Abstract:
A packing unit is provided for use with a well having a reciprocating pump and polished rod. Packing assembly seals, a barrier fluid and a pressure transmitter cooperate with housed components to regulate the pressure on either side of a first packing sub-assembly and to pressure one side of a second packing sub-assembly. The barrier fluid is contained above the first packing sub-assembly and below the second packing sub-assembly with well fluids and accompanying pressures being contained below the first packing sub-assembly, such that, if leakage occurs, relatively clean barrier fluids are leaked instead of well fluids. The well fluids pressure and barrier fluid pressure are substantially balanced across the first packing sub-assembly. The first packing sub-assembly and second packing sub-assembly include components allowing their respective packing seals to move with, and remain sealed against, the polished rod when it deviates angularly or translationally from the initial vertical orientation.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a CIP of and claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/491,592 filed Jun. 25, 2009 now abandoned, by the inventor herein, said application claiming the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/133,129, filed Jun. 25, 2008, by the inventor herein, Randolph A. Busch, such applications being incorporated herein by reference, for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The field of the invention is reciprocating pump polished rod packing seals. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Over 75 percent of artificially lifted producing oil wells are being produced with sucker rod pumping systems, with the sucker rod string terminating in a polished rod that extends from the well head to the atmosphere. Stuffing boxes, having packing seals about the polished rod, are utilized to prevent well fluids from escaping around the polished rod. Well fluids include corrosive hydrocarbons including salt water and natural gas. 
     Due to the wear and tear of the moving polished rod, the corrosiveness of some well fluids, and the pressure drop across the packing seal in the stuffing box, all stuffing boxes on sucker rod pumping systems will leak at some time, requiring the primary packing seals in conventional stuffing boxes to be replaced periodically. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,343,969 to Palmour and the inventor herein has addressed these difficulties to a substantial extent, as discussed therein. The Palmour device would benefit, however, from an enhanced ability of the secondary packing arrangement of the Palmour device to accommodate lateral movement of the polished rod, and inclination of the polished rod from vertical. 
     What is needed is a more simplified, unique, flexible, pressure-regulating packing unit in a unitized assembly as a replacement for any manufacturer&#39;s stuffing box in the field or on new installations, with enhanced ability to accommodate lateral movement of the polished rod and inclination of the polished rod from vertical. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by enhancing the ability of the Palmour-Busch secondary packing arrangement to accommodate lateral polished rod motion, and inclination of the polished rod from vertical. A flexible ring allows a floating portion, a packing ring cylinder, to be suspended and move with the polished rod, maintaining a centered condition regardless of pressure, and allowing angular, as well as translational, displacement of the polished rod. Sliding surfaces which would generate friction forces have been eliminated. 
     In some exemplary embodiments of my invention, I have provided, for a well producing well fluids, and in combination with a reciprocating plunger type pump having a polished rod, and a stuffing box through which the polished rod moves, the stuffing box having a stuffing box packing seal, a secondary packing arrangement, through which the polished rod moves, the secondary packing arrangement, comprising: a housing having a chamber; a packing assembly, positioned within the housing chamber, through which the polished rod moves, the packing assembly having: a packing assembly top portion having at least one packing seal element for sealing against the polished rod, the top portion being sealed against the housing; a packing assembly center portion, the center portion having: a floating portion, a fixed portion and a flexible portion, the floating portion having at least one packing seal element for sealing against the polished rod, the flexible portion attaching the floating portion to the fixed portion, the fixed portion being sealed against the housing, the floating, flexible and fixed portions cooperating to divide the housing chamber into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, the well fluids being received in the housing lower chamber, the well fluids pressurably engaging the packing assembly center portion, the flexible portion responding to variations in polished rod orientation such that the floating portion at least one packing seal element remains substantially sealed against the polished rod; and a bottom portion, the bottom portion retaining the floating portion within the housing, the housing upper chamber containing a barrier fluid, the barrier fluid pressurably engaging the packing assembly center portion; and a pressure transmitter having a cylinder and a piston within the cylinder, the cylinder having a well fluid communication end, the well fluid communication end fluidically communicating with the housing lower chamber such that well fluid pressures the piston, the cylinder having a barrier fluid communication end, the barrier fluid communication end fluidically communicating with the housing upper chamber, such that the barrier fluid pressurably engages the piston; the piston being sized such that the pressure from the well fluid on the piston is transmitted to the barrier fluid, the barrier fluid being pressured in the housing upper chamber to oppose the well fluid pressure on the packing assembly center portion. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the barrier fluid pressure and the well fluid pressure are substantially balanced across the packing assembly center portion. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the barrier fluid pressure is not less than the well fluid pressure, across the packing assembly center portion. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the well fluid is routed from the housing lower chamber to the pressure transmitter cylinder well fluid communication end. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the well has a flow line transporting produced well fluids, and further the well fluid is routed from the well flow line to the pressure transmitter cylinder well fluid communication end. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the well has a casing, the well accumulating pressured gas in the casing, and further the well fluid is routed from the casing to the pressure transmitter cylinder well fluid communication end. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the barrier fluid is selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon based, vegetable based, and animal fat based fluids. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the pressure transmitter comprises means for adding additional barrier fluid. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the pressure transmitter cylinder well fluid communication end has a hole, and further comprising a rod attached to the pressure transmitter cylinder piston, the rod extruding through the cylinder well fluid communication end hole, such that, as the amount of barrier fluid in the cylinder barrier fluid communication end and the housing upper chamber decreases, the rod extrusion from the cylinder is decreased. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the rod includes indicia related to the amount of barrier fluid. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the pressure transmitter cylinder barrier fluid communication end has a hole, and further comprising a rod attached to the pressure transmitter cylinder piston, the rod extruding through the cylinder barrier fluid communication end hole, such that, as the amount of barrier fluid in the cylinder barrier fluid communication end and the housing upper chamber decreases, the rod extrusion from the cylinder is increased. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the rod includes indicia related to the amount of barrier fluid. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the well fluid is within the group consisting of water, oil, and hydrocarbon gas. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the polished rod deviates from a vertical orientation, and further wherein the packing assembly center portion flexible portion is sized and configured to accommodate deviations up to and including 3.5 degrees from the vertical orientation in all directions, such that the floating portion at least one packing seal element remains substantially sealed against the polished rod. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the polished rod deviates from a vertical orientation, and further wherein the packing assembly center portion flexible portion is sized and configured to accommodate such angular deviations such that the floating portion at least one packing seal element remains substantially sealed against the polished rod. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the packing assembly center portion flexible portion is sized and configured to accommodate angular deviations up to and including 3.5 degrees from the vertical orientation in all directions, such that the floating portion at least one packing seal element remains substantially sealed against the polished rod. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the polished rod deviates laterally during operation, and further wherein the packing assembly center portion flexible portion is sized and configured to accommodate lateral translations of the polished rod, such that the floating portion at least one packing seal element remains substantially sealed against the polished rod. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the packing assembly center portion flexible portion is sized and configured to accommodate lateral translations of the polished rod up to and including ⅜ inch in all directions, such that the floating portion at least one packing seal element remains substantially sealed against the polished rod. 
