Patent ID: 7428923
Filing Date: 2008-09-30
Classification: F04B

Abstract:
1. A top plunger adapter assembly for use in controlling sand fouling of an oil pump system wherein the oil pump system reciprocates between upstrokes and downstrokes within a barrel, and wherein the oil pump system includes as components a sucker rod and a plunger, the top plunger adapter assembly comprising: an adapter having a first end configured to receive a sucker rod, wherein the adapter includes a chamber which allows fluid movement therethrough; a collection cage rotatably mounted to the adapter, the collection cage defining an interior region, and the collection cage having an upper lip configured to direct sand toward the interior region of the collection cage during an upstroke of the pump; a bottom cage attached to the adapter and the bottom cage having a bottom end configured to attach to a pump plunger, wherein the bottom cage includes a passage to allow fluid communication through the bottom cage to the chamber of the adapter; and wherein the adapter is further configured with a flute section configured to allow fluid movement from the chamber through the flute section during a downstroke of the pump and wherein the flute section is configured to impart a spiral movement in fluid passing through the flute section.