Abstract:
A plunger device for a hydrocarbon wellbore is provided that has replaceable modular components that allow the function of the plunger device to be altered. Concentric sleeves and short sleeves may be selectively disposed about a chassis of the plunger device. One or more short sleeves may be removed to expose an entrance aperture which allows fluid flow to enter an interior volume of the chassis and pass through an exit aperture in the chassis. This configuration allows the plunger to descend down a bore hole more rapidly. However, a well operator may determine that it is advantageous to keep the short sleeve on the chassis to block the entrance aperture. Thus, the weight of the plunger overcomes the pressure in the borehole, and the plunger descends more slowly down the borehole.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/204,552 filed Aug. 13, 2015, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a plunger for enhancing the production of hydrocarbon fluids and removing water from a wellbore. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Plungers are devices used in the oil and gas industry to enhance the recovery of hydrocarbon fluids by reducing a liquid head, which is primarily water. Excessive liquid head and other contaminants can cause a wellbore to slow production, or even cease production altogether. Generally, plungers are periodically and systematically released down a borehole to a predetermined downhole location and then ascend up the borehole, pushing liquid to remove the overall “head” of the fluid column. Sleeves and ribs on the plunger engage the interior surface of the production tubing to extract fluid, gas, and debris as the plunger ascends up the borehole. 
         [0004]    Since boreholes may extend thousands of feet below the surface of the Earth, a plunger experiences significant frictional contact with the inner wall of a casing or production tubing. Therefore, plungers frequently wear out, and when plungers wear out, the entire plunger is replaced. Some prior art plungers include replaceable components so the entire plunger is not discarded each time one part of the plunger wears out. Examples of such prior art plungers may be found in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0165992 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,923, which are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference. 
         [0005]    Another issue with prior art plungers is the inefficient descent speed down the borehole. In a typical configuration, the weight of the plunger overcomes the pressure in the borehole, yet the plunger slowly descends down the borehole. Some prior art plungers have attempted to address this issue with channels or passages that allow fluid to pass through the plunger, thus accelerating the overall “cycle” time that the plunger can be used to enhance production. Examples of such prior art devices may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,121,335 and 4,410,300, which are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference. 
         [0006]    However, no prior art devices address both of these issues simultaneously to provide a plunger that is modular and allows faster descent speeds. There is also a need for a plunger that can deliver chemicals downhole and incorporate electronic devices and sensors for downhole mapping and data collection. These issues, among others, are addressed in the present invention described in detailed below. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is therefore an aspect of the present invention to provide a plunger with replaceable, modular components that allows an operator to change out worn sleeves. It is a further aspect to provide a plunger with ports and/or channels to increase the descent speed of the plunger traveling down a borehole. Specifically, it is an aspect of the present invention to selectively permit fluid to flow through an entrance aperture on a chassis of the plunger, through an interior volume of the chassis, and out of the chassis. 
         [0008]    It is another aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide a modular plunger that comprises a short sleeve disposed about a chassis of the plunger. The modular plunger may be equipped with one or more regular-sized sleeves with ribs, wherein the sleeves contact with an inner wall of a casing or tubing. A short sleeve may be positioned on a downhole side of the at least one regular-sized sleeves. The short sleeve may provide an obstructing function where the short sleeve covers the entrance aperture to the interior volume of the chassis. Therefore, an operator may keep the short sleeve on the chassis to block the entrance aperture if the speed needs to be reduced. In this configuration, the weight of the plunger causes the plunger to descend down a borehole against pressure and a fluid column within the borehole. A “short sleeve” is described with respect to embodiments below, but it will be appreciated that the “short sleeve” may be longer than the regular-sized sleeve if the particular shape of the entrance aperture requires a larger “short sleeve.” 
         [0009]    In other embodiments, an operator may remove the short sleeve to provide access to the entrance aperture and the interior volume of the chassis. Thus, when the plunger is traveling down a borehole, friction between the ribs of the regular-sized sleeves and the casing or tubing causes the regular-sized sleeves to bunch up at an uphole end of the chassis. This reveals the entrance aperture, and fluid in the borehole may pass into the entrance aperture and through an interior volume of the chassis, thus speeding up the descent of the plunger down the borehole. Once the plunger reaches the bottom of the borehole and pressure causes the plunger to start moving back up the borehole, the regular-sized sleeves bunch up toward a downhole end of the chassis and cover the entrance aperture. This configuration blocks any fluid from passing through the plunger, which is beneficial because the primary function of the plunger is to extract undesirable fluid and debris from the casing or production tubing. This also allows borehole pressure to assist the plunger as the plunger ascends up the borehole. 
         [0010]    It is another aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide removable sleeves with a variety of configurations. As noted elsewhere herein, one aspect of the present invention is to provide removable sleeves such that an operator may change out a sleeve if the sleeve becomes worn out, rather than replace then entire plunger. This obviously saves costs. It is another aspect of the invention to provide sleeves that have one or more ribs disposed about an outer surface of the sleeves. The ribs and the spaces between the ribs help extract fluid and debris as the plunger ascends up a borehole. The sleeves may have any number of ribs including zero, one, two, three, etc. 
         [0011]    Embodiments of the present invention provide for different configurations of the sleeves or short sleeves to enhance one or more functions of the plunger. For example, the sleeves or short sleeves may comprise a brush or a pad to provide flexibility in the radial dimension of the plunger. With a brush or pad contacting the inner surface of a casing or production tubing, the plunger can more easily negotiate turns in the casing or tubing. In other embodiments, the sleeves or short sleeves may be made from bar stock or another solid material that has less flexibility than a brush or a pad. These sleeves or short sleeves may be more effective at clearing a borehole due to the inflexible nature of the material. 