     In some exemplary embodiments of my invention, I have provided, for a well producing well fluids, and in combination with a reciprocating plunger type pump having a polished rod, and a stuffing box through which the polished rod moves, the stuffing box having a stuffing box packing seal, a secondary packing arrangement, through which the polished rod moves, the secondary packing arrangement, comprising: a housing having a chamber; packing assembly means, positioned within the housing chamber, through which the polished rod moves, the packing assembly means having: a packing assembly top portion having at least one packing seal element for sealing against the polished rod, the top portion being sealed against the housing; a packing assembly center portion, the center portion having: a floating portion, a fixed portion and a flexible portion, the floating portion having at least one packing seal element for sealing against the polished rod, the flexible portion attaching the floating portion to the fixed portion, the fixed portion being sealed against the housing, the floating, flexible and fixed portions cooperating to divide the housing chamber into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, the well fluids being received in the housing lower chamber, the well fluids pressurably engaging the packing assembly center portion, the flexible portion responding to variations in polished rod orientation such that the floating portion at least one packing seal element remains substantially sealed against the polished rod; and a bottom portion, the bottom portion retaining the floating portion within the housing, the housing upper chamber containing a barrier fluid, the barrier fluid pressurably engaging the packing assembly center portion; and a pressure transmitter having a cylinder and a piston within the cylinder, the cylinder having a well fluid communication end, the well fluid communication end fluidically communicating with the housing lower chamber such that well fluid pressures the piston, the cylinder having a barrier fluid communication end, the barrier fluid communication end fluidically communicating with the housing upper chamber, such that the barrier fluid pressurably engages the piston; the piston being sized such that the pressure from the well fluid on the piston is transmitted to the barrier fluid, the barrier fluid being pressured in the housing upper chamber to oppose the well fluid pressure on the packing assembly center portion. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, I have provided, for a well producing well fluids, and in combination with a reciprocating plunger type pump having a polished rod, a packing unit, through which the polished rod moves, the packing unit comprising: a housing having a chamber and a downward facing shoulder; a packing assembly, positioned within the housing chamber, through which the polished rod moves, the packing assembly having: a packing assembly center portion, the center portion being sealed against the housing to divide the housing chamber into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, the well fluids being received in the housing lower chamber, the well fluids pressurably engaging the packing assembly center portion; a bottom portion, the bottom portion supporting the center portion within the housing, the housing upper chamber containing a barrier fluid, the barrier fluid pressurably engaging the packing assembly center portion; and a top portion, the top portion comprising: a load ring, through which the polished rod travels; a seal positioner, through which the polished rod travels, the seal positioner supporting the load ring, the load ring being laterally movable with respect to the seal positioner, the seal positioner positioning at least one packing seal element about the polished rod, the seal positioner having a bottom, the seal positioner bottom being pressurably engaged by the barrier fluid, the pressured engagement displacing the seal positioner such that the load ring is moved against the housing downward facing shoulder, the load ring bearing upon the shoulder to divide the housing upper chamber into an upper chamber first sub-chamber and an upper chamber second sub-chamber, the seal positioner being positioned in the upper chamber first sub-chamber, the second sub-chamber being separated from barrier fluid pressure; and at least one packing seal in the housing upper chamber second sub-chamber; the packing unit further comprising a pressure transmitter having a cylinder and a piston within the cylinder, the cylinder having a well fluid communication end, the well fluid communication end fluidically communicating with the housing lower chamber such that well fluid pressures the piston, the cylinder having a barrier fluid communication end, the barrier fluid communication end fluidically communicating with the housing upper chamber, such that the barrier fluid pressurably engages the piston; the piston being sized such that the pressure from the well fluid on the piston is transmitted to the barrier fluid, the barrier fluid being pressured in the housing upper chamber to oppose the well fluid pressure on the packing assembly center portion and to pressurably displace the seal positioner. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the packing unit further comprising a top member, through which the polished rod moves, the top member being attachable to the housing, the packing unit further comprising a wiper positioning member, supported and retained by the top member, for positioning a wiper adjacent the polished rod. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the housing has an upward facing shoulder and further wherein the top member further comprises a bottom end and downward facing shoulder, the top member bottom end being insertable within the housing upper chamber second sub-chamber such that the top member downward facing shoulder abuts the housing upward facing shoulder and further insertion of the top member is prevented, and further such that the top member bottom end is spaced from the at least one packing seal in the second sub-chamber. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the housing comprises a top structure and a bottom structure, the top structure having a bottom surface and a plurality of standoff members, the standoff members preventing the packing assembly center unit from sealing against the top structure bottom surface. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the seal positioner further comprises an upper portion, the upper portion extending radially to form a downward facing shoulder, and the packing unit further comprises a seal element positioned between the seal positioner and the housing, the seal element being pressured by barrier fluids to bear against the seal positioner downward facing shoulder, the seal element providing sealing between, and preventing barrier fluid passage from, the housing upper chamber first sub-chamber into the second sub-chamber. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the housing downward facing shoulder is beveled such that the shoulder has an increasing interior diameter as the shoulder extends downwardly. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the barrier fluid pressure and the well fluid pressure are substantially balanced across the packing assembly center portion. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the barrier fluid pressure is not less than the well fluid pressure, across the packing assembly center portion. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the well has a flow line transporting produced well fluids, and the well fluid is routed from the well flow line to the pressure transmitter cylinder well fluid communication end. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the well has a casing, the well accumulating pressured gas in the casing, and the well fluid is routed from the casing to the pressure transmitter cylinder well fluid communication end. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the barrier fluid is selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon based, vegetable based, and animal fat based fluids. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the well fluid is within the group consisting of water, oil, and hydrocarbon gas. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the polished rod deviates from a vertical orientation, and the seal positioner and load ring are sized and configured to accommodate such angular deviations such that the seal positioner floating portion at least one packing seal element remains substantially sealed against the polished rod. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the seal positioner and load ring are sized and configured to accommodate angular deviations of approximately two degrees from the vertical orientation in all directions, such that the seal positioner at least one packing seal element remains substantially sealed against the polished rod. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the polished rod deviates laterally during operation, and the seal positioner and load ring are sized and configured to accommodate lateral translations of the polished rod, such that the seal positioner at least one packing seal element remains substantially sealed against the polished rod. 
