US20140151023A1 - Adapter assembly for a well system - Google Patents
Adapter assembly for a well system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140151023A1 US20140151023A1 US13/786,837 US201313786837A US2014151023A1 US 20140151023 A1 US20140151023 A1 US 20140151023A1 US 201313786837 A US201313786837 A US 201313786837A US 2014151023 A1 US2014151023 A1 US 2014151023A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- coupling member
- adapter
- adapter assembly
- well
- fluid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 153
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 153
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 44
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 34
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 25
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 20
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 229920000265 Polyparaphenylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- -1 polyphenylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 10
- 229920002223 polystyrene Polymers 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 11
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- KUNSUQLRTQLHQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper tin Chemical compound [Cu].[Sn] KUNSUQLRTQLHQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 3
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Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
- E21B41/0035—Apparatus or methods for multilateral well technology, e.g. for the completion of or workover on wells with one or more lateral branches
- E21B41/0042—Apparatus or methods for multilateral well technology, e.g. for the completion of or workover on wells with one or more lateral branches characterised by sealing the junction between a lateral and a main bore
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B23/00—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
- E21B17/02—Couplings; joints
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an adapter assembly for a well system, and more particularly to an adapter assembly for a pitless well system, which minimizes a weighted average lead content of the adapter assembly.
- a drilled, pitless well 10 is fitted with a well casing 12 in an upper extent thereof.
- a submersible pump 14 is suspended in the well below a water level 16 on one end of a supply pipe 18 .
- An upper end of the supply pipe is attached to an inlet of an adapter 20 of an adapter assembly 22 .
- Water from the supply pipe 18 passes through the adapter 20 and into a feed pipe 24 .
- the feed pipe 24 delivers the water to a receiving structure 26 such as a building, a house, or a storage tank, for example.
- the adapter 20 is supported in the well 10 by side walls of the well casing 12 through which the adapter 20 extends and a coupling member 28 of the adapter assembly 22 .
- the coupling member 28 is disposed on an outer surface of the well casing 12 .
- a pull pipe 30 is threaded into a top end of the adapter 20 .
- the pull pipe 30 permits the adapter 20 and the submersible pump 14 to be pulled from the well 10 when necessary.
- the adapter 20 and the coupling member 28 are preferably formed of a cast bronze material in accordance with current standards and regulations.
- the cast bronze material typically contains lead.
- wetted surfaces of the adapter 20 and the coupling member 28 include a percentage of lead.
- water flowing through the adapter 20 and the coupling member 28 become contaminated with lead.
- Exposure to the lead in the water can cause series health problems and may lead to poisoning of individuals drinking the water.
- the effects of lead poisoning are neurological or teratogenic. Lead affects bones, teeth, kidneys, and every organ system of a human body, especially the nervous system, but also the cardiovascular, immune, and reproductive systems.
- an adapter assembly for a well system comprises: an adapter configured to be disposed in a casing of a well, the adapter including an outwardly extending duct, wherein the adapter cooperates with a first coupling member to facilitate a flow of a fluid from the well, wherein the adapter includes at least one of a substantially planar mating surface located on a face of the duct and a housing formed from a substantially lead-free material, and wherein a weighted average lead content of the adapter assembly with respect to wetted surfaces of the adapter and the first coupling member is no more than about 0.25 percent.
- an adapter assembly for a well system comprises: an adapter configured to be disposed in a casing of a well, the adapter cooperates with a first coupling member to facilitate a flow of a fluid from the well, wherein at least one of the adapter and the first coupling member is formed from a polyphenylene ether-polystyrene blended plastic material.
- the method comprises the step of: forming an adapter from a polyphenylene ether-polystyrene blended plastic material, wherein the adapter is configured to be disposed in a casing of a well.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a typical pitless well system including an adapter assembly
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional plan view of the adapter assembly and the well casing illustrated in FIG. 2 taken along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the adapter illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 , showing a lever and an operating member removed from the adapter;
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view of the adapter assembly and the well casing illustrated in FIG. 5 taken along line 6 - 6 of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is a front side perspective view of the inner coupling member illustrated in FIGS. 5-6 ;
- FIG. 8 is a rear side perspective view of the inner coupling member illustrated in FIGS. 5-7 ;
- FIG. 9 is a table which lists mechanical properties, impact properties, and thermal properties of a material which can be used to form the adapters illustrated in FIGS. 2-6 , the outer coupling members illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and 5 - 6 , and/or the inner coupling member illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 ;
- FIG. 10 is a table which lists physical properties, electrical properties, and flame characteristics of the material which can be used to form the adapters illustrated in FIGS. 2-6 , the outer coupling members illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and 5 - 6 , and/or the inner coupling member illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 ; and
- FIG. 11 is a table which lists processing parameters of the material which can be used to form the adapters illustrated in FIGS. 2-6 , the outer coupling members illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and 5 - 6 , and/or the inner coupling member illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 .
- FIGS. 2-3 show an adapter assembly 100 for a well system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the adapter assembly 100 includes an outer coupling member 101 and an adapter 102 . It is understood that the adapter assembly 100 can be employed in any well system such as a pitless well system, for example.
- the outer coupling member 101 can be formed by any suitable process as desired such as a casting process, an injection molding process, and the like, for example.
- the outer coupling member 101 is formed from a bronze material containing lead.
- the outer coupling member 101 can be formed from a lead-free material such as a polyphenylene ether-polystyrene (PPE-PS) blended plastic material sold as NorylTM, for example.
- PPE-PS polyphenylene ether-polystyrene
- the PPE-PS blended plastic material provides dimensional stability of the outer coupling member 101 and minimizes mold shrinkage, water absorption, and creep behavior thereof at elevated temperatures, as well as provides an outer coupling member 101 having a strength which is substantially unaffected by humidity, temperature (heat or cold), and wall thickness. Accordingly, the PPE-PS blended plastic material may be used with substantially predictable performance over a wide temperature range. Typical properties and processing parameters of the PPE-PS blended plastic material are listed in tables shown in FIGS. 9-11 . It is understood that the PPE-PS blended plastic material can be used to produce outer coupling members having other designs and configurations than shown and described hereinafter.
- the outer coupling member 101 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a passage 104 formed therein.
- the passage 104 has an inlet 106 and an outlet 108 .
- An annular inner wall 120 extends radially inwardly from an inner surface of the outer coupling member 101 into the passage 104 intermediate the inlet 106 and the outlet 108 .
- the inner wall 120 includes an aperture 121 formed therein to permit a fluid to flow through the outer coupling member 101 .
- a substantially smooth first surface 122 of the inner wall 120 receives a sealing member 124 thereon. Additional sealing members 124 may be employed if desired. It is understood that the sealing member 124 can be any suitable sealing member as desired such as an O-ring formed from an elastomeric material, for example.
- the outlet 108 is configured to be coupled to a feed pipe (not shown).
- a feed pipe (not shown).
- an inner surface of the outlet 108 can include threads 128 formed therein to facilitate a substantially fluid-tight threaded connection between the outer coupling member 101 and the feed pipe.
- the outer coupling member 101 can be coupled to the feed pipe by any means as desired such as flanges, clamps, fasteners, adhesive, and the like, for example.
- the feed pipe supplies the fluid to a receiving structure such as a commercial or residential building, a fluid reservoir, and the like, for example.