         [0012]    In addition, the sleeves or short sleeves may have a profile that imparts a twist, swirl, or rotation on the sleeves or short sleeves. The ribs may comprise radial ribs, but may also comprise longitudinal channels that are oriented at an angle. Therefore, when the plunger is traveling downhole or uphole, the angle of the longitudinal channels imparts a rotation on the sleeves or short sleeves. The longitudinal channels may cut across some or all of the ribs of a given sleeve or short sleeve. In some embodiments, the longitudinal channels are offset from a longitudinal axis of the chassis when viewed from a side elevation view by an angle of approximately 5 to 45 degrees. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, various components of the plunger may be comprised of materials that improve the performance of the plunger. For example, corrosion and durability may be prime considerations when designing tools that operate in a well hole. The chassis, sleeves, and/or cones may be made from synthetic materials to reduce friction and increase the wear life of the plunger. These materials may include epoxies, resins, plastics, rubbers, polymers, yarns, fibers, plastics, etc. and combinations thereof. There may also be metallurgical considerations when components are made from metal. For example, altering the chrome content of metal, creating parts from stainless steel, coating parts with nickel, etc. may all be methods and materials that improve the performance of the plunger. 
         [0014]    It is a further aspect of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a plunger capable of chemical delivery. While the plunger is traveling downhole or uphole in the well, it may be advantageous to deliver a chemical such as corrosion/scale inhibitors, soap, biocides, lubrication, etc. Various volume and dispersal rates may be utilized to effectively deliver the chemical or combinations of chemicals. Some embodiments of the plunger may have one or more ports in the chassis, the sleeves, the short sleeves, the nose cone, and/or the head cone to deliver the chemical. Further, different ports may deliver different chemicals. 
         [0015]    It is another aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide sleeves or short sleeves that do not have their positions along the chassis dictated by gravity or by the friction between the sleeves and the inner surface of the casing or tubing. As described elsewhere herein, sleeves may travel along the longitudinal length of the chassis depending on the direction of the friction between the sleeves and the inner surface of the casing or tubing, i.e., generally whether the plunger is traveling uphole or downhole. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to have a linear motor, a magnetic system, or any other similar system that positively controls the position of the sleeves along the longitudinal length of the chassis. 
         [0016]    It is a further aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide a plunger that has an electronic system that is capable of performing a variety of functions. For example, a plunger equipped with an electronic system may map the geometry of the well, evaluate the resources or reservoir of resources that the well is designed to extract, record pressure and/or temperature readings, record fluid levels, and perform various diagnostic functions such as corrosion modeling of the casing or production tubing or delivering chemicals at predetermined depths. The electronic system in some embodiments therefore may comprise sensors positioned on one or more of the surfaces of the plunger, a central processing unit and/or memory to store various data, and a first transceiver to establish electronic communication with a second transceiver at the surface of the well. 
         [0017]    One particular embodiment of the present invention is a plunger with replaceable components for a hydrocarbon wellbore, comprising a chassis having an uphole end and a downhole end, wherein a head cone having an outer diameter is disposed at the uphole end of the chassis and a nose cone having an outer diameter is selectively interconnected to the downhole end of the chassis; a plurality of sleeves, wherein each sleeve has an aperture, and wherein the plurality of sleeves is disposed about the chassis between the head cone and the nose cone such that the chassis extends through the apertures of the sleeves; and at least one rib disposed on an outer surface of each sleeve, the ribs having an outer diameter, wherein the outer diameter of at least one rib is greater than both the outer diameter of the head cone and the outer diameter of the nose cone. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments of the invention, the head cone is integrated with the chassis to form a continuous structure. In various embodiments of the invention, the system further comprises an interior volume defined by an interior surface of the chassis; and an aperture defined by an interior surface of the head cone, wherein the aperture of the head cone provides fluid communication between the interior volume of the chassis and an external environment of the plunger system. In some embodiments of the invention, the system further comprises an entrance aperture in the outer surface of the chassis, wherein the entrance aperture provides fluid communication between the interior volume of the chassis and the external environment of the plunger system. In various embodiments of the invention, the system further comprises a ported bolt configured to selectively interconnect the nose cone to the chassis, wherein the ported bolt has an aperture that provides fluid communication between the interior volume of the chassis and the external environment of the plunger system. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments of the invention, the system further comprises a float positioned in the interior volume of the chassis, the float having a density of less than 1000 kg/m 3 , wherein the float is configured to exit the aperture of the head cone when the float is in the presence of a fluid having a density greater than the float. In various embodiments of the invention, the float is configured to release a chemical in the presence of the fluid having a density greater than the float, wherein the chemical is at least one of a corrosion inhibitor, a scale inhibitor, a soap, a biocide, and a lubricant, which is stored within a chamber positioned within the plunger. In some embodiments of the invention, the system further comprises the selective interconnection between the nose cone and the chassis is a first thread, the first thread having a first thread handedness; and wherein the selective interconnection between the ported bolt and the chassis is a second thread, the second thread having a second thread handedness, wherein the first thread handedness is distinct from the second thread handedness. 
         [0020]    In various embodiments of the invention, the system further comprises a snap ring positioned between a head of the ported bolt and the nose cone to prevent rotation of the ported bolt relative to the nose cone. In some embodiments of the invention, the system further comprises a short sleeve having an aperture, the short sleeve disposed about the chassis between the head cone and the nose cone such that the chassis extends through the apertures of the short sleeve, the short sleeve positioned over the entrance aperture to prevent fluid flowing into the interior volume of the chassis. 