     I have provided, in some exemplary embodiments, for a well producing well fluids, and in combination with a reciprocating plunger type pump having a polished rod, a packing unit, through which the polished rod moves, the packing unit comprising: a housing having a chamber and a downward facing shoulder; packing assembly means for sealing the polished rod and preventing well fluids from leaking outside the housing from around the polished rod, the packing assembly means being positioned within the housing chamber, through which the polished rod moves, the packing assembly means comprising: a packing assembly center portion, the center portion being sealed against the housing to divide the housing chamber into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, the well fluids being received in the housing lower chamber, the well fluids pressurably engaging the packing assembly center portion; a packing assembly bottom portion, the bottom portion supporting the center portion within the housing, the housing upper chamber containing a barrier fluid, the barrier fluid pressurably engaging the packing assembly center portion; and a packing assembly top portion, the top portion comprising: a load ring, through which the polished rod travels; a seal positioner, through which the polished rod travels, the seal positioner supporting the load ring, the load ring being laterally movable with respect to the seal positioner, the seal positioner positioning at least one packing seal about the polished rod, the seal positioner having a bottom, the seal positioner bottom being pressurably engaged by the barrier fluid, the pressured engagement displacing the seal positioner such that the seal positioner moves the load ring against the housing downward facing shoulder, the load ring bearing upon the shoulder to divide the housing upper chamber into an upper chamber first sub-chamber and an upper chamber second sub-chamber, the seal positioner being positioned in the upper chamber first sub-chamber, the second sub-chamber being separated from barrier fluid pressure; and at least one packing seal in the housing upper chamber second sub-chamber; the packing unit further comprising a pressure transmitter having a cylinder and a piston within the cylinder, the cylinder having a well fluid communication end, the well fluid communication end fluidically communicating with the housing lower chamber such that well fluid pressures the piston, the cylinder having a barrier fluid communication end, the barrier fluid communication end fluidically communicating with the housing upper chamber, such that the barrier fluid pressurably engages the piston; the piston being sized such that the pressure from the well fluid on the piston is transmitted to the barrier fluid, the barrier fluid being pressured in the housing upper chamber to oppose the well fluid pressure on the packing assembly center portion and to pressurably displace the seal positioner. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, I have provided, for a well producing well fluids, and in combination with a reciprocating plunger type pump having a polished rod, a packing unit, through which the polished rod moves, the packing unit, comprising: a housing having a chamber and a downward facing shoulder; a packing assembly, positioned within the housing chamber, through which the polished rod moves, the packing assembly having: a packing assembly center portion, the center portion having: a floating portion, a fixed portion and a flexible portion, the floating portion having at least one packing seal element for sealing against the polished rod, the flexible portion attaching the floating portion to the fixed portion, the fixed portion being sealed against the housing, the floating, flexible and fixed portions cooperating to divide the housing chamber into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, the well fluids being received in the housing lower chamber, the well fluids pressurably engaging the packing assembly center portion, the flexible portion responding to variations in polished rod orientation such that the floating portion at least one packing seal element remains substantially sealed against the polished rod; a bottom portion, the bottom portion retaining the floating portion within the housing, the housing upper chamber containing a barrier fluid, the barrier fluid pressurably engaging the packing assembly center portion; and a top portion, the top portion comprising: a load ring, through which the polished rod travels; a seal positioner, through which the polished rod travels, the seal positioner supporting the load ring, the load ring being laterally movable with respect to the seal positioner, the seal positioner positioning at least one packing seal about the polished rod, the seal positioner having a bottom, the seal positioner bottom being pressurably engaged by the barrier fluid, the pressured engagement displacing the seal positioner such that the seal positioner moves the load ring against the housing downward facing shoulder, the load ring bearing upon the shoulder to divide the housing upper chamber into an upper chamber first sub-chamber and an upper chamber second sub-chamber, the seal positioner being positioned in the upper chamber first sub-chamber, the second sub-chamber being separated from barrier fluid pressure; and at least one packing seal in the housing upper chamber second sub-chamber; the packing unit further comprising a pressure transmitter having a cylinder and a piston within the cylinder, the cylinder having a well fluid communication end, the well fluid communication end fluidically communicating with the housing lower chamber such that well fluid pressures the piston, the cylinder having a barrier fluid communication end, the barrier fluid communication end fluidically communicating with the housing upper chamber, such that the barrier fluid pressurably engages the piston; the piston being sized such that the pressure from the well fluid on the piston is transmitted to the barrier fluid, the barrier fluid being pressured in the housing upper chamber to oppose the well fluid pressure on the packing assembly center portion and to pressurably displace the seal positioner. 
     The foregoing features and advantages of my invention will be apparent from the following more particular descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the invention as illustrated, in some embodiments, in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a sectional view of a conventional double pack stuffing box. 
         FIG. 2  is a partially sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the prior art. 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the lower housing in an exemplary embodiment of the prior art. 
         FIG. 4  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the packing assembly upper portion in an exemplary embodiment of the prior art. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the packing assembly upper portion in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view of the packing assembly lower portion in an exemplary embodiment of the prior art. 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the packing assembly lower portion in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the packing assembly cap in an exemplary embodiment of the prior art. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the packing assembly cap in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a partially sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the prior art. 
         FIG. 12  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom view of a packing assembly cap first member in an exemplary embodiment of the prior art. 
         FIG. 14  is a sectional view of the packing assembly cap first member in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a sectional view of a packing assembly cap second member in an exemplary embodiment of the prior art. 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of the packing assembly cap second member in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a partially sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the prior art. 
         FIG. 18  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a partially sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the prior art. 
         FIG. 20  is a partially sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the prior art. 
         FIG. 21  is a partially sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the prior art. 
         FIG. 22  is a partially sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  is partially sectional view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of present invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of present invention. 
         FIG. 25  is a sectional view of a packing assembly top portion of an exemplary embodiment of present invention, cut along section line  25 - 25  in  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 26  is a top view of the packing assembly top portion of  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 27  is a sectional view of a washer of an exemplary embodiment of present invention, cut along section line  27 - 27  in  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 28  is a top view of the washer of  FIG. 27 . 
         FIG. 29  is a top view of a packing assembly center portion assembly of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 30  is a sectional view of the packing assembly center portion assembly of  FIG. 29 , cut along section line  30 - 30  in  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 31  is a top view of a floating packing ring cylinder of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 32  is a sectional view of the floating packing ring cylinder of  FIG. 31 , cut along section line  32 - 32  in  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 33  is a bottom view of the floating packing ring cylinder of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 34  is a top view of a fixed seal ring of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 35  is a sectional view of the fixed seal ring of  FIG. 34 , cut along section line  35 - 35  in  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 36  is a top view of a packing cylinder support bottom portion of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 37  is a sectional view of the cylinder support bottom portion of  FIG. 36 , cut along section line  37 - 37  in  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 38  is a sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 39  is a sectional side view of the upper housing of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 40  is a top view of the upper housing first substructure of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 41  is a sectional view of the upper housing first sub-structure of  FIG. 40 , cut along section line  41 - 41  in  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 42  is a top view of the upper housing second sub-structure of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 43  is a sectional view of the upper housing second sub-structure  FIG. 42 , cut along section line  43 - 43  in  FIG. 42 . 
         FIG. 44  is a bottom view of the upper housing second sub-structure of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 45  is a top view of the upper housing second sub-structure top member of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 46  is a sectional view of the upper housing second sub-structure top member of  FIG. 45 , cut along section line  46 - 46  in  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 47  is a top view of the seal positioner of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 48  is a sectional view of the seal positioner of  FIG. 49 , cut along section line  48 - 48  in  FIG. 47 . 