- An inlet end of the feed pipe can abut a substantially smooth second surface 130 of the inner wall 120 if desired.
- the outer coupling member 101 has a concave face 132 conforming substantially to a circumferential outer surface 134 of a well casing 136 disposed in the ground during a drilling of the well.
- the face 132 may include an annular groove 138 formed therein.
- a diameter of the groove 138 is larger than a diameter of a passage 139 formed in the well casing 136 .
- a sealing member 140 may be disposed in the groove 138 to surround the passage 139 formed in the well casing 136 .
- the sealing member 140 forms a substantially fluid-tight seal between the outer coupling member 101 and the well casing 136 when the outer coupling member 101 is coupled to the well casing 136 .
- the outer coupling member 101 is affixed to the outer surface 134 of the well casing 136 by a fastening assembly 141 . It is understood, however, that the outer coupling member 101 can be coupled to the well casing 136 by other means as desired such as by welding, adhesive, and the like, for example.
- the fastening assembly 141 includes a substantially rigid U-bolt 142 having spaced apart threaded ends 144 , 146 , a plurality of spacers 148 , and a plurality of threaded nuts 150 .
- the outer coupling member 101 includes outwardly extending shoulders 152 , 154 integrally formed therewith. An aperture 155 is formed in each of the shoulders 152 , 154 .
- the apertures 155 are spaced apart a distance substantially equal to a spacing between the threaded ends 144 , 146 of the U-bolt 142 .
- the distance being substantially equal to an outer diameter of the well casing 136 .
- the spacers 148 and the threaded nuts 150 are provided on the threaded ends 144 , 146 of the U-bolt 142 to urge the outer coupling member 101 into abutment with the well casing 136 .
- the PPE-PS blended plastic material may be used with substantially predictable performance over a wide temperature range. Typical properties and processing parameters of the PPE-PS blended plastic material are listed in tables shown in FIGS. 9-11 . It is understood that the PPE-PS blended plastic material can be used to produce adapters having other designs and configurations than shown and described hereinafter.
- a first end 164 of the housing 160 adjacent an inlet of the elbow duct 162 is configured to be coupled to an outlet end of a supply pipe 165 .
- an inner surface 166 of the first end 164 can include threads 167 formed therein to facilitate a substantially fluid-tight threaded connection between the adapter 102 and the supply pipe 165 .
- the first end 164 of the housing 160 can be coupled to the supply pipe 165 by any means as desired such as clamps, fasteners, adhesive, and the like, for example.
- an inlet end of the supply pipe 165 is coupled to a submersible pump (not shown) for causing a flow of the fluid into the supply pipe 165 .
- An opposing second end 168 of the housing 160 is configured to be coupled to a pull pipe 169 .
- an inner surface 170 of the second end 168 can include threads 171 formed therein to facilitate a threaded connection between the adapter 102 and the pull pipe 169 .
- the second end 168 of the housing 160 can be coupled to the pull pipe 169 by any means as desired such as clamps, fasteners, adhesive, and the like, for example.
- the pull pipe 169 has a sufficient length to extend above the well casing 136 and be adjustably held atop of the well casing 136 .
- the adapter 102 further includes a neck duct 172 extending laterally outwardly therefrom.
- the neck duct 172 shown has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and includes a passage 174 formed therein.
- the passage 174 receives the fluid therein.
- An inlet of the passage 174 is in fluid communication with an outlet of the elbow duct 162 and an outlet of the passage 174 is in fluid communication with the passage 104 of the outer coupling member 101 .
- An outer diameter of the neck duct 172 is substantially constant and slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the passage 139 of the well casing 136 and an inner diameter of the passage 104 of the outer coupling member 101 .
- the neck duct 172 is received through the passage 139 of the well casing 136 and into the inlet of the passage 104 .
- a substantially planar mating surface 176 of the neck duct 172 abuts the sealing member 124 disposed on the inner wall 120 of the outer coupling member 101 forming a substantially fluid-tight seal between the adapter 102 and the outer coupling member 101 . It is understood that the substantially fluid-tight seal between the adapter 102 and the outer coupling member 101 can be obtained by other means such as by use of an adhesive, for example. Because the substantially planar mating surface 176 of the present invention is located on a face of the neck duct 172 , the neck duct 172 does not include an annular groove formed therein.
- a thickness of the neck duct 172 is substantially constant, maximizing a strength of the neck duct 172 . Further, the neck duct 172 does not require additional machining prior to assembly with the outer coupling member 101 , minimizing a cost thereof.
- a pivot lever 178 is coupled to the adapter 102 .
- the lever 178 is provided for pressing against an inner wall 180 of the well casing 136 opposite the passage 139 formed in the well casing 136 .
- the lever 178 exerts a coupling force in a direction of the outer coupling member 101 .
- the lever 178 may have a casing engaging first portion 182 , a second portion 183 opposite the first portion 182 against which an operating force may be applied, and a fulcrum pin 184 .
- the second portion of the lever 178 is received in a cavity 186 (shown in FIG.
- Each end of the fulcrum pin 184 may be received and secured in one of a pair of aligned apertures 188 (shown in FIG. 4 ) formed in laterally spaced apart lugs 190 of the housing 160 .
- Force may be exerted upon the second portion of the lever 178 by a positioning of an operating member 192 (shown in FIG. 2 ).
- the operating member 192 can be any member suitable for exerting a desired force upon the second portion of the lever 178 .
- the operating member 192 can be actuated by any means as desired such as a spring, for example.
- the force is caused to be exerted upon the second portion of the lever 178 by a rotation of a substantially vertically disposed operating screw located in a threaded aperture 194 (shown in FIG. 4 ) formed in the second end 168 of the housing 160 .
- the force causes the first portion 182 of the lever 178 to be urged against the inner wall 180 of the well casing 136 , thereby moving the adapter 102 towards the outer coupling member 101 and into sealing engagement therewith.
- Wetted surfaces (surfaces in direct contact with the fluid) of the adapter assembly include an inner surface of the elbow duct 162 of the adapter 102 , an inner surface of the neck duct 172 of the adapter 102 , an inner surface of the inner wall 120 of the outer coupling member 101 , and any portion of the outer coupling member 101 between the inner wall 120 and the feed pipe which remains exposed to the fluid.
- a weighted average lead content of the adapter assembly 100 with respect to the wetted surfaces of the adapter 102 and the outer coupling member 101 is no more than about 0.25 percent, which is a significant decrease from that of prior art adapter assemblies.
- the weighted average lead content of the adapter assembly 100 is calculated by multiplying a percentage of lead content in the adapter 102 times a ratio of the wetted surface area of the adapter 102 to a total wetted surface area of the adapter assembly 100 to arrive at a weighted percentage of lead of the adapter 102 , multiplying a percentage of lead content in the outer coupling member 101 times a ratio of the wetted surface area of the outer coupling member 101 to the total wetted surface area of the adapter assembly 100 to arrive at a weighted percentage of lead of the outer coupling member 101 , and summing the weighted percentages of the adapter 102 and the outer coupling member 101 to arrive at the weighted average lead content of the adapter assembly 100 .
- the outer coupling member 101 is positioned on the outer surface 134 of the well casing 136 such that the passage 104 of the outer coupling member 101 is substantially aligned with the passage 139 formed in the well casing 136 .
