MAGNETIC INSTALLATION AND RETRIEVAL TOOL FOR FLUID LIFT PLUNGERS
A plunger installation and retrieval tool incorporates a magnet which magnetically supports a fluid lift plunger during insertion into or retrieval from a lubricator on a natural gas wellhead. The magnet is housed in a magnet holder suspended from an elongate hanger member the upper end of which is connected to a hanger support. An actuating rod slidably extends through the hanger support and through bores in the magnet and magnet holder, such that a downward force applied to the actuating rod will cause the lower end of the actuating rod to project below the magnet and break its magnetic bond with the plunger, thus releasing the plunger from the tool. The tool may be provided with a cylindrical skirt fitting closely around the upper end of the plunger to prevent laterally loading that could break the magnetic bond during plunger insertion and retrieval.