         [0021]    Another particular embodiment of the invention is a plunger with selectively interchangeable components for enhancing wellbore production from a hydrocarbon well hole, comprising a chassis having an outer surface, an inner surface, a downhole end, and an uphole end, wherein the inner surface of the chassis defines an interior volume; at least one entrance aperture positioned on the chassis, the at least one entrance aperture allows fluid to flow from the outer surface of the chassis to the interior volume of the chassis; at least one exit aperture positioned on the chassis, the at least one exit aperture allows fluid to flow from the interior volume of the chassis to the outer surface of the chassis; a plurality of replaceable sleeves disposed about the outer surface of the chassis, the sleeves having an outer diameter with a predetermined dimension to engage an inner surface of a production tubing; a short sleeve optionally disposed about the chassis, the short sleeve positioned adjacent the plurality of sleeves, and the short sleeve positioned over the at least one entrance aperture to prevent fluid flowing into the interior volume; a nose cone selectively interconnected to the downhole end of the chassis; and a head cone selectively interconnected to the uphole end of the chassis. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments of the invention, at least one sleeve of the plurality of sleeves comprises a plurality of ribs on an outer surface of the at least one sleeve. In various embodiments of the invention, at least one rib of the plurality of ribs has an outer diameter that is greater than both an outer diameter of the head cone and an outer diameter of the nose cone. In some embodiments of the invention, at least one rib of the plurality of ribs comprises an uphole angle of approximately 90 degrees. In various embodiments of the invention, at least one rib of the plurality of ribs comprises a downhole angle of approximately 45 degrees. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments of the invention, the plunger further comprises a float positioned in the interior volume of the chassis, the float having a density of less than 1000 kg/m 3 , wherein the float is configured to exit the aperture of the head cone when the float is in the presence of a fluid having a density greater than the float. In various embodiments of the invention, the float is configured to release a chemical in the presence of the fluid having a density greater than the float, wherein the chemical is at least one of a corrosion inhibitor, a scale inhibitor, a soap, a biocide, and a lubricant, which is stored within a chamber positioned within the plunger. In some embodiments of the invention, the at least one entrance aperture comprises a longitudinal dimension, and the short sleeve comprises a longitudinal dimension, wherein the longitudinal dimension of the short sleeve is larger than the longitudinal dimension of the at least one entrance aperture. In various embodiments of the invention, the nose cone comprises an outer surface having at least one groove oriented at an angle relative to a longitudinal dimension of the nose cone, wherein fluid moving parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the nose cone imparts rotational movement on the nose cone and the chassis. In some embodiments of the invention, the plunger further comprises a sensor positioned on the outer surface of the chassis, the sensor configured to record a data set; a first electronic device positioned within the chassis, wherein the first electronic device is configured to store the data set from the sensor on a non-transitory computer readable medium; a second electronic device positioned at a wellhead of the hydrocarbon well hole, wherein the first electronic device is configured to transmit the data set to the second electronic device, and the second electronic device is configured to store the data set from the sensor on a non-transitory computer readable medium. 
         [0024]    An addition particular embodiment of the invention is a plunger system for a wellbore, comprising a chassis having an uphole end and a downhole end, and a head cone having an outer diameter disposed at the uphole end of the chassis and a nose cone having an outer diameter selectively interconnected to the downhole end of the chassis; an interior volume defined by an interior surface of the chassis; an aperture defined by an interior surface of the head cone, wherein the aperture of the head cone provides fluid communication between the interior volume of the chassis and an external environment of the plunger system; a ported bolt configured to selectively interconnect the nose cone to the chassis, wherein the ported bolt has an aperture that provides fluid communication between the interior volume of the chassis and the external environment of the plunger system; wherein the selective interconnection between the nose cone and the chassis is a first thread; wherein the selective interconnection between the ported bolt and the chassis is a second thread, wherein the first thread is distinct from the second thread; a plurality of replaceable sleeves, wherein each sleeve has an aperture, and wherein the plurality of sleeves is disposed about the chassis between the head cone and the nose cone such that the chassis extends through the apertures of the sleeves; at least one rib disposed on an outer surface of each replaceable sleeve, the ribs having an outer diameter, wherein the outer diameter of at least one rib is greater than both the outer diameter of the head cone and the outer diameter of the nose cone; and a float positioned in the interior volume of the chassis, the float having a density of less than 1000 kg/m3, wherein the float is configured to exit the aperture of the head cone when the float is in the presence of a fluid having a density greater than the float, wherein the float is configured to release a chemical in the presence of the fluid having a density greater than the float, wherein the chemical is at least one of a corrosion inhibitor, a scale inhibitor, a soap, a biocide, and a lubricant, which is stored within a chamber positioned within the plunger. 
         [0025]    These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the present invention(s) contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and Detailed Description and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description particularly when taken together with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosures. 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a wellbore system with a plunger in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an assembled plunger in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a disassembled plunger in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of a nose cone of a plunger in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3C  is a cross-sectional view of a nose cone of a plunger in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a plunger having sleeves and a short sleeve in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a sleeve in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a short sleeve in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a chassis in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a nose cone in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a head cone in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of a plunger having a system for delivering chemicals in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a plunger having an electronic system for collecting various data in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0040]    To assist in the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Component No. 
                 Component 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 2 
                 Plunger 
               
