Patent attributes
A rotator apparatus for rotating a plunger, traveling barrel, valve rod, or sucker rod of a pumping system. The apparatus is adapted to be coupled to various downhole pump components and positioned within the wellbore. In one embodiment, the rotator apparatus includes a north coupling component, a piston, a cage, and a south coupling component. In an embodiment, the piston may include a plurality of flutes, which are formed so as to impart cyclonic rotation on fluids passing into the interior of the piston. On each downstroke and upstroke, the piston rotates an increment, causing the south coupling component and plunger, traveling barrel, valve rod, or sucker rod to rotate an increment. The rotation imparted on the plunger, traveling barrel, valve rod, or sucker rod redistributes the solids present in the fluid, preventing accumulation of the solids and constant wear in one particular area of the plunger and/or barrel.
