Patent attributes
A jointed plunger assembly has a north end cap, a south end cap, and a body therebetween. The body includes at least one joint segment. In one embodiment, multiple joint segments are provided. Joints are formed throughout the body. In one embodiment, a flex rod is positioned in the north end cap, south end cap, and body. The flex rod is configured to flex and also seal fluid within the assembly, thereby preventing fluid leakage and helping to ensure that pumped fluid is moved upward and away from the pump. The assembly is configured to flex at each joint and is capable of flexing in various directions to follow the contours of the wellbore and the pump barrel. This configuration provides increased efficiency for deviated and horizontal pumping operations and helps the assembly components to wear more evenly, extending plunger life.