               
                 4 
                 Chassis 
               
               
                 6 
                 Nose Cone 
               
               
                 8 
                 Head Cone 
               
               
                 10 
                 Sleeve 
               
               
                 12 
                 Entrance Aperture 
               
               
                 14 
                 Short Sleeve 
               
               
                 16 
                 Bolt 
               
               
                 18 
                 Snap Ring 
               
               
                 20 
                 First Thread 
               
               
                 22 
                 Second Thread 
               
               
                 24 
                 Sleeve Length 
               
               
                 26 
                 Short Sleeve Length 
               
               
                 28 
                 Overall Sleeve Length 
               
               
                 30 
                 Sleeve Rib Diameter 
               
               
                 32 
                 Sleeve Outer Diameter 
               
               
                 34 
                 First Rib Uphole Length 
               
               
                 36 
                 Second Rib Uphole Length 
               
               
                 38 
                 Third Rib Uphole Length 
               
               
                 40 
                 First Rib Downhole Length 
               
               
                 42 
                 Second Rib Downhole Length 
               
               
                 44 
                 First Rib Downhole Angle 
               
               
                 46 
                 Second Rib Downhole Angle 
               
               
                 48 
                 Third Rib Downhole Angle 
               
               
                 50 
                 Short Sleeve Rib Diameter 
               
               
                 52 
                 Short Sleeve Outer Diameter 
               
               
                 54 
                 Short Sleeve First Uphole Length 
               
               
                 56 
                 Short Sleeve First Downhole Length 
               
               
                 58 
                 Short Sleeve Rib Angle 
               
               
                 60 
                 Entrance Aperture Length 
               
               
                 62 
                 Entrance Aperture Width 
               
               
                 64 
                 Chassis Diameter 
               
               
                 66 
                 Nose Notch Length 
               
               
                 68 
                 Notch to Notch Length 
               
               
                 70 
                 Nose Notch to Head Length 
               
               
                 72 
                 Nose Diameter 
               
               
                 74 
                 Nose Recess Length 
               
               
                 76 
                 Head Diameter 
               
               
                 78 
                 Head Recess Diameter 
               
               
                 80 
                 Head Length 
               
               
                 82 
                 Head Recess Length 
               
               
                 84 
                 Head Shoulder Length 
               
               
                 86 
                 Head-to-Chassis Outer Diameter Length 
               
               
                 88 
                 Nose Cone Diameter 
               
               
                 90 
                 Nose Cone Slope Diameter 
               
               
                 92 
                 Nose Cone Slope Length 
               
               
                 94 
                 Nose Cone Aperture 
               
               
                 96 
                 First Head Cone Inner Diameter 
               
               
                 98 
                 Second Head Cone Inner Diameter 
               
               
                 100 
                 Third Head Cone Inner Diameter 
               
               
                 102 
                 First Head Cone Outer Diameter 
               
               
                 104 
                 Head Cone Aperture 
               
               
                 106 
                 Head Cone Aperture Offset 
               
               
                 108 
                 Head Cone First Shoulder Length 
               
               
                 110 
                 Head Cone First Shoulder Transition 
               
               
                 112 
                 Head Cone Second Shoulder Length 
               
               
                 114 
                 Head Cone Second Shoulder Transition 
               
               
                 116 
                 Head Cone Recess Length 
               
               
                 118 
                 Head Cone Length 
               
               
                 120 
                 Head Cone Outer Diameter 
               
               
                 122 
                 Head Cone Recess Diameter 
               
               
                 124 
                 Pump 
               
               
                 126 
                 Port 
               
               
                 128 
                 Controller 
               
               
                 130 
                 Chemical Float 
               
               
                 132 
                 Central Processing Unit 
               
               
                 134 
                 Sensor 
               
               
                 136 
                 First Transceiver 
               
               
                 138 
                 Second Transceiver 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0041]    It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and various dimensions may be altered. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    The present invention has significant benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavors. It is the Applicant&#39;s intent that this specification and the claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the present invention being disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to the specific examples disclosed. To acquaint persons skilled in the pertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, a preferred embodiment that illustrates the best mode now contemplated for putting the present invention into practice is described herein by, and with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of the specification. The exemplary embodiment is described in detail without attempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications in which the present invention might be embodied. As such, the embodiments described herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to those skilled in the arts, and may be modified in numerous ways within the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
         [0043]    Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. 
         [0044]    Various embodiments of the present invention are described herein and as depicted in the drawings. It is expressly understood that although the figures show plungers, sleeves, and other components, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. 
         [0045]    Now referring to  FIG. 1 , a cross-sectional view of a wellbore with a plunger  2  is provided. The plunger  2  is positioned partway down the wellbore and is in the process of ascending up the wellbore. A plug of liquid such as water is collected above the plunger  2  and carried towards the surface of the wellbore as the plunger  2  ascends. 
         [0046]    Now referring to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of an assembled plunger  2  is provided. The plunger  2  comprises a nose cone  6 , a head cone  8 , and a plurality of sleeves  10  disposed therebetween. The plunger  2  descends nose-first down a casing or tubing. Then, when the plunger  2  starts ascending up the casing or tubing, ribs on the sleeves  10  contact the inner walls of the casing or tubing to extract a head fluid, for example, water. 