- the outer coupling member 101 is then affixed to the well casing 136 using any suitable means as desired such as by the fastening assembly 141 .
- the sealing member 140 forms a substantially fluid-tight seal between the outer coupling member 101 and the well casing 136 .
- the adapter 102 is then assembled with other components of the well system before placement inside the well casing 136 .
- the first end 164 of the housing 160 of the adapter 102 is coupled to the outlet end of the supply pipe 165 , forming a substantially fluid-tight connection therebetween.
- the inlet end of the supply pipe 165 is coupled to the submersible pump.
- the second end 168 of the housing 160 of the adapter 102 is then coupled to the pull pipe 169 .
- the adapter 102 is assembled with the supply pipe 165 and the pull pipe 169 , it is placed inside the well casing 136 .
- the adapter 102 is lowered within the well casing 136 until the neck duct 172 of the housing 160 is brought into substantial alignment with the passage 139 of the well casing 136 and the passage 104 of the outer coupling member 101 .
- the neck duct 172 is disposed through the passage 139 of the well casing 136 and into the passage 104 of the outer coupling member 101 .
- the operating member 192 is caused to exert a force upon the second portion of the lever 178 of the adapter 102 , which urges the corresponding first portion 182 of the lever 178 into engagement with the inner wall 180 of the well casing 136 .
- the engagement of the first portion 182 with the well casing 136 causes the adapter 102 to move towards the outer coupling member 101 and into fluid-tight sealing engagement therewith.
- the mating surface 176 of the neck duct 172 is urged towards the inner wall 120 of the outer coupling member 101 , compressing the one or more sealing members 124 therebetween and forming a substantially fluid-tight seal.
- the fluid from the well flows into the supply pipe 165 .
- the fluid is caused to flow into the supply pipe 165 by the submersible pump.
- the fluid from the supply pipe 165 then flows through the elbow and neck ducts 162 , 172 , respectively, of the adapter 102 and into the passage 104 of the outer coupling member 101 .
- the fluid flows into the feed pipe which delivers the fluid to the receiving structure such as the commercial or residential building, the fluid reservoir, and the like, for example.
- FIGS. 5-6 show an adapter assembly 200 for a well system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Structure similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 includes the same reference numeral and a prime (′) symbol for clarity.
- the adapter assembly 200 includes an outer coupling member 101 ′, an inner coupling member 201 , and an adapter 102 ′.
- the structure of the outer coupling member 101 ′ is substantially similar to the above description of the outer coupling member 101 except that the outer coupling member 101 ′ may be formed without the annular inner wall 120 and is preferably formed from a lead-free material such as a polyphenylene ether-polystyrene (PPE-PS) blended plastic material sold as NorylTM, for example.
- PPE-PS blended plastic material provides dimensional stability of the outer coupling member 101 ′ and minimizes mold shrinkage, water absorption, and creep behavior thereof at elevated temperatures, as well as provides a outer coupling member 101 ′ having a strength which is substantially unaffected by humidity, temperature (heat or cold), and wall thickness. Accordingly, the PPE-PS blended plastic material may be used with substantially predictable performance over a wide temperature range. Typical properties and processing parameters of the PPE-PS blended plastic material are listed in tables shown in FIGS. 9-11 .
- the inner coupling member 201 shown is formed by an injection molding process. It is understood, however, that the inner coupling member 201 can be formed by any suitable process as desired.
- the inner coupling member 201 is preferably formed from a lead-free material such as a polyphenylene ether-polystyrene (PPE-PS) blended plastic material sold as NorylTM, for example.
- PPE-PS blended plastic material provides dimensional stability of the inner coupling member 201 and minimizes mold shrinkage, water absorption, and creep behavior thereof at elevated temperatures, as well as provides an inner coupling member 201 having a strength which is substantially unaffected by humidity, temperature (heat or cold), and wall thickness. Accordingly, the PPE-PS blended plastic material may be used with substantially predictable performance over a wide temperature range. Typical properties and processing parameters of the PPE-PS blended plastic material are listed in tables shown in FIGS. 9-11 .
- the inner coupling member 201 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a passage 202 formed therein.
- the inner coupling member 201 has a convex face 204 (shown in FIGS. 6-7 ) conforming substantially to a circumferential inner wall 180 ′ of a well casing 136 ′.
- the face 204 may include an annular groove 205 formed therein.
- a sealing member 206 (shown in FIGS. 5-6 ) may be disposed in the groove 205 to surround the passage 139 ′ formed in the well casing 136 ′ and form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the inner coupling member 201 and the well casing 136 ′.
- the inner coupling member 201 may also include a plurality of ribs 207 (shown in FIGS. 7-8 ) to provide support and militate against a flexing of the inner coupling member 201 .
- the structure of the adapter 102 ′ shown in FIGS. 5-6 is substantially similar to the above description of the adapter 102 shown in FIGS. 2-4 except for a neck duct 208 extending laterally outwardly from the housing 160 ′.
- the neck duct 208 has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and includes a passage 210 formed therein.
- the passage 210 receives the fluid therein.
- An inlet of the passage 210 is in fluid communication with an outlet of an elbow duct 162 ′ (shown in FIG. 5 ) and an outlet of the passage 210 is in fluid communication with the outer coupling member 101 ′ through the passage 202 of the inner coupling member 201 .
- the neck duct 208 includes a first portion 212 adjacent the housing 160 ′ and a second portion 214 terminating at a shoulder 216 .
- the shoulder 216 includes a substantially planar mating surface for abutting a sealing member 220 received on the second portion 214 of the neck duct 208 .
- An outer diameter of the first portion 212 of the neck duct 208 is relatively larger than an outer diameter of the second portion 214 thereof.
- the outer diameter of the second portion 214 is slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the passage 202 of the inner coupling member 201 .
- the neck duct 208 is received into the passage 202 .
- a substantially planar mating surface 222 (shown in FIGS.
- the substantially fluid-tight seal between the adapter 102 ′ and the inner coupling member 201 can be obtained by other means such as by use of an adhesive, for example.
- a pivot lever 178 ′ is coupled to the adapter 102 ′.
- the lever 178 ′ is provided for pressing against the inner wall 180 ′ of the well casing 136 ′ opposite the passage 139 ′ formed in the well casing 136 ′.
- the lever 178 ′ exerts a coupling force in a direction of the inner and outer coupling members 201 , 101 ′, respectively.
- the lever 178 ′ may have a casing engaging first portion 182 ′, a second portion 183 ′ opposite the first portion 182 ′ against which an operating force may be applied, and a fulcrum pin 184 ′.
- the second portion 183 ′ of the lever 178 ′ is received in a cavity (not shown) formed in the housing 160 ′, generally above the elbow duct 162 ′, to permit pivotal movement of the lever 178 ′ from a retracted first position to an extended second position, shown in FIG. 5 .
- Each end of the fulcrum pin 184 ′ may be received and secured in one of a pair of aligned apertures (not shown) formed in laterally spaced apart lugs 190 ′ of the housing 160 ′.
- the force causes the first portion 182 ′ of the lever 178 ′ to be urged against the inner wall 180 ′ of the well casing 136 ′, thereby moving the adapter 102 ′ towards the inner and outer coupling members 201 , 101 ′, respectively, and into sealing engagement therewith.