         FIG. 49  is a top view of a seal retainer ring of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 50  is a sectional view of the seal retainer ring of  FIG. 49 , cut along section line  50 - 50  in  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 51  is a top view of the load ring of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 52  is a sectional view of the load ring of  FIG. 51 , cut along section line  52 - 52  in  FIG. 51 . 
         FIG. 53  is a top view of a spacer ring of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 54  is a sectional view of the spacer ring of  FIG. 53 , cut along section line  54 - 54  in  FIG. 53 . 
         FIG. 55  is a top view of a back up ring of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 56  is a sectional view of the backup ring of  FIG. 50 , cut along section line  56 - 56  in  FIG. 55 . 
         FIG. 57  is a sectional side view of the load ring of  FIG. 51 , cut along section line  52 - 52  in  FIG. 51  and a sectional view of the seal positioner of  FIG. 47 , cut along section line  48 - 48  in  FIG. 47 . 
         FIG. 58  is a sectional side view of the upper housing in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 59  is a sectional side view of the upper housing in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 60  is a top view of a wiper holder of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 61  is a sectional view of the wiper holder of  FIG. 60 , cut along section line  61 - 61  in  FIG. 60 . 
         FIG. 62  is a sectional side view of the upper housing second sub-structure and top member of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 63  is a top view of a wiper of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 64  is a sectional view of the wiper of  FIG. 63 , cut along section line  64 - 64  in  FIG. 63 . 
         FIG. 65  is a top view of a packing cylinder bottom portion of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 66  is a sectional view of the packing cylinder bottom portion of  FIG. 65 , cut along section line  66 - 66  in  FIG. 65 . 
         FIG. 67  is a top view of a packing cylinder support bottom portion of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 68  is a sectional view of the packing cylinder support bottom portion of  FIG. 67 , cut along section line  68 - 68  in  FIG. 67 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The following discussion describes exemplary embodiments of the invention in detail. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For a definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to the appended claims. 
     Prior art exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to  FIGS. 1-21 , as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,343,969, to Palmour and the inventor herein, said patent being incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to  FIGS. 22-37 , and will be shown to enhance the performance of such prior art. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a typical polished rod  10  extends from the well head and through a conventional double pack stuffing box  12 . This stuffing box has two packing seal  13 , 14  with each seal having at least two packing seal elements. The packing seal is commercially available and typically referred to as cone or dome packing. Tightening the bolts  15  presses the packing seal  14  against the polished rod by being turned against a packing seal compression ring  14   a . The stuffing box has a lower housing  16  with a threaded end  17  for connecting to the well head, such that well fluids will enter the annulus  18  about the polished rod, from the well head fluid outlet below. The stuffing box also has an upper housing  19 , encompassing the packing seal  13 . A typical well will have a flow line leading from the well head for transporting well fluids, the well fluids typically including oil, salt water, and/or hydrocarbon gas. Such a flow line is in fluid communication with the well head fluid outlet to which the stuffing box is attached. Furthermore, a typical well will have a casing, in which well fluids, in the form of hydrocarbon gas, are accumulated under pressure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary embodiment of the secondary packing arrangement device  30  of the prior art is illustrated in combination with a conventional single pack stuffing box  20  having a packing seal  21  with four packing seal elements. In the conventional single pack stuffing box, when bolts  22  are tightened the packing seal is pressed against the polished rod  10 . The stuffing box has a lower housing  23  with a threaded end  24  that, in a conventional installation, attaches to the well head such that an annulus  25  is formed about the polished rod. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of the prior art shown in  FIG. 2  and in a closer view in  FIG. 14 , the secondary packing arrangement  30  has a housing including a lower housing  32  that can readily be adapted from the lower housing  16  of the conventional double pack stuffing box shown in  FIG. 1 , with only slight resizing of the interior. The lower housing is shown in more detail in  FIG. 3 . The lower housing has a lower end  33  that threadably attaches to the wellhead at a well fluid outlet such that well fluids enter the lower housing. Bolted to the lower housing  32  is a top member  34  with an adapter  36  for threadably receiving the conventional single pack stuffing box lower housing end  24 . The secondary packing arrangement housing forms a chamber  38  that is in fluid communication with the stuffing box packing seal  21 . The lower housing  32  has three threaded outlets  40 , 42 , 44 , a first shoulder  46  and a second shoulder  48 . The bolted joinder of the housing top member  34  to the lower housing  32  is sealed by a conventional O-ring  49  adjacent the second shoulder  48 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4 , this exemplary embodiment of the secondary packing arrangement  30  of the prior art includes a packing assembly  50 , positioned within the housing chamber  38 , through which the polished rod  10  moves. In this exemplary embodiment, the packing assembly includes a cylinder having a top portion  52 , shown in more detail in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 . As shown therein, the top portion is shown to have an open bottom  54 , a groove  56  for accepting an O-ring  58 , and a groove  60  for accepting a conventional snap ring  62 . The snap ring supports a conventional washer  64 , the washer sized to create a clearance  66  between the washer and the polished rod  10 . The snap ring and washer retain a packing seal, which includes three conventional packing seal elements  68  positioned within the cylinder upper portion. These packing seal elements seal against the polished rod, preventing well fluid passage through the packing assembly cylinder upper portion. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of the prior art illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the packing assembly cylinder also includes a bottom portion  70 , shown in more detail in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 . The cylinder bottom portion has an opening  72 , eight fluid passages  74 , and a groove  76  in its outer wall  78  for positioning an O-ring  80  against the lower housing interior, thus sealing the annulus around the cylinder bottom portion  70  to prevent well fluids from passing to the annulus about the cylinder upper portion  52 . The cylinder bottom portion also includes an upper surface  82  against which the cylinder upper portion  52  seals using the O-ring  58 . These two seals, along with the seal between the polished rod and the packing seal elements  68 , effectively divide the housing chamber  38  into a first chamber  84  and a second chamber  86 , well fluids being present in the first chamber only. 
     In this exemplary embodiment of the prior art of  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4 , the packing assembly  50  also includes a cap  90 , shown in more detail in  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 . The cap has an opening  92  and eight fluid passages  94 . The cap fits on the top of the cylinder upper portion  52 , and a conventional wave spring  96  is positioned between the cap and the cylinder upper portion. During installation of the secondary packing arrangement  30 , the cap and the cylinder upper portion are free to simultaneously move along the top surface of the cylinder bottom portion  70  without breaking the seal between the cylinder upper and bottom portions. This allows optimum positioning of the packing seal elements  68  with respect to the polished rod  10 . The housing top portion bears upon the cap as it is tightened, compressing wave spring  96 , thereby loading O-ring  58  and maintaining a seal between cylinder upper and bottom portions. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of the prior art depicted in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4 , the second chamber  86  is filled with a barrier fluid, which moves in the second chamber and through the cap  90  fluid passages  94  such that the barrier fluid contacts the packing seal, and any pressure within the second chamber acts on the packing seal elements. 