         [0047]    Now referring to  FIG. 3A , a perspective view of a disassembled plunger  2  is provided. A chassis  4  and a head cone  8  are a single component in this embodiment, and the nose cone  6  is selectively interconnected to the chassis  4 . A series of sleeves  10 , including a short sleeve  14 , are selectively positioned about a center portion of the chassis  4  and against the head cone  8 . The sleeves  10 ,  14  are secured in place for operation after the nose cone  6  is selectively interconnected to the downhole end of the chassis  4 . In this embodiment, three regular-sized sleeves  10  are disposed toward the uphole end of the chassis  4 , and the short sleeve  14  is disposed toward the downhole end of the chassis  4 . Having a plurality of sleeves  10 ,  14  allows a well operator to change out a sleeve when the sleeve becomes too worn out instead of having to change out the entire plunger  2 . 
         [0048]    Next, an entrance aperture  12  is provided on the chassis  4 . The entrance aperture  12  provides access for a fluid to travel from an outer surface of the chassis  4  into an interior volume of the chassis  4 . The fluid may then move through the interior volume of the chassis  4  and out of an exit aperture disposed in one or both of the head cone  8  and an uphole end of the chassis  4 . As shown in this embodiment, the entrance aperture  12  is disposed underneath the short sleeve  14 , and the length of the entrance aperture  12  is approximately the same as the length of the short sleeve  14 . However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the length of the entrance aperture  12  may be shorter or longer than the length of the short sleeve  14 . In the embodiment shown in FIG.  3 A, when the short sleeve  14  is removed, the entrance aperture  24  provides access to fluids outside of the plunger  2  to enter the chassis  4 . 
         [0049]    Specifically, with the short sleeve  14  removed, the motion of the plunger  2  dictates when the entrance aperture  12  is exposed and can allow fluid to enter the chassis  4 . When the plunger  2  is traveling downhole and the short sleeve  14  is removed, the friction between the ribs of the regular-sized sleeves  10  and the wall of the production tubing or casing causes the sleeves  10  to bunch together at the uphole end of the chassis  4  against the head cone  8 . Thus, the entrance aperture  12  is exposed. When the plunger  2  reaches the bottom of a borehole, there is no longer dynamic friction between the ribs of the sleeves  10  and the wall of the tubing or casing. Therefore, the sleeves  10  may cover or partially cover the entrance aperture  12 . Then finally, when the pressure in the borehole is great enough, the plunger  2  begins to move uphole, and the friction between the ribs of the sleeves  10  and wall of the tubing or casing returns, but in the opposite direction. Accordingly, the sleeves  10  bunch together at the downhole end of the chassis  2 , against the nose cone  6 , and over the entrance aperture  12  which prevents fluid from entering the interior volume of the chassis  2 . By having the entrance aperture  12  open on the descent down the borehole and closed on the ascent, the plunger  2  may travel more easily downhole against the pressure within the borehole, and then use the same pressure to assist the uphole ascent of the plunger  2 . The operator has the option of keeping the short sleeve  14  over the entrance aperture  12  and allowing the weight of the plunger  2  to overcome the pressure in the borehole as the plunger  2  descends down the borehole. 
         [0050]    Next, as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C , the nose cone  6  is selectively interconnected to a downhole end of the chassis  4 . Once the nose cone  6  is selectively interconnected, the nose cone  6  is secured in place by a bolt  16  and a snap ring  18 . The bolt  16  in this embodiment threads through the nose cone  6  and into the downhole end of the chassis  4 . Then, a snap ring  18  prevents rotation of the bolt  16  relative to the nose cone  6 . Specifically referring to  FIG. 3C , a first thread  20  is a threadable interconnection between the nose cone  6  and the chassis  4 , and a second thread  22  is a threadable interconnection between the bolt  16  and the chassis  4 . It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the first thread  20  has a different handedness than the second thread  22  to help secure the nose cone  6  to the chassis  4 . For example, the first thread  20  may be a right-hand thread, and the second thread  22  may be a left-hand thread, or vice versa. 
         [0051]    As described above, the entrance aperture  12  may allow fluid to pass through the chassis  4 , but in some embodiments, the bolt  16  may be ported along a longitudinal axis of the bolt  16  to permit fluid flow from the nose cone  6  through the chassis  4 . In addition, features such as chemical delivery floats may be included in the interior volume of the chassis  4  as described in further detail in  FIG. 10  below. 
         [0052]    Now referring to  FIG. 4 , a cross-sectional view of a plunger  2  taken along a longitudinal plane of the plunger  2  is provided. The plunger  2  comprises a chassis  4  that generally extends along the longitudinal length of the plunger  2 . A nose cone  6  is selectively interconnected to a downhole end of the plunger  2 . As noted above, the nose cone  6  may comprise one or more apertures where a screw, a bolt, or other fastening means may be utilized to secure the nose cone  6  to the chassis  4 . The chassis  4  may comprise a threaded aperture or a recess to receive the fastening means to promote the selective interconnection between the nose cone  6  and the chassis  4 . 
         [0053]    Similarly, in this particular embodiment a head cone  8  is selectively interconnected to an uphole end of the chassis  4 . The head cone  8  may also comprise one or more apertures in some embodiments such that a screw, bolt, or other fastening means may be used to selectively interconnect the head cone  8  to the chassis  4 . The head cone  8  also comprises an uphole end that provides a location for other components to selectively interconnect to the whole plunger  2 . It will be appreciated that while the cones  6 ,  8  in this embodiment are modular in nature, in some embodiments, one or more of the cones  6 ,  8  may be integrated with the chassis  4  to form a continuous structure. 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the sleeves  10 ,  14  have various lengths. In some embodiments of the present invention, the sleeve length  24  is between approximately 0.5 inches and 6 inches. In various embodiments of the present invention, the sleeve length  24  is between approximately 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, the sleeve length  24  is approximately 1.992 inches. It will be appreciated that while the sleeve lengths  24  shown in  FIG. 4  are the same length, other embodiments of the present invention may utilize sleeves with varying lengths  24 . For example, the sleeve lengths  24  may become progressively smaller or larger in the uphole or downhole directions. In yet a further example, the sleeve lengths  24  may be random in sequence. 
         [0055]    In addition, the short sleeve  14  has a length  26 . In some embodiments, the short sleeve length  26  is between approximately 0.25 inches and 3 inches. In various embodiments, the short sleeve length  26  is between approximately 0.25 inches and 1.25 inches. In some embodiments, the short sleeve length  26  is approximately 0.878 inches. 
         [0056]    The combined length of the various sleeves  10  and short sleeves  14  may be referred to as the overall sleeve length  28 . In some embodiments, the overall length of the sleeves  28  is between approximately 3 inches and 12 inches. In various embodiments, the overall length of the sleeves  28  is between approximately 5 inches and 7.5 inches. In some embodiments, the overall length of the sleeves  28  is approximately 6.886 inches. 
         [0057]    Now referring to  FIG. 5 , a cross-sectional view of the sleeve  10  taken along a longitudinal plane of the sleeve  10  is provided. The sleeve  10  in this embodiment has three ribs that laterally extend around an outer surface of the sleeve  10 . It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the sleeve  10  may have a fewer or greater number of ribs including zero ribs, in which case the entire outer surface of the sleeve  10  contacts the wall of the tubing or casing. 
         [0058]    In some embodiments, a sleeve rib diameter  30  is between approximately 0.5 inches and 4.0 inches. In various embodiments, the sleeve rib diameter  30  is between approximately 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, the sleeve rib diameter  30  is approximately 1.9 inches. 
         [0059]    In some embodiments, a sleeve outer diameter  32  is between approximately 0.5 inches and 4.0 inches. In various embodiments, the sleeve outer diameter  32  is between approximately 1.0 inch and 2.0 inches. In some embodiments, the sleeve outer diameter  32  is approximately 1.5 inches. 
