Jet pump lift system for producing hydrocarbon fluids

Abstract

A jet pump lift system for use with a tubing disposed in a casing includes a jet pump installed in the tubing; a one way valve for communicating a power fluid into the jet pump; and a safety valve configured to block fluid communication through the tubing and disposed above the jet pump.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention[0001]Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to artificially lifting fluid from a wellbore. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to artificially lifting fluid from a wellbore using a jet pump lift system.Description of the Related Art[0002]To obtain hydrocarbon fluids from an earth formation, a wellbore is drilled into the earth to intersect an area of interest within a formation. The wellbore may then be “completed” by inserting casing within the wellbore and setting the casing therein using cement. In the alternative, the wellbore may remain uncased (an “open hole wellbore”), or may become only partially cased. Regardless of the form of the wellbore, production tubing is typically run into the wellbore primarily to convey production fluid (e.g., hydrocarbon fluid, which may also include water) from the area of interest within the wellbore to the surface of the wellbore.[0003]Often, pressure w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system for lifting oil from a well using a jet pump. It includes a safety valve that blocks fluid communication through the tubing and a one way valve that supplies power fluid to the jet pump. The system is installed in a production tubular and a production fluid is urged into the jet pump to help it function. The technical effect of this patent is to provide a safer and more efficient way to produce oil from wells.

Problems solved by technology

Often, pressure within the wellbore is insufficient to cause the production fluid to naturally rise through the production tubing to the surface of the wellbore.

In some applications, the moving parts are disadvantageous.

When a subsurface safety valve is employed within the wellbore, such as within an offshore well, a sucker rod string cannot be placed through the subsurface safety valve.

Additionally, moving parts are susceptible to failure or damage, potentially causing the sucker rod lifting systems to become inoperable.

The safety valves required for these depths are usually much more expensive than safety valves rated for use at shallower depths; in some instances, more than double or triple the costs.

The cost associated with control lines for operating the safety valves also increase with depth.

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