     A pressure transmitter  100  is provided in the exemplary embodiment of the prior art shown in  FIG. 2 . The transmitter sits in a base  101  that is attached to the housing top portion  34  using a bracket  102 . The transmitter includes a cylinder  104  and a piston  106  within the cylinder. Attached to the piston is a rod  108  that screws into a nut  110  mounted in the piston. The rod extends from the cylinder through hole  112  with an elastomer seal. A hose  114  with a valve  116  extends from one of the lower housing outlets in the housing first chamber  84 , and enters a well fluid communication end of the cylinder through inlet  118 , establishing communication of well fluids and well fluids pressure from the well fluid outlet, through the housing first chamber, into the cylinder, and to the top of the piston. During installation the grease fitting  120  allows the operator to fill the housing second chamber  86  and the barrier fluid communication end of the cylinder below the piston with barrier fluid. A hose  122  extends from a cylinder barrier fluid communication end outlet  124  to one of the lower housing outlets  40 , thus establishing barrier fluid communication between the housing second chamber and the cylinder below the piston. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of the prior art illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the pressure transmitter piston  110  is sized such that the pressure from the well fluid on the piston is transmitted to the barrier fluid, resulting in the desired regulation of pressure across the packing assembly packing seal. 
     The rod  108  extruding from the cylinder  104  in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2  provides an indication as to the amount of barrier fluid. The greater the extended length, the more barrier fluid is present. In some exemplary embodiments, appropriate indicia are provided on the rod to provide information to the operator as to required addition of barrier fluid. In some exemplary embodiments of the prior art, the rod is of sufficient size that it can be viewed by the operator from a distance. 
     In some exemplary embodiments of the prior art, and as shown in  FIG. 2 , a pressure gauge  126 , with valve  128  and related attachment fittings  130 , is attached to the housing through one of the lower housing outlets  44 , allowing the operator to determine the pressure in the housing second chamber  86 , the pressure being then comparable by the operator to conventional well head pressure gauges (reflecting pressure in the housing first chamber  84 ) to confirm the proper regulation of pressure across the packing seal  50 . 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the prior art, depicted in  FIG. 11  and in more detail in  FIG. 12 , a different packing assembly cylinder upper portion  202  and cap  204  are provided. The cylinder upper portion  202  is reduced in height and encloses two packing seal elements  205 . The snap ring  62  and the washer  64  are unchanged and support the packing seal elements as in the previously described exemplary embodiment. The cylinder upper portion  202  is free for sealed lateral movement and positioning during installation. Similarly, the packing assembly lower portion  70  seals against the housing to divide the housing into the first chamber  84  and the second chamber  86 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment of the prior art shown in  FIG. 12 , the cap  204  includes a first member  206 , shown in more detail in  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 . The first member includes an opening  208  sized to create the clearance  210  between the first member opening and the polished rod  10 . The first member has eight fluid passages  212  and a groove  214  for positioning an O-ring  216 . The packing assembly cap second member  220 , shown in more detail in  FIG. 15  and  FIG. 16 , includes an opening  222  for the polished rod and a groove  224  for positioning an O-ring  226 . 
     In this exemplary embodiment  200  of the prior art, the O-ring  216  seals the packing assembly cap first member  206  against the second member  220 , and the O-ring  226  seals the second member against the housing top portion  34 . The first and second members mate to form a space for positioning an intermediate packing seal member  228  about the polished rod, the intermediate packing seal member integrating an O-ring  230  for energizing the seal member against the polished rod  10 . Unlike the cap  90  of the previous embodiment, the cap  204  in this exemplary embodiment does not have a fluid passage for allowing barrier fluid to contact the packing seal  21  of the conventional stuffing box  20 . Instead, the cap  204  cooperates with the opening in the housing top member  34  to form a third chamber  232  between the cap second member, the intermediate packing seal member and the packing seal  21  of the stuffing box. The intermediate packing seal prevents barrier fluid from the second chamber from entering the third chamber. The intermediate packing seal load is automatically set upon installation and is not adjustable. 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the prior art, of the type depicted in  FIG. 17  and shown in more detail in  FIG. 18 , the housing top portion  302  is modified to include an outlet  304  from the third chamber  232 , the outlet being adapted to receive a grease fitting  306 . During installation the operator fills the third chamber with a barrier fluid, such as grease, and also positions a wick-type material about the polished rod  10  in the third chamber for soaking in the fluid and lubricating the polished rod. 
     Refer again to the exemplary embodiment of the prior art depicted in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4 , and the pressure transmitter  100 , the hose  114 , with valve  116 , connected to inlet  118  on the well fluid communication end of the transmitter cylinder  104 , the hose  122  connected to outlet  124  on the barrier fluid communication end of the transmitter cylinder  104 , and the grease fitting  120 . In another exemplary embodiment of the prior art  30   a , of the type depicted in  FIG. 19 , a hose  114   a  connects to outlet  124   a  on what is now the well fluid communication end of the transmitter  100   a  cylinder  104   a , a hose  122   a  connects to inlet  118   a  on what is now the barrier fluid communication end of the transmitter cylinder  104   a , and the grease fitting  120   a  is positioned on the barrier fluid communication end of the transmitter cylinder  104   a . This reversal of hoses to the transmitter results in the barrier fluid, such as grease, being present in the top (barrier fluid communication end) of the transmitter where the seal about the indicator rod  108   a  is located at the hole  112  (see  FIG. 2 ) in the transmitter cylinder  104   a . Should this seal leak, the leaked fluid will be the relatively clean barrier fluid, instead of well fluids. 
     Similarly, refer again to the exemplary embodiment of the prior art depicted in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , having corresponding pressure transmitter components with the exemplary embodiment of the prior art of  FIG. 2 , i.e. the pressure transmitter  100 , the hose  114 , with valve  116 , connected to inlet  118  on the well fluid communication end of the transmitter cylinder  104 , the hose  122  connected to outlet  124  on the barrier fluid communication end of the transmitter cylinder  104 , and the grease fitting  120 . In another exemplary embodiment of the prior art  200   a , of the type depicted in  FIG. 20 , a hose  114   a  connects to outlet  124   a  on what is now the well fluid communication end of the transmitter  100   a  cylinder  104   a , a hose  122   a  connects to inlet  118   a  on what is now the barrier fluid end of the transmitter cylinder  104   a , and the grease fitting  120   a  is positioned on the barrier fluid communication end of the transmitter cylinder  104   a . This reversal of hoses to the transmitter results in the barrier fluid, such as grease, being present in the top (barrier fluid communication end) of the transmitter where the seal about the indicator rod  108   a  is located at the hole  112  (see  FIG. 2 ) in the transmitter cylinder  104   a . Again, should this seal leak, the leaked fluid will be the relatively clean barrier fluid, instead of well fluids. 