         [0060]    In some embodiments, a first rib uphole length  34  is between approximately 0.0 inches to 1.0 inch. In various embodiments, the first rib uphole length  34  is between approximately 0.100 inches and 0.500 inches. In some embodiments, the first rib uphole length  34  is approximately 0.214 inches. 
         [0061]    In some embodiments, a second rib uphole length  36  is between approximately 0.1 inches to 3.0 inches. In various embodiments, the second rib uphole length  36  is between approximately 0.2 inches and 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, the second rib uphole length  36  is approximately 0.878 inches. 
         [0062]    In some embodiments, a third rib uphole length  38  is between approximately 0.8 inches to 3.0 inches. In various embodiments, the third rib uphole length  38  is between approximately 1.2 inches and 2.0 inches. In some embodiments, the third rib uphole length  38  is approximately 1.542 inches. 
         [0063]    In some embodiments, a first rib downhole length  40  is between approximately 0.1 inches to 3.0 inches. In various embodiments, the first rib downhole length  40  is between approximately 0.3 inches and 1.0 inch. In some embodiments, the first rib downhole length  40  is approximately 0.664 inches. 
         [0064]    In some embodiments, a second rib downhole length  42  is between approximately 0.4 inches to 4.0 inches. In various embodiments, the second rib downhole length  42  is between approximately 0.8 inches and 2.0 inches. In some embodiments, the second rib downhole length  42  is approximately 1.328 inches. 
         [0065]    The ribs of the sleeve  10  also have a specific shape in the embodiment in  FIG. 5 . The ribs form a right angle with the sleeve  10  at an uphole end of the rib, and the ribs form an acute angle with the sleeve  10  at a downhole end of the rib. In some embodiments, a first rib downhole angle  44  is between approximately 15 degrees to 75 degrees. In various embodiments, the first rib downhole angle  44  is between approximately 35 degrees and 55 degrees. In some embodiments, the first rib downhole angle  44  is approximately 45 degrees. 
         [0066]    In some embodiments, a second rib downhole angle  46  is between approximately 15 degrees to 75 degrees. In various embodiments, the second rib downhole angle  46  is between approximately 35 degrees and 55 degrees. In some embodiments, the second rib downhole angle  46  is approximately 45 degrees. 
         [0067]    In some embodiments, a third rib downhole angle  48  is between approximately 15 degrees to 75 degrees. In various embodiments, the third rib downhole angle  48  is between approximately 35 degrees and 55 degrees. In some embodiments, the third rib downhole angle  48  is approximately 45 degrees. 
         [0068]    It will be appreciated that other embodiments may have other configurations of ribs. For example, it may be advantageous in some embodiments to have the uphole right angle and the downhole acute angle reversed. Further, in some embodiments, the ribs may have a continuously curved shape. For example, the curve of the ribs may be defined with a constant radius or a n-order polynomial. Further yet, the ribs on a given sleeve  10  may not be identical. For example, the angles that the ribs form with the sleeve 10 may get progressively larger or smaller in the downhole or uphole direction. And in some other embodiments, the change in rib shapes and angles may be random in sequence. 
         [0069]    Now referring to  FIG. 6 , a cross-sectional view of a short sleeve  14  taken along a longitudinal plane of the short sleeve  14  is provided. The short sleeve  14  in this embodiment has one rib that extends around an outer surface of the short sleeve  14 . However, similar to the sleeve  10 , the short sleeve  14  may have many different configurations of rib numbers, rib angles, rib shapes, etc. 
         [0070]    In some embodiments, a short sleeve rib diameter  50  is between approximately 0.5 inches and 4.0 inches. In various embodiments, the short sleeve rib diameter  50  is between approximately 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, the short sleeve rib diameter  50  is approximately 1.9 inches. 
         [0071]    In some embodiments, a short sleeve outer diameter  52  is between approximately 0.5 inches and 4.0 inches. In various embodiments, the short sleeve outer diameter  52  is between approximately 1.0 inch and 2.0 inches. In some embodiments, the short sleeve outer diameter  52  is approximately 1.5 inches. 
         [0072]    In some embodiments, a short sleeve first uphole length  54  is between approximately 0.0 inches to 1.0 inch. In various embodiments, the short sleeve first uphole length  54  is between approximately 0.100 inches and 0.500 inches. In some embodiments, the short sleeve first uphole length  54  is approximately 0.214 inches. 
         [0073]    In some embodiments, a short sleeve first downhole length  56  is between approximately 0.1 inches to 3.0 inches. In various embodiments, the short sleeve first downhole length  56  is between approximately 0.3 inches and 1.0 inch. In some embodiments, the short sleeve first downhole length  56  is approximately 0.664 inches. 
         [0074]    In some embodiments, a short sleeve rib angle  58  is between approximately 15 degrees to 75 degrees. In various embodiments, the short sleeve rib angle  58  is between approximately 35 degrees and 55 degrees. In some embodiments, the short sleeve rib angle  58  is approximately 45 degrees. 
         [0075]    Now referring to  FIG. 7 , a cross-sectional view of the chassis  4  taken along a longitudinal plane of the chassis  4  is provided. Various dimensions of the entrance aperture are provided. In some embodiments, an entrance aperture length  60  is between approximately 0.25 inches and 1.5 inches. In various embodiments, the entrance aperture length  60  is between approximately 0.5 inches and 1.0 inch. In some embodiments, the entrance aperture length  60  is approximately 0.69 inches. In some embodiments, an entrance aperture width  62  is between approximately 0.0625 inches and 1.0 inch. In various embodiments, the entrance aperture width  62  is between approximately 0.125 inches and 0.5 inches. In some embodiments, the entrance aperture width  62  is approximately 0.19 inches. 
         [0076]    In some embodiments, a chassis diameter  64  is between approximately 0.375 inches and 3.0 inches. In various embodiments, the chassis diameter  64  is between approximately 0.75 inches and 1.625 inches. In some embodiments, the chassis diameter  64  is approximately 1.125 inches. 
         [0077]    References characters  66 ,  68 , and  70  define the locations of two circumferential notches on the outer surface of the chassis  4 . The notches provide a location for an interference fit or a friction fit with a corresponding rib or protrusion on one or both of the nose cone  6  and the head cone  8 . In some embodiments, a nose notch length  66  is between approximately 1.0 inches and 4.0 inches. In various embodiments, the nose notch length  66  is between approximately 1.8 inches and 3.0 inches. In some embodiments, the nose notch length  66  is approximately 2.386 inches. In some embodiments, a notch to notch length  68  is between approximately 2.0 inches and 12.0 inches. In various embodiments, the notch to notch length  68  is between approximately 6.0 inches and 7.5 inches. In some embodiments, the notch to notch length  68  is approximately 6.625 inches. In some embodiments, a nose notch to head length  70  is between approximately 4.0 inches and 15.0 inches. In various embodiments, the nose notch to head length  70  is between approximately 8.0 inches and 11.5 inches. In some embodiments, the nose notch to head length  70  is approximately 9.3 inches. 
         [0078]    The nose end of the chassis  4  has a recess dimension and other dimensions that allow for the reception of a screw, a bolt, or other fastening means. In some embodiments, the nose diameter  72  is between approximately 0.4 inches and 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the nose diameter  72  is between approximately 0.7 inches and 1.3 inches. In some embodiments, the nose diameter  72  is approximately 0.968 inches. In some embodiments, the nose recess length  74  is between approximately 0.3 inches and 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the nose recess length  74  is between approximately 0.5 inches and 0.8 inches. In some embodiments, the nose recess length  74  is approximately 0.664 inches. 
         [0079]    The head end of the chassis  4  has a recess dimension and other dimensions that allow for the reception of a screw, a bolt, or other fastening means. In some embodiments, a head diameter  76  is between approximately 0.4 inches and 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the head diameter  76  is between approximately 0.7 inches and 1.3 inches. In some embodiments, the head diameter  76  is approximately 0.968 inches. 
         [0080]    In some embodiments, a head recess diameter  78  is between approximately 0.3 inches and 1.5 inches. In various embodiments, the head recess diameter  78  is between approximately 0.6 inches and 1.2 inches. In some embodiments, the head recess diameter  78  is approximately 0.788 inches. 
         [0081]    In some embodiments, a head length  80  is between approximately 0.1 inches and 1 inch. In various embodiments, the head length  80  is between approximately 0.25 inches and 0.60 inches. In some embodiments, the head length  80  is approximately 0.35 inches. 
         [0082]    In some embodiments, a head recess length  82  is between approximately 0.4 inches and 1.8 inches. In various embodiments, the head recess length  82  is between approximately 0.7 inches and 1.3 inches. In some embodiments, the head recess length  82  is approximately 0.953 inches. It will be appreciated that the uphole and downhole ends of the chassis  4  may have the same dimensions or different dimensions. 
         [0083]    In some embodiments, a head shoulder length  84  is between approximately 0.5 inches and 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the head shoulder length  84  is between approximately 0.75 inches and 1.25 inches. In some embodiments, the head shoulder length  84  is approximately 1.06 inches. 
         [0084]    In some embodiments, a head-to-chassis outer diameter length  86  is between approximately 0.5 inches and 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the head-to-chassis outer diameter length  86  is between approximately 0.75 inches and 1.375 inches. In some embodiments, the head-to-chassis outer diameter length  86  is approximately 1.13 inches. 
         [0085]    Now referring to  FIG. 8 , a cross-sectional view of a nose cone  6  taken along a longitudinal plane of the nose cone  6  is provided. The nose cone  6  tapers to a flat end to channel fluid to an outer surface of the overall plunger. However, it will be appreciated that the nose cone  6  may come in a variety of shapes, some shapes that channel fluid to an outer surface of the plunger and some shapes that do not. In some embodiments, a nose cone diameter  88  is between approximately 0.5 inches and 4.0 inches. In various embodiments, the nose cone diameter  88  is between approximately 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, the nose cone diameter  88  is approximately 1.9 inches. In some embodiments, a nose cone slope diameter  90  is between approximately 1.2 inches and 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the nose cone slope diameter  90  is between approximately 1.5 inches and 1.75 inches. In some embodiments, the nose cone slope diameter  90  is approximately 1.627 inches. In some embodiments, a nose cone slope length  92  is between approximately 0.25 inches and 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the nose cone slope length  92  is between approximately 0.5 inches and 1.0 inch. In some embodiments, the nose cone slope length  92  is approximately 0.75 inches. 
         [0086]    In addition, the nose cone  6  shown in  FIG. 8  also comprises at least one aperture  94  that provides a location for a screw, a bolt, or other fastening means to pass through, which allows the selective interconnection between the nose cone  6  and the chassis. 
         [0087]    Now referring to  FIG. 9 , a cross-sectional view of the head cone  8  taken along a longitudinal plane of the head cone  8  is provided. On the downhole end of the head cone  8 , a recess is provided that has several dimensions, including several inner diameter dimensions. In some embodiments, the first head cone inner diameter  96  is between approximately 0.5 inches and 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the first head cone inner diameter  96  is between approximately 0.75 inches and 1.25 inches. In some embodiments, the first head cone inner diameter  96  is approximately 0.9 inches. In some embodiments, the second head cone inner diameter  98  is between approximately 0.5 inches and 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the second head cone inner diameter  98  is between approximately 0.75 inches and 1.25 inches. In some embodiments, the second head cone inner diameter  98  is approximately 0.915 inches. In some embodiments, the third head cone inner diameter  100  is between approximately 0.625 inches and 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the third head cone inner diameter  100  is between approximately 0.875 inches and 1.25 inches. In some embodiments, the third head cone inner diameter  100  is approximately 1.04 inches. 
         [0088]    The downhole end of the head cone  8  also has several other dimensional aspects. In some embodiments, a first head cone outer diameter  102  is between approximately 0.5 inches and 4.0 inches. In various embodiments, the first head cone outer diameter  102  is between approximately 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, the first head cone outer diameter  102  is approximately 1.9 inches. In some embodiments, a head cone first shoulder length  108  is between approximately 1.5 inches and 5.0 inches. In various embodiments, the head cone first shoulder length  108  is between approximately 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches. In some embodiments, the head cone first shoulder length  108  is approximately 3.075 inches. 
         [0089]    In addition, the head cone  8  shown in  FIG. 9  also comprises at least one aperture  104  that provides a location for a screw, a bolt, or other fastening means to pass through, which allows the selective interconnection between the nose cone  6  and the chassis. In some embodiments, a head cone aperture offset  106  is between approximately 0.5 inches and 4.0 inches. In various embodiments, the head cone aperture offset  106  is between approximately 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, the head cone aperture offset  106  is approximately 2 inches. 
         [0090]    The uphole end of the head cone  8  has several dimensional aspects that facilitate the use of other components to selectively interconnect to the head cone  8  and the entire plunger. In some embodiments, a head cone first shoulder transition  110  is between approximately 1.5 inches and 5.0 inches. In various embodiments, the head cone first shoulder transition  110  is between approximately 2.25 inches and 3.5 inches. In some embodiments, the head cone first shoulder transition  110  is approximately 2.8 inches. In some embodiments, a head cone second shoulder length  112  is between approximately 1.5 inches and 4.5 inches. In various embodiments, the head cone second shoulder length  112  is between approximately 2.0 inches and 3.5 inches. In some embodiments, the head cone second shoulder length  112  is approximately 2.54 inches. 
         [0091]    In some embodiments, a head cone second shoulder transition  114  is between approximately 0.5 inches and 3.0 inches. In various embodiments, the head cone second shoulder transition  114  is between approximately 1.125 inches and 1.625 inches. In some embodiments, the head cone second shoulder transition  114  is approximately 1.345 inches. 
         [0092]    In some embodiments, a head cone recess length  116  is between approximately 0.625 inches and 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the head cone recess length  116  is between approximately 0.875 inches and 1.25 inches. In some embodiments, the head cone recess length  116  is approximately 1.06 inches. In some embodiments, a head cone length  118  is between approximately 0.125 inches and 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the head cone length  118  is between approximately 0.25 inches and 0.75 inches. In some embodiments, the head cone length  118  is approximately 0.35 inches. 
         [0093]    In some embodiments, a head cone outer diameter  120  is between approximately 0.5 inches and 2.5 inches. In various embodiments, the head cone outer diameter  120  is between approximately 1.0 inch and 1.625 inches. In some embodiments, the head cone outer diameter  120  is approximately 1.38 inches. 
         [0094]    In some embodiments, a head cone recess diameter  122  is between approximately 0.5 inches and 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the head cone recess diameter  122  is between approximately 1.0 inch and 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, the head cone recess diameter  122  is approximately 1.19 inches. 
         [0095]    Now referring to  FIG. 10 , a cross-sectional view of a plunger  2  having a chemical delivery system is provided. The plunger  2  may store various chemicals to provide additional functionality to the plunger  2 . For example, the plunger  2  may deliver corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors, soaps, biocides, lubricants, etc., and combinations thereof during the plunger&#39;s  2  descent, ascent, or position at the bottom of a well hole. As shown in  FIG. 10 , a pump  124  is provided in a portion of the plunger  2 , which in this embodiment is a portion of the head cone  8 . In alternative embodiments, the pump  124  may, for example, be disposed within the interior volume of the chassis  4 . The pump  124  may be suspended within the interior volume or positioned to one side to allow fluid to enter the entrance aperture and pass through the interior volume of the chassis. It will be further appreciated that many different types of pumps  124  may be used to generate a pressure differential and to displace a volume of one or more chemicals. In this embodiment, a single piston pump  124  is used to store and deliver a volume of one or more chemicals. 
         [0096]    The one or more chemicals may be delivered through a plurality of ports  126  as shown in  FIG. 10 . A channel operatively interconnects the ports  126  to the pump  124 . In other embodiments, the nose cone  6 , the chassis  4 , and/or the head cone  8  may comprise one or more ports  126  to deliver the one or more chemicals. It will be appreciated that there may be no pump  124  in some embodiments. Instead, chemicals are supplied to a reservoir or reservoirs within the interior volume of the chassis  4 , and the chemicals are passively emitted through one or more ports as the plunger  2  travels in and out of the well. In the multiple reservoir embodiments, different reservoirs may have different sizes, volume capacities, and may be charged with different pressures. This variability allows for customization of the rate, timing, etc. that the plunger  2  emits chemicals, and the multiple reservoirs allow for multi-component compounds to combine outside of the plunger  2 . 
         [0097]    A controller  128  is operatively interconnected to the pump  124  in  FIG. 10 . The controller  128  may be a timer that directs the pump  124  to begin delivering a chemical after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. In other embodiments, the controller  128  may be a pressure sensor that detects a threshold pressure. In yet other embodiments, the controller  128  may determine the depth of the plunger  2  down the well and direct the pump  124  to deliver one or more chemicals at a predetermined depth or range of depths. 
         [0098]      FIG. 10  also shows a chemical delivery float  130 , which may be placed in the interior volume of the chassis  4  at the surface of the wellbore. Gravity pulls the float through the interior volume of the chassis  4 , and the float  130  rests against the bolt  16  used to secure the nose cone  6  to the chassis  4 . When the plunger  2  descends to the bottom of the wellbore and contacts a liquid, the liquid enters the ported bolt  16  and causes the chemical float  130  to rise through the interior volume of the chassis  4  since the chemical float  130  is less dense than the liquid (typical water which has a density of 1000 kg/m), and is thus buoyant. The chemical float  130  rises through the interior volume of the chassis  4  and emerges through the head cone  8  above the plunger  2  to deliver the chemicals from the  130  float. It will be appreciated that the various chemical delivery systems may be used in alone or in combination. 
         [0099]    Now referring to  FIG. 11 , a cross-sectional view of a plunger  2  having an electronic system for collecting data is provided. A central processing unit (CPU)  132  may be disposed in a portion of the plunger  2 , which in this embodiment is the head cone  8  of the plunger  2 . Sensors  134  may be disposed at various locations on the plunger  2 , including the nose cone  6 , the sleeves  10 , the short sleeve  14 , the chassis  4 , and the head cone  8 . The sensors  134  may collect various types of data. For example, a sensor  134  may detect sound or vibrations, chemicals, electric current or potential, fluid flow, radiation, position, angle of orientation, displacement, distance, speed, acceleration, pressure, force, heat, temperature, and other characteristics. Multiple types of sensors  134  may be utilized on a plunger  2 . Data collected by the sensors  134  is sent the CPU  132 , and in some embodiments, the CPU  132  may process the data. The CPU  132  may calculate, for example, the geometry of the well, characteristics of the resource or reservoir of resources in the well, the pressure and temperature as a function of well depth, various fluid levels, and plunger  2  diagnostics such as evaluating the plunger  2  for corrosion. In this particular example, electrical resistance detected on the surfaces of the plunger  2  may be used to model corrosion of the plunger  2 . 
         [0100]    Data processed by the CPU  132  or raw data from the sensors  134  may then be delivered to a first transceiver  136  for transmission to the surface of the well. In this embodiment, the first transceiver  136  establishes a wireless electronic communication with a second transceiver  138  at the surface of the well. The transceivers  136 ,  138  may use wireless data transmission protocols such as Bluetooth®, Infrared, WiFi, WiMax, 3G, LTE, etc. In other embodiments, the transceivers  136 ,  138  may use wired technologies such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) and Thunderbolt® to retrieve data once the plunger  2  ascends back to the surface of the well. In yet other embodiments, the plunger  2  maintains a wired electronic communication with the surface of the well as the plunger  2  descends and ascends from the well. 
         [0101]    It will be appreciated that in other embodiments of the invention, the electronics may not be located in the head cone  8  of the plunger  2 . For example, in an alternative embodiment, the CPU  130 , the first transceiver  136 , and other related electronics may be positioned within the interior volume of the chassis  4 . These electronics may be contained within a separate housing in the interior volume of the chassis  4  to prevent interaction with fluid flowing through the entrance aperture and through the interior volume of the chassis  4 . It will be further appreciated that the electronic devices in  FIG. 11  may each have a non-transitory computer readable medium to store a data set collected from the sensors  134 . As described, the electronic devices may communicate wirelessly or with a wired connection while the plunger  2  is downhole, or alternatively, the electronic device on the plunger  2  may dump the data set to an electronic device positioned at the surface of the well bore. 
         [0102]    The present invention has significant benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavors. It is the Applicant&#39;s intent that this specification and the claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the present invention being disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to the specific examples disclosed. 
         [0103]    The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or”, as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B, and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together. 
         [0104]    Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, dimensions, conditions, and so forth used in the specification, drawings, and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” 
         [0105]    The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. 
         [0106]    The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” and variations thereof, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof can be used interchangeably herein. 
         [0107]    It shall be understood that the term “means” as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112(f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials, or acts, and the equivalents thereof, shall include all those described in the summary of the present invention, brief description of the drawings, detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves. 
         [0108]    The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for illustration and description purposes. However, the description is not intended to limit the present invention to only the forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the present invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0109]    Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings and skill and knowledge of the relevant art are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described herein above are further intended to explain best modes of practicing the present invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such a manner, or include other embodiments with various modifications as required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. Thus, it is intended that the claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.