UNIBODY LUBRICATOR WITH EXTERNALLY THREADED NIPPLE
A lubricator for receiving a plunger is provided. The lubricator has a bore, a first end having a well head connection, a second end having a stem connection, and a plurality of ports, including a catcher port and flow ports. The flow ports are externally threaded nipples that extend radially beyond the outer surface of body of the lubricator.
1 . A lubricator for receiving a plunger comprising:
an outer surface;
an inner surface defining a bore;
a well head connection at a first end for connecting a well head;
a stem connection at a second end for connecting a stem;
at least one flow port for connecting a flow line, the at least one flow port being an externally threaded nipple that extends radially outwardly from the outer surface; and
a catcher port for catching a plunger.
2 . The lubricator of claim 1 , further comprising a supplementary port for attaching gauges or sensors, or for injecting chemicals.
3 . The lubricator of claim 1 , wherein the externally threaded nipple is a threadolet attached to an aperture that allows fluid to flow between the inner surface and the outer surface.
4 . The lubricator of claim 3 , wherein the threadolet is attached by welding.
5 . The lubricator of claim 1 , wherein the lubricator is formed by forging, machining, casting, or a combination thereof.
6 . The lubricator of claim 1 , further comprising lifting eyelets.
7 . A method for connecting a plunger lubricator to a flow line fitting having external threads, comprising:
providing an externally threaded nipple that extends radially outwardly from an outer surface of the lubricator;
threadedly connecting the externally threaded nipple to a first end of an internally threaded collar; and
threadedly connecting a second end of the internally threaded collar to the external threads of the flow line fitting.
8 . The method of claim 7 , further comprising disposing a compressible washer inside the collar, between the externally threaded nipple and the flow line fitting.