     Similarly, refer again to the exemplary embodiment of the prior art depicted in  FIG. 17  and  FIG. 18 , having corresponding pressure transmitter components with the exemplary embodiment of the prior art of  FIG. 2 , i.e. the pressure transmitter  100 , the hose  114 , with valve  116 , connected to inlet  118  on the well fluid communication end of the transmitter cylinder  104 , the hose  122  connected to outlet  124  on the barrier fluid communication end of the transmitter cylinder  104 , and the grease fitting  120 . In another exemplary embodiment of the prior art  300   a , of the type depicted in  FIG. 21 , a hose  114   a  connects to outlet  124   a  on what is now the well fluid communication end of the transmitter  100   a  cylinder  104   a , a hose  122   a  connects to inlet  118   a  on what is now the barrier fluid communication end of the transmitter cylinder  104   a , and the grease fitting  120   a  is positioned on the barrier fluid communication end of the transmitter cylinder  104   a . This reversal of hoses to the transmitter results in the barrier fluid, such as grease, being present in the top (barrier fluid communication end) of the transmitter where the seal about the indicator rod  108   a  is located at the hole  112  (see  FIG. 2 ) in the transmitter cylinder  104   a . Again, should this seal leak, the leaked fluid will be the relatively clean barrier fluid, instead of well fluids. 
     In exemplary embodiments of the prior art of the type depicted in  FIGS. 19-21 , the reversal of the hoses  114   a ,  122   a  results in barrier fluid being in the end of the pressure transmitter cylinder  104  through which the indicator rod  108   a  extends. As a result, a decrease in the amount of barrier fluid causes the indicator rod to extend further from the cylinder. 
     In some exemplary embodiments of the prior art of the kind illustrated in  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 17 ,  FIG. 19 ,  FIG. 20 , and  FIG. 21 , a quantity of well fluids is routed to the pressure transmitter cylinder well fluid communication end from a well fluid outlet on a well flow line or from a well fluid outlet on a well fluid outlet from the well casing, eliminating the need for the hose leading from the housing first chamber. 
     In some exemplary embodiments and applications of the present invention the barrier fluid is either hydrocarbon based, a hydrocarbon based grease, non-hydrocarbon based, vegetable based, or animal fat based. In some exemplary embodiments and applications, the well fluid includes hydrocarbons, oil, hydrocarbon gas, and/or water. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 22 , an exemplary embodiment of the secondary packing arrangement device  400  of the present invention is illustrated to have an upper housing  420  that acts as the lower portion of a single pack stuffing box having a packing seal  21  with four packing seal elements. These primary seal elements are tightenable against the polished rod  10  (shown in  FIGS. 1-2 ) using conventional structure not shown. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 22  and in a closer view in  FIGS. 23-24 , the secondary packing arrangement  400  has a housing including the upper housing  420  and a lower housing  432  that can readily be adapted from the lower housing  16  of the conventional double pack stuffing box shown in  FIG. 1 , with only slight resizing of the interior. The lower housing  432  has a lower end  433  that threadably attaches to the wellhead at a well fluid outlet such that well fluids enter the lower housing. Bolted to the lower housing  432 , using bolts  421   a,b , two shown, is the upper housing  420 . The lower housing  432  and the upper housing  420  are sealed by conventional O-ring  423  and combine to house a lower chamber  440  and an upper chamber  438 . The upper chamber is not normally in fluid communication with the stuffing box packing seal  21 , a packing seal element  468  and a conventional O-ring  478  preventing such communication. The lower housing  432  has a threaded outlet  412 , a first shoulder  444 , a second shoulder  446 , and a third shoulder  448 . The bolted joinder of the upper housing  420  to the lower housing  432  is sealed by a conventional O-ring  423  adjacent the third shoulder  448 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 22-24 , this exemplary embodiment of the secondary packing arrangement  400  of the present invention includes a packing assembly  450 , positioned within the housing upper and lower chambers  438 , 440  through which the polished rod  10  moves. In this exemplary embodiment, the packing assembly includes a top portion  460 , a center portion assembly  500  and a bottom portion  570 . As shown in more detail in  FIGS. 25-26 , the packing assembly top portion  460  (a “seal carrier”) has a circular wall  462  forming a polished rod sized opening  464 , and a larger opening  466  for closely receiving the packing seal element  468 , a washer  470  ( FIGS. 27-28 ) being integrated with the seal element  468 . A shoulder  480  is formed by the diameter enlargement between the openings  464 , 466 . The top portion  460  further has a circumferential inner groove  472  for receiving a conventional snap ring, the snap ring being similar to the snap ring  62  shown in  FIG. 5 . The snap ring cooperates with the shoulder  480  to retain the seal element  468  in the top portion larger opening  466 . The top portion further has an outer groove  476  for receiving the conventional O-ring  478  which seals the top portion  460  against the upper housing  420 . 
     In exemplary embodiments of the type depicted in  FIGS. 22-24 , the packing assembly center portion assembly  500  is illustrated in more detail in  FIGS. 29-35 , and is shown to have a floating portion  510  (a “packing ring cylinder”) having a circular wall  512  having a polished rod sized opening  514  and a larger opening  516  for receiving two packing seal elements  520 , 522 , each having an integrated washer  524 , 526 . A shoulder  532  is formed by the diameter enlargement between the openings  514 , 516 . The floating portion  510  further has an inner circumferential groove  528  for receiving a conventional snap ring of the same type as the snap ring  62 , discussed above. The snap ring cooperates with the shoulder  532  for securing the seal elements  520 , 522  within the floating portion  510 . The floating portion also has a downward facing shoulder  534 . 
     In exemplary embodiments of the type depicted in  FIGS. 22-24 , and as shown in more detail in  FIGS. 29-35 , the packing assembly center portion assembly  500  also has a fixed portion  540  (a “seal ring”) positioned on the second shoulder  446  and about the floating portion  510 , the fixed portion  540  having a circular wall  542  forming an opening sized for spacing from the floating portion  510 , leaving an annulus  544 . The fixed portion  540  further has an outer groove  546  for closely receiving a conventional O-ring  548  which seals the fixed portion  540  against the lower housing  432 . The fixed portion  540  also has two screw holes  548   a,b  for threadably receiving screws  550   a,b , the screw heads being sized such that each acts as a stop to upward movement of the fixed portion. A downward facing shoulder  554  extends about the fixed portion  540 . 
     In exemplary embodiments of the type depicted by  FIGS. 22-24 , and as shown in more detail in  FIGS. 29-35 , the packing assembly center portion assembly has a flexible ring  560 , the ring having an outer edge  562  bonded to the fixed portion downward facing shoulder  554 , an expansion bend  564 , and an inner edge  566  bonded to the floating portion downward facing shoulder  534 . As shown in  FIGS. 29-30 , slots  561   a - d  are positioned on the floating portion  510  on the downward facing shoulder  534 . The flexible ring  560 , during original attachment will fill such slots when melted, as particularly shown in  FIG. 30 . This vertical extension of the flexible ring  560  helps resist twisting and relative motion of the ring  560  and the downward facing shoulder  534 . The flexible ring  560  separates the housing upper chamber  438  and the lower chamber  440 . The expansion bend  564  can deform to allow the floating portion  510  to move or float with respect to the fixed portion  540  to accommodate variations in the movement of the polished rod  10 , as much as ⅜ inch in the lateral direction.  FIG. 24  illustrates the movement of the floating portion  510  with respect to the fixed portion  540 , as the floating portion  510  accommodates an angular position of the polished rod  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 24 , opposing portions of the expansion bend  564  will correspondingly compress or expand as needed. 
     In exemplary embodiments of the type depicted in  FIGS. 22-24 , and as shown in more detail in  FIGS. 36-37 , the packing assembly bottom portion  570  has a circular wall  572  having an opening  574 , the bottom portion diameter  570  being sized to provide a top surface  576  that supports the center portion assembly floating portion  510 . The bottom portion has four passages  578   a - d  for allowing fluid communication with the housing lower chamber  440  from the bottom portion interior, the bottom portion  570  being supported by the lower housing first shoulder  444 . 
     A pressure transmitter  100 , substantially similar to the transmitter depicted with respect to the prior art in  FIG. 19  and is used for similar purposes, the transmitter in this exemplary embodiment being assembled using four bolts  101   a - b , two shown, as illustrated in  FIG. 22 . In the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in  FIGS. 22-24 , the upper housing  420  has an inlet  422  for establishing barrier fluid communication with the transmitter through a barrier fluid line  122   b , while the lower housing outlet  412  establishes well fluid communication with the transmitter through a well fluid line  114   b . In operation well fluid passes through the lower housing lower end  433  into the lower chamber  440 , where a portion of the well fluid exits the secondary packing assembly lower portion  572  through lower portion passages  578   a - d , then through the lower housing outlet  412 , and then through well fluid line  114   b  to enter the pressure transmitter  100 . The reaction of the transmitter is to move barrier fluid from the pressure transmitter  100 , through barrier fluid line  122   b , through upper housing inlet  422 , and into the upper chamber  438 . The appropriate amount of barrier fluid is moved to balance the pressures in the upper chamber  438  and the lower chamber  440 , across the flexible ring expansion bend  564 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 24 , movements of the polished rod  10  having a lateral component, cause the secondary packing assembly floating portion  510  to rotate from the vertical position shown in  FIG. 22 , while maintaining the seals  520 , 522  in their original orientation against the polished rod  10 . In exemplary embodiments of the type shown in  FIG. 22-24 , the approximate angle through which the floating portion  510  may rotate is illustrated by the angle between line “A,” a reference line representing a substantially vertical floating portion  510 , and line “B,” a reference line representing the center line of the tilted floating portion. Field experience indicates that exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in  FIGS. 22-24 , allow lateral motion of approximately ⅜ inch and rotation of the floating portion  510  through an angle of approximately 3.5 degrees. During such rotation of the floating portion  510 , the top portion  460 , the center portion assembly fixed portion  540 , and the bottom portion  570  are substantially fixed, and the flexible ring  560  is flexing through the expansion bend  564 . 
     In exemplary embodiments of the type depicted in  FIGS. 22-24 , secondary packing assembly top portion  460 , the floating portion  510 , the fixed portion  540 , and the bottom portion  570  are constructed from bronze, and the flexible ring is constructed an elastomer with appropriate physical and chemical properties for the well fluid conditions, and is heat bonded to the packing ring cylinder shoulder  534  and the seal ring shoulder  554 . In some exemplary embodiments nitrile or fluoro elastomers are suitable materials for construction of the flexible ring. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 63-68 , wherein alternate and additional components are depicted for use in some exemplary embodiments including some exemplary embodiments similar to exemplary embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 22-24 . For example, in some exemplary embodiments the packing ring cylinder  510  with cylinder wall  512  is replaced by a modified cylinder  752  with a longer cylinder wall  754  ( FIGS. 65-66 ), a wiper  760  with O-ring  762  is provided ( FIGS. 63-64 ), and the bottom portion  570 , is replaced by a modified bottom portion  770  ( FIGS. 65-68 ). 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 38-68 , wherein exemplary embodiments of the present invention are depicted which are usable with exemplary embodiments of the several packing assemblies described above. In some exemplary embodiments of the type depicted in  FIGS. 38-68 , a packing unit  600  is provided having an upper housing  610  and a lower housing  432 , the housing, as a whole, having a chamber, and a packing assembly, positioned within the housing chamber, through which the polished rod moves. The packing assembly again has a center portion  750 , the center portion being sealed against the housing, using flexible seal  560 , to divide the housing chamber into an upper chamber  780  and a lower chamber  782 . The well fluids are received in the housing lower chamber and such fluids pressure the packing assembly center portion. The packing assembly includes a bottom portion  770  discussed above with respect to earlier described exemplary embodiments. The bottom portion retains and supports the center portion  750  within the housing, As in earlier described exemplary embodiments, the housing upper chamber contains a barrier fluid which pressures the packing assembly center portion from above. The pressure transmitter  100  is again usable for balancing the barrier fluid pressure and well fluids pressure across the center portion flexible seal  560 . 
     For exemplary embodiments of packing unit  600  of the type depicted in  FIGS. 38-68 , and as shown in more detail in  FIG. 39 , the unit is now shown to comprise an upper housing  610 , the upper housing having a first sub-structure  620  attached to a lower housing  432 , using conventional bolts  421   b , and flange  624 , the flange  624  having bolt holes  625   a - f , as shown in more detail in  FIGS. 40 and 41 . The upper housing first sub-structure  620  has an inlet  622  for receiving the barrier fluid line  422  from the pressure transmitter  100 , a flange  624 , a threaded upper end  626 , a bottom flange surface  628 , an interior upward facing shoulder  630 , and two threaded holes  629   a - b  in the bottom flange surface  628  for receiving standoff screws  632   a - b.    
     In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention of the type depicted in  FIGS. 38-68 , and as shown in more detail in  FIGS. 39-41 , the upper housing first sub-structure threaded upper end  626  threadably connects to an upper housing second sub-structure  640  at threaded bottom end  642 , the connection being sealed using O-ring  643 , the second sub-structure being shown in more detail in  FIGS. 42-44 . The second sub-structure  640  has a grease inlet  644  for receiving a conventional grease fitting  645 , the inlet continuing to passage  646  and a branch passage  648 . Grease passage  646  continues as a branch to the interior of first sub-structure. Grease inlet  648  continues to the interior  652  of the second sub-structure  640 , entering the interior  652  through grease inlet end  654  at a smaller diameter portion of a downward facing shoulder  660  with a gradually increasing diameter. The interior  652  of upper housing second sub-structure  640  has an enlarged diameter creating a first upward facing shoulder  656 , an additional enlarged diameter creating a second upward facing shoulder  658 , a circumferential snap ring groove  662 , and three threaded bolt holes  664   a - c , for receiving bolts  665   a - c  (bolt  665   b  not shown). 
     In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention of the type depicted in  FIGS. 38-68  and as shown in more detail in  FIGS. 45-46 , the upper housing second sub-structure has a removable top member  670 , bolted to the upper housing second sub-structure using bolt holes  676   a - c  (alignable with second sub-structure bolt holes  665   a - c ). The top member  670  comprises a bottom end  672 , a reduction in the bottom end diameter forming a downward facing shoulder  674 , an interior  676 , with an enlarged diameter forming an upward facing shoulder  678 , and a circumferential snap ring groove  680  for receiving snap ring  681 . 
     In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention of the type depicted in  FIGS. 38-68 , a seal positioner assembly  690  having a seal positioner  692  is positioned in the upper housing first sub-structure  620 , as shown in more detail in  FIGS. 38-39 ,  FIGS. 47-50  and  FIGS. 57-59 . The seal positioner  692  has a bottom  694 , an interior  696 , an enlarged interior diameter forming an upward facing shoulder  698  for positioning a retaining ring  700  ( FIGS. 49-50 ) beneath a snap ring in a circumferential groove  702 . As shown in  FIGS. 47-48 , the seal positioner  692  has a top portion  704  presenting an upward facing enlarged diameter recess  706 . As shown in more detail in  FIGS. 51-52  and  FIGS. 57-59 , there is positioned in such recess a load ring  708  having an interior  710 , a bottom  712  with a diameter less than the recess  706  diameter, and an upward facing bevel  714 . In some exemplary embodiments, the recess diameter is approximately 3.350 inches mm and the load ring bottom  712  diameter is approximately 3.250 inches. Within the seal positioner are packing seals  716 , 718  separated by spacer ring  720  (FIGS.  53 , 54 ). Seal  722  is positioned in the annulus between the seal positioner  692  and the inside wall of the first sub-structure  620 . 
     In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention of the type depicted in  FIGS. 38-59 , and as shown in more detail in  FIG. 39 , the seal positioner  692  rests upon first sub-structure interior shoulder  630 , in the absence of barrier fluid pressure. In this position, the load ring  708  is not in contact with the second sub-structure downward facing shoulder  660 .  FIGS. 58-59  depict two positions of the seal positioner  692  when the barrier fluid is pressured. When barrier fluid pressures the seal positioner bottom  694  the seal positioner is displaced generally upward and, in turn, displaces the load ring  708  generally upward and causes the load ring upward facing bevel  714  to contact and bear upon the downward facing shoulder  660 , thus dividing the housing upper chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. The displacement of the seal positioner  692  from the upward facing shoulder  630  allows pressured barrier fluid to enter the annulus between the seal positioner  692  and the interior wall of the second sub-structure  620 . Seal  722  prevents such barrier fluid from passing from such annulus to above the seal positioner  692  and load ring  708 . Backup ring  724  ( FIGS. 55-56 ) prevents extrusion of the seal  722  around the seal positioner top portion  704 .  FIG. 58  depicts the pressured seal positioner  692  when the polished rod is in an upright, “vertical” position. However in the field, it is common that the polished rod movement will vary from this upright position. The polished rod will tend to move laterally and move rotationally from the polished rod&#39;s vertical position, e.g. clockwise and/or counter-clockwise in the plane of  FIG. 38 . The smaller diameter load ring bottom portion  712  is free to move laterally with respect to the upward facing recess  706  in the seal positioner  692 . This freedom, combined with the upward facing bevel  714 , of the load ring  708 , allows pressured displacement of the seal positioner  692  along the polished rod, even if the polished rod has been translated laterally or is in a position out of alignment with the polished rod&#39;s upright longitudinal axis. As a result the seal positioner  692  can be rotated, from its normal position, in conjunction with the polished rod, while the load ring continues to bear upon the downward facing shoulder  660 . This is enabled by the load ring&#39;s upward facing bevel  714  which allows a slightly non-flush contact with the shoulder  660  to continue to allow the load ring  708  to bear upon the downward facing shoulder  660 .  FIG. 59  depicts such a clockwise rotation (one degree). In  FIG. 58 , before such polished rod rotation, the load ring  708  is shown to be substantially centered within the seal positioner recess  706 . In  FIG. 59 , the load ring  708  is shown to be shifted to the right in the recess  706 , allowing the seal positioner  692  to move with the polished rod. A clockwise rotation of approximately two degrees is possible with accompanying seal positioner displacement for exemplary embodiments of the type depicted in  FIG. 57-59 . (The small, partial offset of the load ring upward facing bevel  714  from the shoulder  660  is not visible due to the  FIG. 59  scale.) 
     As shown in  FIGS. 58-59 , when load ring bevel  714  bears against the shoulder  660 , the branch grease passage  648  allows grease to be placed in the load ring interior  710  and the grease passage  646  allows grease to be placed in the upper housing first sub-structure outside the load ring interior  710 . In normal operation then, the upper housing first sub-structure interior  652  (the housing upper chamber second sub-chamber) remains unpressured by barrier fluid. 
     In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention of the type depicted in  FIGS. 38-68 , and as shown in more detail in  FIGS. 38-39  and  FIGS. 42-44 , a packing seal  726  is positioned in the upper housing second sub-structure  640  on shoulder  656 . When the top member  670  is attached, the top member downward facing shoulder  674  abuts the second sub-structure upward facing shoulder  658 , and the top member bottom end  672  is positioned just above the seal  726 . In some exemplary embodiments, the top member is removed (while the polished rod is still in place) and seal  726  is replaced by split seals (e.g. three split braided packing seals  734 , 735 , 736 ) the combined height of which extends above the second sub-structure upward facing shoulder  658 , as shown in more detail in  FIG. 62 . During the reattachment of the top member, the increased height above the shoulder  568 , the top member shoulder bottom end  672  contacts and compresses the new seals before the top member shoulder  674  is halted by the upward facing shoulder  658 . The top member is reattached using the same bolts  665   a - c.    
     In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention of the type shown in more detail in  FIGS. 45-46  and  FIGS. 60-61 , the top member upward facing shoulder  678  supports, and snap ring  681  captures, a wiper holder  728  having an interior  730  and an enlarged interior portion  732  which holds a conventional polished rod wiper (not shown). In some exemplary embodiments (not shown), the top member  670  is not utilized and the wiper holder  728  is positioned upon upper housing second sub-structure upper facing shoulder  658  and secured in this position using snap ring  681  in snap ring groove  662 . 
     In exemplary embodiments of the type depicted in  FIGS. 38-68 , the seal positioner  692  and the load ring  708  are constructed from bronze. 
     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum apparatus, for a particular application, will include elastomer seals, piping, fittings, hoses, barrier fluids, and other seal materials, which will occur to those skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure. 
     All equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification and claims are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The descriptions in this specification are for purposes of illustration only and are not to be construed in a limiting sense.