- Wetted surfaces (surfaces in direct contact with the fluid) of the adapter assembly include an inner surface of the elbow duct 162 ′ of the adapter 102 ′, an inner surface of the neck duct 208 of the adapter 102 ′, an inner surface of the passage 202 of the inner coupling member 201 , and any portion of the outer coupling member 101 ′ exposed to the fluid.
- the outer coupling member 101 , the inner coupling member 201 , the adapter 102 ′, or any combination thereof can be formed from the PPE-PS blended plastic material.
- a weighted average lead content of the adapter assembly 200 with respect to the wetted surfaces of the adapter 102 ′, the inner coupling member 201 , and the outer coupling member 101 ′ is no more than about 0.25 percent, which is a significant decrease from that of prior art adapter assemblies.
- a sealing member 140 ′ disposed in an annular groove 138 ′, forms a substantially fluid-tight seal between the outer coupling member 101 ′ and the well casing 136 ′.
- the adapter 102 ′ is then assembled with the inner coupling member 201 and other components of the well system before placement inside the well casing 136 ′.
- the neck duct 208 of the adapter 102 ′ is disposed in the passage 202 of the inner coupling member 201 .
- a first end 164 ′ of the housing 160 ′ of the adapter 102 ′ is then coupled to an outlet end of a supply pipe 165 ′, forming a substantially fluid-tight connection therebetween.
- the inlet end of the supply pipe 165 ′ is coupled to a submersible pump (not shown).
- a second end 168 ′ of the housing 160 ′ of the adapter 102 ′ is then coupled to a pull pipe 169 ′.
- the adapter 102 ′ is assembled with the inner coupling member 201 , the supply pipe 165 ′, and the pull pipe 169 ′, it is placed inside the well casing 136 ′.
- the pull pipe 169 ′ the adapter 102 ′ is lowered within the well casing 136 ′ until the passage 202 of the inner coupling member 201 is brought into substantial alignment with the passage 139 ′ of the well casing 136 ′ and the passage 104 ′ of the outer coupling member 101 ′.
- the mating surface of the neck duct 208 is urged towards the mating surface 222 of the inner coupling member 201 , compressing the sealing member 220 therebetween, and forming a substantially fluid-tight seal.
- the sealing member 206 forms a substantially fluid-tight seal between the inner coupling member 201 and the well casing 136 ′.
- the fluid from the well flows into the supply pipe 165 ′.
- the fluid is caused to flow into the supply pipe 165 ′ by the submersible pump.
- the fluid from the supply pipe 165 ′ then flows through the elbow and neck ducts 162 ′, 208 , respectively, of the adapter 102 ′, through the passage 202 of the inner coupling member 201 , and into the passage 104 ′ of the outer coupling member 101 ′.
- the fluid flows into a feed pipe which delivers the fluid to a receiving structure such as a commercial or residential building, a fluid reservoir, and the like, for example.
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- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
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Abstract
An adapter assembly for a well system includes at least one coupling member having a passage formed therein and an adapter including a neck duct formed thereon. The neck duct is received in the passage of the coupling member forming a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween. At least the adapter is formed from a lead-free material, minimizing a weighted average lead content of the adapter assembly.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/731,533 filed Nov. 30, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to an adapter assembly for a well system, and more particularly to an adapter assembly for a pitless well system, which minimizes a weighted average lead content of the adapter assembly.
- in a typical water well system shown in
FIG. 1 , a drilled,pitless well 10 is fitted with awell casing 12 in an upper extent thereof. Asubmersible pump 14 is suspended in the well below awater level 16 on one end of asupply pipe 18. An upper end of the supply pipe is attached to an inlet of anadapter 20 of anadapter assembly 22. Water from thesupply pipe 18 passes through theadapter 20 and into afeed pipe 24. Thefeed pipe 24 delivers the water to areceiving structure 26 such as a building, a house, or a storage tank, for example. Theadapter 20 is supported in thewell 10 by side walls of thewell casing 12 through which theadapter 20 extends and acoupling member 28 of theadapter assembly 22. Thecoupling member 28 is disposed on an outer surface of thewell casing 12. Apull pipe 30 is threaded into a top end of theadapter 20. Thepull pipe 30 permits theadapter 20 and thesubmersible pump 14 to be pulled from thewell 10 when necessary. - Currently, the
adapter 20 and thecoupling member 28 are preferably formed of a cast bronze material in accordance with current standards and regulations. The cast bronze material typically contains lead. As such, wetted surfaces of theadapter 20 and thecoupling member 28 include a percentage of lead. As a result, water flowing through theadapter 20 and thecoupling member 28 become contaminated with lead. Exposure to the lead in the water can cause series health problems and may lead to poisoning of individuals drinking the water. Generally, the effects of lead poisoning are neurological or teratogenic. Lead affects bones, teeth, kidneys, and every organ system of a human body, especially the nervous system, but also the cardiovascular, immune, and reproductive systems. - Accordingly, it would be desirable to develop an adapter assembly for a well system which minimizes a weighted average lead content of the thereof.
- In concordance and agreement with the present invention, an adapter assembly for a well system which minimizes a weighted average lead content thereof, has surprisingly been discovered.
- In one embodiment, an adapter assembly for a well system, comprises: an adapter configured to be disposed in a casing of a well, the adapter including an outwardly extending duct, wherein the adapter cooperates with a first coupling member to facilitate a flow of a fluid from the well, wherein the adapter includes at least one of a substantially planar mating surface located on a face of the duct and a housing formed from a substantially lead-free material, and wherein a weighted average lead content of the adapter assembly with respect to wetted surfaces of the adapter and the first coupling member is no more than about 0.25 percent.
- In another embodiment, an adapter assembly for a well system, comprises: an adapter configured to be disposed in a casing of a well, the adapter cooperates with a first coupling member to facilitate a flow of a fluid from the well, wherein at least one of the adapter and the first coupling member is formed from a polyphenylene ether-polystyrene blended plastic material.
- In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of forming an adapter assembly for a well system.
- The method comprises the step of: forming an adapter from a polyphenylene ether-polystyrene blended plastic material, wherein the adapter is configured to be disposed in a casing of a well.
- The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, when considered in the light of the accompanying photographs and illustrations:
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FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a typical pitless well system including an adapter assembly; -
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary right side elevational view of an adapter assembly for a well system according to an embodiment of the invention, showing the adapter assembly coupled to a well casing and an adapter of the adapter assembly connected to a supply line and a pull line, wherein the well casing, a fastening assembly, and an outer coupling member of the adapter assembly are shown in section; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional plan view of the adapter assembly and the well casing illustrated inFIG. 2 taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the adapter illustrated inFIGS. 2-3 , showing a lever and an operating member removed from the adapter; -
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary right side elevational view of an adapter assembly for a well system according to another embodiment of the invention, showing the adapter assembly coupled to a well casing and an adapter of the adapter assembly connected to a supply line and a pull line, wherein the well casing, a fastening assembly, and an outer coupling member and an inner coupling member of the adapter assembly are shown in section; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view of the adapter assembly and the well casing illustrated inFIG. 5 taken along line 6-6 ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a front side perspective view of the inner coupling member illustrated inFIGS. 5-6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a rear side perspective view of the inner coupling member illustrated inFIGS. 5-7 ; -
FIG. 9 is a table which lists mechanical properties, impact properties, and thermal properties of a material which can be used to form the adapters illustrated inFIGS. 2-6 , the outer coupling members illustrated inFIGS. 2-3 and 5-6, and/or the inner coupling member illustrated inFIGS. 5-8 ; -
FIG. 10 is a table which lists physical properties, electrical properties, and flame characteristics of the material which can be used to form the adapters illustrated inFIGS. 2-6 , the outer coupling members illustrated inFIGS. 2-3 and 5-6, and/or the inner coupling member illustrated inFIGS. 5-8 ; and -
FIG. 11 is a table which lists processing parameters of the material which can be used to form the adapters illustrated inFIGS. 2-6 , the outer coupling members illustrated inFIGS. 2-3 and 5-6, and/or the inner coupling member illustrated inFIGS. 5-8 . - The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.
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FIGS. 2-3 show anadapter assembly 100 for a well system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Theadapter assembly 100 includes anouter coupling member 101 and anadapter 102. It is understood that theadapter assembly 100 can be employed in any well system such as a pitless well system, for example. Theouter coupling member 101 can be formed by any suitable process as desired such as a casting process, an injection molding process, and the like, for example. In certain embodiments, theouter coupling member 101 is formed from a bronze material containing lead. In other embodiments, however, theouter coupling member 101 can be formed from a lead-free material such as a polyphenylene ether-polystyrene (PPE-PS) blended plastic material sold as Noryl™, for example. The PPE-PS blended plastic material provides dimensional stability of theouter coupling member 101 and minimizes mold shrinkage, water absorption, and creep behavior thereof at elevated temperatures, as well as provides anouter coupling member 101 having a strength which is substantially unaffected by humidity, temperature (heat or cold), and wall thickness. Accordingly, the PPE-PS blended plastic material may be used with substantially predictable performance over a wide temperature range. Typical properties and processing parameters of the PPE-PS blended plastic material are listed in tables shown inFIGS. 9-11 . It is understood that the PPE-PS blended plastic material can be used to produce outer coupling members having other designs and configurations than shown and described hereinafter. - The
outer coupling member 101 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes apassage 104 formed therein. Thepassage 104 has aninlet 106 and anoutlet 108. An annularinner wall 120 extends radially inwardly from an inner surface of theouter coupling member 101 into thepassage 104 intermediate theinlet 106 and theoutlet 108. Theinner wall 120 includes anaperture 121 formed therein to permit a fluid to flow through theouter coupling member 101. A substantially smoothfirst surface 122 of theinner wall 120 receives a sealingmember 124 thereon.Additional sealing members 124 may be employed if desired. It is understood that the sealingmember 124 can be any suitable sealing member as desired such as an O-ring formed from an elastomeric material, for example. - In certain embodiments, the
outlet 108 is configured to be coupled to a feed pipe (not shown). For example, an inner surface of theoutlet 108 can includethreads 128 formed therein to facilitate a substantially fluid-tight threaded connection between theouter coupling member 101 and the feed pipe. It is understood that theouter coupling member 101 can be coupled to the feed pipe by any means as desired such as flanges, clamps, fasteners, adhesive, and the like, for example. The feed pipe supplies the fluid to a receiving structure such as a commercial or residential building, a fluid reservoir, and the like, for example. An inlet end of the feed pipe can abut a substantially smoothsecond surface 130 of theinner wall 120 if desired. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , theouter coupling member 101 has aconcave face 132 conforming substantially to a circumferentialouter surface 134 of awell casing 136 disposed in the ground during a drilling of the well. Theface 132 may include anannular groove 138 formed therein. A diameter of thegroove 138 is larger than a diameter of apassage 139 formed in thewell casing 136. A sealingmember 140 may be disposed in thegroove 138 to surround thepassage 139 formed in thewell casing 136. The sealingmember 140 forms a substantially fluid-tight seal between theouter coupling member 101 and thewell casing 136 when theouter coupling member 101 is coupled to thewell casing 136. - In certain embodiments, the
outer coupling member 101 is affixed to theouter surface 134 of thewell casing 136 by afastening assembly 141. It is understood, however, that theouter coupling member 101 can be coupled to thewell casing 136 by other means as desired such as by welding, adhesive, and the like, for example. As shown, thefastening assembly 141 includes a substantiallyrigid U-bolt 142 having spaced apart threaded ends 144, 146, a plurality ofspacers 148, and a plurality of threaded nuts 150. Theouter coupling member 101 includes outwardly extendingshoulders aperture 155 is formed in each of theshoulders apertures 155 are spaced apart a distance substantially equal to a spacing between the threaded ends 144, 146 of theU-bolt 142. The distance being substantially equal to an outer diameter of thewell casing 136. Thespacers 148 and the threadednuts 150 are provided on the threaded ends 144, 146 of the U-bolt 142 to urge theouter coupling member 101 into abutment with thewell casing 136. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2-4 , theadapter 102 includes ahousing 160 having anelbow duct 162 formed therein. Thehousing 160 can be formed by any suitable process as desired such as an injection molding process, for example. In certain embodiments, thehousing 160 is formed from a lead-free material such as a polyphenylene ether-polystyrene (PPE-PS) blended plastic material sold as Noryl™, for example. The PPE-PS blended plastic material provides dimensional stability of thehousing 160 and minimizes mold shrinkage, water absorption, and creep behavior thereof at elevated temperatures, as well as provides ahousing 160 having a strength which is substantially unaffected by humidity, temperature (heat or cold), and wall thickness. Accordingly, the PPE-PS blended plastic material may be used with substantially predictable performance over a wide temperature range. Typical properties and processing parameters of the PPE-PS blended plastic material are listed in tables shown inFIGS. 9-11 . It is understood that the PPE-PS blended plastic material can be used to produce adapters having other designs and configurations than shown and described hereinafter. - A
first end 164 of thehousing 160 adjacent an inlet of theelbow duct 162 is configured to be coupled to an outlet end of asupply pipe 165. For example, aninner surface 166 of thefirst end 164 can includethreads 167 formed therein to facilitate a substantially fluid-tight threaded connection between theadapter 102 and thesupply pipe 165. It is understood that thefirst end 164 of thehousing 160 can be coupled to thesupply pipe 165 by any means as desired such as clamps, fasteners, adhesive, and the like, for example. In certain embodiments, an inlet end of thesupply pipe 165 is coupled to a submersible pump (not shown) for causing a flow of the fluid into thesupply pipe 165. - An opposing
second end 168 of thehousing 160 is configured to be coupled to apull pipe 169. For example, aninner surface 170 of thesecond end 168 can includethreads 171 formed therein to facilitate a threaded connection between theadapter 102 and thepull pipe 169. It is understood that thesecond end 168 of thehousing 160 can be coupled to thepull pipe 169 by any means as desired such as clamps, fasteners, adhesive, and the like, for example. Thepull pipe 169 has a sufficient length to extend above thewell casing 136 and be adjustably held atop of thewell casing 136. - The
adapter 102 further includes aneck duct 172 extending laterally outwardly therefrom. Theneck duct 172 shown has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and includes apassage 174 formed therein. Thepassage 174 receives the fluid therein. An inlet of thepassage 174 is in fluid communication with an outlet of theelbow duct 162 and an outlet of thepassage 174 is in fluid communication with thepassage 104 of theouter coupling member 101. An outer diameter of theneck duct 172 is substantially constant and slightly smaller than an inner diameter of thepassage 139 of thewell casing 136 and an inner diameter of thepassage 104 of theouter coupling member 101. Theneck duct 172 is received through thepassage 139 of thewell casing 136 and into the inlet of thepassage 104. A substantiallyplanar mating surface 176 of theneck duct 172 abuts the sealingmember 124 disposed on theinner wall 120 of theouter coupling member 101 forming a substantially fluid-tight seal between theadapter 102 and theouter coupling member 101. It is understood that the substantially fluid-tight seal between theadapter 102 and theouter coupling member 101 can be obtained by other means such as by use of an adhesive, for example. Because the substantiallyplanar mating surface 176 of the present invention is located on a face of theneck duct 172, theneck duct 172 does not include an annular groove formed therein. Accordingly, a thickness of theneck duct 172 is substantially constant, maximizing a strength of theneck duct 172. Further, theneck duct 172 does not require additional machining prior to assembly with theouter coupling member 101, minimizing a cost thereof. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , apivot lever 178 is coupled to theadapter 102. Thelever 178 is provided for pressing against aninner wall 180 of thewell casing 136 opposite thepassage 139 formed in thewell casing 136. Thelever 178 exerts a coupling force in a direction of theouter coupling member 101. Thelever 178 may have a casing engagingfirst portion 182, asecond portion 183 opposite thefirst portion 182 against which an operating force may be applied, and afulcrum pin 184. The second portion of thelever 178 is received in a cavity 186 (shown inFIG. 4 ) formed in thehousing 160, generally above theelbow duct 162, to permit pivotal movement of thelever 178 from a retracted first position to an extended second position, shown inFIG. 2 . Each end of thefulcrum pin 184 may be received and secured in one of a pair of aligned apertures 188 (shown inFIG. 4 ) formed in laterally spaced apart lugs 190 of thehousing 160. - Force may be exerted upon the second portion of the
lever 178 by a positioning of an operating member 192 (shown inFIG. 2 ). It is understood that the operatingmember 192 can be any member suitable for exerting a desired force upon the second portion of thelever 178. It is further understood that the operatingmember 192 can be actuated by any means as desired such as a spring, for example. In certain embodiments, the force is caused to be exerted upon the second portion of thelever 178 by a rotation of a substantially vertically disposed operating screw located in a threaded aperture 194 (shown inFIG. 4 ) formed in thesecond end 168 of thehousing 160. The force causes thefirst portion 182 of thelever 178 to be urged against theinner wall 180 of thewell casing 136, thereby moving theadapter 102 towards theouter coupling member 101 and into sealing engagement therewith. - Wetted surfaces (surfaces in direct contact with the fluid) of the adapter assembly include an inner surface of the
elbow duct 162 of theadapter 102, an inner surface of theneck duct 172 of theadapter 102, an inner surface of theinner wall 120 of theouter coupling member 101, and any portion of theouter coupling member 101 between theinner wall 120 and the feed pipe which remains exposed to the fluid. In the present embodiment, a weighted average lead content of theadapter assembly 100 with respect to the wetted surfaces of theadapter 102 and theouter coupling member 101 is no more than about 0.25 percent, which is a significant decrease from that of prior art adapter assemblies. The weighted average lead content of theadapter assembly 100 is calculated by multiplying a percentage of lead content in theadapter 102 times a ratio of the wetted surface area of theadapter 102 to a total wetted surface area of theadapter assembly 100 to arrive at a weighted percentage of lead of theadapter 102, multiplying a percentage of lead content in theouter coupling member 101 times a ratio of the wetted surface area of theouter coupling member 101 to the total wetted surface area of theadapter assembly 100 to arrive at a weighted percentage of lead of theouter coupling member 101, and summing the weighted percentages of theadapter 102 and theouter coupling member 101 to arrive at the weighted average lead content of theadapter assembly 100. - To assemble the
adapter assembly 100, theouter coupling member 101 is positioned on theouter surface 134 of thewell casing 136 such that thepassage 104 of theouter coupling member 101 is substantially aligned with thepassage 139 formed in thewell casing 136. Theouter coupling member 101 is then affixed to thewell casing 136 using any suitable means as desired such as by thefastening assembly 141. When theouter coupling member 101 is affixed to theouter surface 134 of thewell casing 136, the sealingmember 140 forms a substantially fluid-tight seal between theouter coupling member 101 and thewell casing 136. Theadapter 102 is then assembled with other components of the well system before placement inside thewell casing 136. In particular, thefirst end 164 of thehousing 160 of theadapter 102 is coupled to the outlet end of thesupply pipe 165, forming a substantially fluid-tight connection therebetween. In certain embodiments, the inlet end of thesupply pipe 165 is coupled to the submersible pump. Thesecond end 168 of thehousing 160 of theadapter 102 is then coupled to thepull pipe 169. - Once the
adapter 102 is assembled with thesupply pipe 165 and thepull pipe 169, it is placed inside thewell casing 136. Theadapter 102 is lowered within thewell casing 136 until theneck duct 172 of thehousing 160 is brought into substantial alignment with thepassage 139 of thewell casing 136 and thepassage 104 of theouter coupling member 101. Using thepull pipe 169 to position theadapter 102, theneck duct 172 is disposed through thepassage 139 of thewell casing 136 and into thepassage 104 of theouter coupling member 101. - Thereafter, the operating
member 192 is caused to exert a force upon the second portion of thelever 178 of theadapter 102, which urges the correspondingfirst portion 182 of thelever 178 into engagement with theinner wall 180 of thewell casing 136. The engagement of thefirst portion 182 with thewell casing 136 causes theadapter 102 to move towards theouter coupling member 101 and into fluid-tight sealing engagement therewith. In particular, themating surface 176 of theneck duct 172 is urged towards theinner wall 120 of theouter coupling member 101, compressing the one ormore sealing members 124 therebetween and forming a substantially fluid-tight seal. Once theadapter 102 is secured in thewell casing 136, a closure (e.g. a vented well cap) is placed on top of thewell casing 136 to militate against undesired access thereto. - In operation of the well system, the fluid from the well flows into the
supply pipe 165. In certain embodiments, the fluid is caused to flow into thesupply pipe 165 by the submersible pump. The fluid from thesupply pipe 165 then flows through the elbow andneck ducts adapter 102 and into thepassage 104 of theouter coupling member 101. From theouter coupling member 101, the fluid flows into the feed pipe which delivers the fluid to the receiving structure such as the commercial or residential building, the fluid reservoir, and the like, for example. -
FIGS. 5-6 show anadapter assembly 200 for a well system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Structure similar to that illustrated inFIGS. 2-4 includes the same reference numeral and a prime (′) symbol for clarity. Theadapter assembly 200 includes anouter coupling member 101′, aninner coupling member 201, and anadapter 102′. - For simplicity, the structure of the
outer coupling member 101′ is substantially similar to the above description of theouter coupling member 101 except that theouter coupling member 101′ may be formed without the annularinner wall 120 and is preferably formed from a lead-free material such as a polyphenylene ether-polystyrene (PPE-PS) blended plastic material sold as Noryl™, for example. The PPE-PS blended plastic material provides dimensional stability of theouter coupling member 101′ and minimizes mold shrinkage, water absorption, and creep behavior thereof at elevated temperatures, as well as provides aouter coupling member 101′ having a strength which is substantially unaffected by humidity, temperature (heat or cold), and wall thickness. Accordingly, the PPE-PS blended plastic material may be used with substantially predictable performance over a wide temperature range. Typical properties and processing parameters of the PPE-PS blended plastic material are listed in tables shown inFIGS. 9-11 . - Referring now to
FIGS. 5-8 , theinner coupling member 201 is shown. Theinner coupling member 201 shown is formed by an injection molding process. It is understood, however, that theinner coupling member 201 can be formed by any suitable process as desired. Theinner coupling member 201 is preferably formed from a lead-free material such as a polyphenylene ether-polystyrene (PPE-PS) blended plastic material sold as Noryl™, for example. The PPE-PS blended plastic material provides dimensional stability of theinner coupling member 201 and minimizes mold shrinkage, water absorption, and creep behavior thereof at elevated temperatures, as well as provides aninner coupling member 201 having a strength which is substantially unaffected by humidity, temperature (heat or cold), and wall thickness. Accordingly, the PPE-PS blended plastic material may be used with substantially predictable performance over a wide temperature range. Typical properties and processing parameters of the PPE-PS blended plastic material are listed in tables shown inFIGS. 9-11 . - As illustrated, the
inner coupling member 201 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes apassage 202 formed therein. Theinner coupling member 201 has a convex face 204 (shown inFIGS. 6-7 ) conforming substantially to a circumferentialinner wall 180′ of a well casing 136′. Theface 204 may include anannular groove 205 formed therein. A sealing member 206 (shown inFIGS. 5-6 ) may be disposed in thegroove 205 to surround thepassage 139′ formed in thewell casing 136′ and form a substantially fluid-tight seal between theinner coupling member 201 and the well casing 136′. Theinner coupling member 201 may also include a plurality of ribs 207 (shown inFIGS. 7-8 ) to provide support and militate against a flexing of theinner coupling member 201. - For simplicity, the structure of the
adapter 102′ shown inFIGS. 5-6 is substantially similar to the above description of theadapter 102 shown inFIGS. 2-4 except for aneck duct 208 extending laterally outwardly from thehousing 160′. Theneck duct 208 has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and includes apassage 210 formed therein. Thepassage 210 receives the fluid therein. An inlet of thepassage 210 is in fluid communication with an outlet of anelbow duct 162′ (shown inFIG. 5 ) and an outlet of thepassage 210 is in fluid communication with theouter coupling member 101′ through thepassage 202 of theinner coupling member 201. As shown inFIGS. 5-6 , theneck duct 208 includes afirst portion 212 adjacent thehousing 160′ and asecond portion 214 terminating at ashoulder 216. Theshoulder 216 includes a substantially planar mating surface for abutting a sealingmember 220 received on thesecond portion 214 of theneck duct 208. An outer diameter of thefirst portion 212 of theneck duct 208 is relatively larger than an outer diameter of thesecond portion 214 thereof. The outer diameter of thesecond portion 214 is slightly smaller than an inner diameter of thepassage 202 of theinner coupling member 201. Theneck duct 208 is received into thepassage 202. A substantially planar mating surface 222 (shown inFIGS. 5-6 and 8) of theinner coupling member 201 abuts the sealingmember 220 disposed on thesecond portion 214 of theneck duct 208 forming a substantially fluid-tight seal between theadapter 102′ and theinner coupling member 201. It is understood that the substantially fluid-tight seal between theadapter 102′ and theinner coupling member 201 can be obtained by other means such as by use of an adhesive, for example. - A
pivot lever 178′ is coupled to theadapter 102′. Thelever 178′ is provided for pressing against theinner wall 180′ of the well casing 136′ opposite thepassage 139′ formed in thewell casing 136′. Thelever 178′ exerts a coupling force in a direction of the inner andouter coupling members lever 178′ may have a casing engagingfirst portion 182′, asecond portion 183′ opposite thefirst portion 182′ against which an operating force may be applied, and afulcrum pin 184′. Thesecond portion 183′ of thelever 178′ is received in a cavity (not shown) formed in thehousing 160′, generally above theelbow duct 162′, to permit pivotal movement of thelever 178′ from a retracted first position to an extended second position, shown inFIG. 5 . Each end of thefulcrum pin 184′ may be received and secured in one of a pair of aligned apertures (not shown) formed in laterally spaced apart lugs 190′ of thehousing 160′. - Force may be exerted upon the
second portion 183′ of thelever 178′ by a positioning of an operatingmember 192′. It is understood that the operatingmember 192′ can be any member suitable for exerting a desired force upon thesecond portion 183′ of thelever 178′. It is further understood that the operatingmember 192′ can be actuated by any means as desired. In certain embodiments, the force is caused to be exerted upon thesecond portion 183′ of thelever 178′ by a rotation of a substantially vertically disposed operating screw located in a threaded aperture (not shown) formed in thesecond end 168′ of thehousing 160′. The force causes thefirst portion 182′ of thelever 178′ to be urged against theinner wall 180′ of the well casing 136′, thereby moving theadapter 102′ towards the inner andouter coupling members - Wetted surfaces (surfaces in direct contact with the fluid) of the adapter assembly include an inner surface of the
elbow duct 162′ of theadapter 102′, an inner surface of theneck duct 208 of theadapter 102′, an inner surface of thepassage 202 of theinner coupling member 201, and any portion of theouter coupling member 101′ exposed to the fluid. Theouter coupling member 101, theinner coupling member 201, theadapter 102′, or any combination thereof can be formed from the PPE-PS blended plastic material. In the present embodiment, a weighted average lead content of theadapter assembly 200 with respect to the wetted surfaces of theadapter 102′, theinner coupling member 201, and theouter coupling member 101′ is no more than about 0.25 percent, which is a significant decrease from that of prior art adapter assemblies. The weighted average lead content of theadapter assembly 200 is calculated by multiplying a percentage of lead content in theadapter 102′ times a ratio of the wetted surface area of theadapter 102′ to a total wetted surface area of theadapter assembly 200 to arrive at a weighted percentage of lead of theadapter 102′, multiplying a percentage of lead content in theinner coupling member 201 times a ratio of the wetted surface area of theinner coupling member 201 to the total wetted surface area of theadapter assembly 200 to arrive at a weighted percentage of lead of theinner coupling member 201, and multiplying a percentage of lead content in theouter coupling member 101′ times a ratio of the wetted surface area of theouter coupling member 101′ to the total wetted surface area of theadapter assembly 200 to arrive at a weighted percentage of lead of theouter coupling member 101′, and summing the weighted percentages of theadapter 102′, theinner coupling member 201, and theouter coupling member 101′ to arrive at the weighted average lead content of theadapter assembly 200. - To assemble the
adapter assembly 200, theouter coupling member 101′ is positioned on theouter surface 134′ of the well casing 136′ such that apassage 104′ of theouter coupling member 101′ is substantially aligned with thepassage 139′ formed in thewell casing 136′. Theouter coupling member 101′ is then affixed to the well casing 136′ using any suitable means as desired such as by afastening assembly 141′. When theouter coupling member 101′ is affixed to theouter surface 134′ of the well casing 136′, a sealingmember 140′, disposed in anannular groove 138′, forms a substantially fluid-tight seal between theouter coupling member 101′ and the well casing 136′. - The
adapter 102′ is then assembled with theinner coupling member 201 and other components of the well system before placement inside the well casing 136′. In particular, theneck duct 208 of theadapter 102′ is disposed in thepassage 202 of theinner coupling member 201. Afirst end 164′ of thehousing 160′ of theadapter 102′ is then coupled to an outlet end of asupply pipe 165′, forming a substantially fluid-tight connection therebetween. In certain embodiments, the inlet end of thesupply pipe 165′ is coupled to a submersible pump (not shown). Asecond end 168′ of thehousing 160′ of theadapter 102′ is then coupled to apull pipe 169′. - Once the
adapter 102′ is assembled with theinner coupling member 201, thesupply pipe 165′, and thepull pipe 169′, it is placed inside the well casing 136′. Using thepull pipe 169′, theadapter 102′ is lowered within the well casing 136′ until thepassage 202 of theinner coupling member 201 is brought into substantial alignment with thepassage 139′ of the well casing 136′ and thepassage 104′ of theouter coupling member 101′. - Thereafter, an operating
member 192′ is caused to exert a force upon thesecond portion 183′ of thelever 178′ of theadapter 102′, which urges the correspondingfirst portion 182′ of thelever 178′ into engagement with theinner wall 180′ of the well casing 136′. The engagement of thefirst portion 182′ of thelever 178′ with the well casing 136′ causes theadapter 102′ to move towards thecoupling members neck duct 208 is urged towards themating surface 222 of theinner coupling member 201, compressing the sealingmember 220 therebetween, and forming a substantially fluid-tight seal. When theinner coupling member 201 is urged into abutment with theinner wall 180′ of the well casing 136′, the sealingmember 206 forms a substantially fluid-tight seal between theinner coupling member 201 and the well casing 136′. Once theadapter 102′ andinner coupling member 201 are secured in thewell casing 136′, a closure (e.g. a vented well cap) is placed on top of the well casing 136′ to militate against undesired access thereto. - In operation of the well system, the fluid from the well flows into the
supply pipe 165′. In certain embodiments, the fluid is caused to flow into thesupply pipe 165′ by the submersible pump. The fluid from thesupply pipe 165′ then flows through the elbow andneck ducts 162′, 208, respectively, of theadapter 102′, through thepassage 202 of theinner coupling member 201, and into thepassage 104′ of theouter coupling member 101′. From theouter coupling member 101′, the fluid flows into a feed pipe which delivers the fluid to a receiving structure such as a commercial or residential building, a fluid reservoir, and the like, for example. - From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.
Claims (20)
1. An adapter assembly for a well system, comprising:
an adapter configured to be disposed in a casing of a well, the adapter including an outwardly extending duct, wherein the adapter cooperates with a first coupling member to facilitate a flow of a fluid from the well, wherein the adapter includes at least one of a substantially planar mating surface located on a face of the duct and a housing formed from a substantially lead-free material, and wherein a weighted average lead content of the adapter assembly with respect to wetted surfaces of the adapter and the first coupling member is no more than about 0.25 percent.
2. The adapter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first coupling member is disposed on one of an inner surface and an outer surface of the casing.
3. The adapter assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a second coupling member configured to cooperate with at least one of the adapter and the first coupling member to facilitate the flow of the fluid from the well.
4. The adapter assembly of claim 3 , wherein at least one of the first coupling member and the second coupling member is formed from a substantially lead-free material.
5. The adapter assembly of claim 4 , wherein the substantially lead-free material is a polyphenylene ether-polystyrene blended plastic material.
6. The adapter assembly of claim 3 , wherein a weighted average lead content of the adapter assembly with respect to wetted surfaces of the adapter, the first coupling member, and the second coupling member is no more than about 0.25 percent.
7. The adapter assembly of claim 3 , wherein the second coupling member is disposed on one of an inner surface and an outer surface of the casing.
8. An adapter assembly for a well system, comprising:
an adapter configured to be disposed in a casing of a well, the adapter cooperates with a first coupling member to facilitate a flow of a fluid from the well, wherein at least one of the adapter and the first coupling member is formed from a polyphenylene ether-polystyrene blended plastic material.
9. The adapter assembly of claim 8 , wherein a weighted average lead content of the adapter assembly with respect to wetted surfaces of the adapter and the first coupling member is no more than about 0.25 percent.
10. The adapter assembly of claim 8 , wherein the first coupling member is disposed on one of an inner surface and an outer surface of the casing.
11. The adapter assembly of claim 8 , wherein the adapter includes a laterally outwardly extending duct having at least one mating surface.
12. The adapter assembly of claim 11 , further comprising a sealing member interposed between the first coupling member and the at least one mating surface of the duct.
13. The adapter assembly of claim 8 , further comprising a second coupling member configured to cooperate with at least one of the adapter and the first coupling member to facilitate the flow of the fluid from the well.
14. The adapter assembly of claim 13 , wherein the second coupling member is formed from a substantially lead-free material.
15. The adapter assembly of claim 14 , wherein the substantially lead-free material is the polyphenylene ether-polystyrene blended plastic material.
16. The adapter assembly of claim 13 , wherein a weighted average lead content of the adapter assembly with respect to wetted surfaces of the adapter, the first coupling member, and the second coupling member is no more than about 0.25 percent.
17. The adapter assembly of claim 13 , wherein the second coupling member is disposed on one of an inner surface and an outer surface of the casing.
18. A method of forming an adapter assembly for a well system, comprising the step of:
forming an adapter from a polyphenylene ether-polystyrene blended plastic material, wherein the adapter is configured to be disposed in a casing of a well.
19. The method of claim 18 , further comprising the step of forming a first coupling member from a substantially lead-free material, wherein the first coupling member is configured to cooperate with the adapter to facilitate a flow of a fluid from the well.
20. The method of claim 19 , further comprising the step of forming a second coupling member from a substantially lead-free material, wherein the second coupling member is configured to cooperate with at least one of the adapter and the first coupling member to facilitate the flow of the fluid from the well.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/786,837 US20140151023A1 (en) | 2012-11-30 | 2013-03-06 | Adapter assembly for a well system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201261731533P | 2012-11-30 | 2012-11-30 | |
US13/786,837 US20140151023A1 (en) | 2012-11-30 | 2013-03-06 | Adapter assembly for a well system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20140151023A1 true US20140151023A1 (en) | 2014-06-05 |
Family
ID=50824294
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/786,837 Abandoned US20140151023A1 (en) | 2012-11-30 | 2013-03-06 | Adapter assembly for a well system |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20140151023A1 (en) |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3383435A (en) * | 1965-01-06 | 1968-05-14 | Gen Eiectric Company | Blend of a polyphenylene ether and a styrene resin |
-
2013
- 2013-03-06 US US13/786,837 patent/US20140151023A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3383435A (en) * | 1965-01-06 | 1968-05-14 | Gen Eiectric Company | Blend of a polyphenylene ether and a styrene resin |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WELLS, INC., OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WELLSTEIN, STEFFEN R.;REEL/FRAME:030166/0431 Effective date: 20130305 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |