventing the inner sleeve from fully exiting the bore of the outer sleeve at a lower end of the outer sleeve. 
     
     
         14 . The plunger of  claim 13  wherein the stop includes an area of increased diameter of the inner sleeve. 
     
     
         15 . The plunger of  claim 14  including at least one cross pin that at least partially traverses the bore of the outer sleeve and prevents the inner sleeve from fully exiting the bore of the outer sleeve at a lower end of the outer sleeve when the stop contacts the cross pin. 
     
     
         16 . The plunger of  claim 15  wherein the inner sleeve includes a seal for substantially sealing an interface between the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve when the inner sleeve is in its closed position. 
     
     
         17 . The plunger of  claim 16  wherein the seal on the inner sleeve is adapted to prevent to the inner sleeve from fully exiting the bore of the outer sleeve at an upper end of the outer sleeve. 
     
     
         18 . The plunger of  claim 17  including a flow path between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve when the inner sleeve is in its open position. 
     
     
         19 . The plunger of  claim 18  wherein each leaf spring is in the flow path between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve.