Fluid displacement system using gerotor pump

Abstract

A fluid displacement system for a fluid producing subterranean well includes a well extending from a surface to a subterranean fluid bearing formation, the formation being in fluid communication with the well; and a gerotor pump in the well for pumping fluid from the formation to the surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to a system and method for pumping fluids from a subterranean well.[0002]Subterranean wells are commonly used for producing fluids such as hydrocarbons and the like from deep underground formations bearing such fluids. In some instances these fluids are sufficiently free-flowing and under sufficient pressure that production through the well to the surface does not need to be assisted. In other instances, the fluids can have an extremely high viscosity, or formation pressure may be too low, or numerous other factors can lead to unsatisfactory flow rates from the well.[0003]Various pumping methods have been used to increase flow from wells including sucker-rod pumps, progressing cavity pumps and electric submersible centrifugal pumps. In fact, each of these systems has issues when needed to operate on highly viscous hydrocarbons such as the heavy and extra heavy crude oils which are contained in the Orinoco Oil Belt.[0004]The abil...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a fluid displacement system and method for pumping fluids from a subterranean well using gerotor pumps. These pumps are effective at pumping highly viscous hydrocarbons. The system includes a well extending from a surface to a subterranean fluid bearing formation, and a gerotor pump in the well for pumping fluid from the formation to the surface. The method involves positioning a well, placing a gerotor pump in the well, and operating the gerotor pump to drive fluids from the subterranean well to the surface. The invention has advantages over existing pumping methods, including increased efficiency and reduced damage to the formation.

Problems solved by technology

In other instances, the fluids can have an extremely high viscosity, or formation pressure may be too low, or numerous other factors can lead to unsatisfactory flow rates from the well.

In fact, each of these systems has issues when needed to operate on highly viscous hydrocarbons such as the heavy and extra heavy crude oils which are contained in the Orinoco Oil Belt.

The ability of centrifugal pumps to handle fluids is impaired by high viscosity.

A significant amount of power is wasted due to the low mechanical energy conversion capacity of centrifugal pumps.

It is possible to achieve larger flow rates but at the expense of using cumbersome, visually unpleasant and expensive surface driving units such as giant walking beams and power cylinders with necessary hydraulic power units.

Furthermore, clever as it is, converting rotational motion from prime motor to reciprocating motion to drive the downhole pump implies wasted energy due to incessant acceleration and deceleration of large mechanical parts such as rod strings and surface units.

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