Hydromechanical pumping unit with ventilation duct and damped filtration system for electronic components

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydro-mechanical pumping unit with a ventilation duct and a damped filtration system for electronic components, where the unit performs the task of supplying a given flow of pressurized hydraulic oil to a hydraulic actuator. This actuator is in turn responsible for raising the weight equivalent to the rod string and the weight generated by a hydrostatic column present in the outlet of a mechanical pump located at the bottom of the well. The hydraulic mechanical pumping unit is mainly characterized by having a ventilation duct that diverts a portion of the air entering the unit and redirects it to the rear of the electrical compartment. Thus, all electrical and electronic components of the unit can be cooled without using an additional electric fan.

Description

Summary of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates to a hydraulic-mechanical pumping unit having ventilation ducts and a damping filtration system for electronic components, which performs the task of supplying pressurized hydraulic oil at a given flow rate to a hydraulic actuator. The actuator is then responsible for lifting a load equivalent to the weight of the rod plus the weight generated by the hydrostatic column at the outlet of the mechanical pump located at the bottom of the well. A key feature of this hydraulic-mechanical pumping unit is that it includes ventilation ducts that divert a portion of the air entering the unit and redirect it back to the rear of the electrical enclosure. This eliminates the need for an additional electric fan to cool all the electrical and electronic components of the unit.

[0002] The hydraulic mechanical pumping unit, featuring ventilation ducts and a damping filtration system for electronic components, is characterized by a hydraulic pump drawing oil from an intake tank and then delivering it to a hydraulic actuator or returning it to a return tank. This pump is driven by an electric motor, which is connected to the motor via a bell-shaped fitting and a flexible coupling. The motor, in turn, has a fan mounted on its rear axle that draws in air from the outside and directs it into the machine, causing most of the air to pass through a hydraulic oil radiator located between the intake and return tanks. The remaining air entering the unit is redirected back into the ventilation ducts via a labyrinth filter. The rear of the electrical enclosure is exposed within these ventilation ducts, thus all electrical and electronic components within the enclosure are cooled by the air flowing through them.

[0003] In summary, the mechanical pumping hydraulic unit with ventilation ducts and damping filtration systems for electronic components has been optimized for operation using a single electric motor. This single electric motor provides sufficient power for the following tasks:

[0004] 1. Maintain the specific hydraulic oil flow rate required to achieve the cyclic motion of the hydraulic actuator. Additionally, ensure the hydraulic oil flows through the interior of the radiator.

[0005] 2. To make the fan run so as to provide the necessary air to cool the hydraulic oil of the equipment and its electrical and electronic components.

[0006] Therefore, this invention improves system reliability by reducing hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical components or connections. Ultimately, the machine is lighter, has a smaller carbon footprint, and requires less maintenance. Technical Field

[0007] This invention relates to a hydraulic mechanical pumping unit having ventilation ducts and damping filtration systems for electronic components, particularly suitable for the production or extraction of hydrocarbons.

[0008] In the petroleum industry, it is well known that oil wells must be extracted at varying speeds and forces due to the gradual depletion of reserves over time. Consequently, oil reservoirs are increasingly being discovered at greater depths. Therefore, this invention is applicable to oil wells where mechanical pumping replaces manual lifting systems, particularly in deep wells requiring long-stroke equipment, high power, and high operational stability. Background Technology

[0009] A hydraulic mechanical pumping unit is a machine that uses a hydraulic system composed of several independent components to artificially lift oil from underground. It typically uses three electric motors: one to power the pump, one to circulate the pump, and one for the fan. Such machines also include oil tanks, radiators, an electrical box (containing several electric fans for cooling electrical and electronic components), air ducts leading to the fans, and a frame or chassis for mounting all components.

[0010] This invention simplifies the design and optimizes the operation of traditional hydraulic units because it uses a single electric motor to drive the hydraulic pump and fan (which provides the necessary air for cooling the hydraulic oil and for the electrical and electronic components located in the electrical box). Furthermore, the physical structure of this invention includes two hydraulic tanks, a radiator, an air guide, and ventilation ducts, all of which are integrated into the unit's chassis or combined with the chassis of the device, making the machine more reliable, simpler, and less costly to maintain.

[0011] In the prior art, two invention patents have been granted to Serinpet LLC in Colombia:

[0012] -Mechanical pumping hydraulic unit with a single electric motor-Resolution No. 10544

[0013] -Mechanical pumping hydraulic unit with integrated radiator-Resolution No. 29603

[0014] These inventions have also been patented in the following countries:

[0015]

[0016] This invention introduces two key improvements: (i) the hydraulic oil and the rear of the electrical box are cooled by a fan and the same single motor, ensuring that all electronic components are protected without the need for additional fans and mechanisms; and (ii) the heat transfer and cooling of all electronic components are achieved by effectively filtering air through a labyrinth air filter and directing it to a ventilation duct attached to the rear of the electrical box.

[0017] Furthermore, this unit improves the operating condition of the hydraulic oil by simultaneously cooling and filtering it using a circulating microfilter and a hydraulic damper immersed in the return tank oil, and by balancing pressure peaks using a piston-based mechanism. This arrangement extends the service life of the filter and the entire system.

[0018] Other similar inventions, such as patents US6739129 and ES2314009, include multiple motors and other configurations, failing to meet the simplicity and integration of this invention. For example, ES2314009 discloses a fan associated with a motor but does not emphasize its role in the overall design; and US6739129 discloses a fan connected to a motor but makes no mention of electronic components or a damping filtration system.

[0019] Therefore, this invention provides a more stable and reliable unit with cleaner oil and lower operating temperature, thereby protecting electronic components and reducing maintenance requirements. Similarly, no other commercially available units or units described in the prior art mention protection of electronic components or the inclusion of a damping filtration system, which highlights the novelty and integration of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the hydraulic power unit, base, and hydraulic actuator. Figure A shows the upper limit switch sensor (5) and high-pressure hose (2), and Figure B shows the lower limit switch sensor (6).

[0021] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the hydraulic power unit (1).

[0022] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the power transmission system of the hydraulic power unit (1).

[0023] Figure 4 This is a side view of the hydraulic power unit (1), showing the airflow entering the unit and then being distributed between the radiator (35) and the ventilation duct (12) for electronic components.

[0024] Figure 5 These are perspective and side views of the hydraulic damper (23), showing all external and internal components.

[0025] Figure 6 These are perspective and side views of the hydraulic actuator (4), showing all external and internal components.

[0026] Figure 7 These are perspective and side views of the labyrinth air filter (32), showing how the airflow changes direction twice.

[0027] Figure 8 It's a hydraulic diagram.

[0028] Reference number list

[0029] 1. Hydraulic power unit

[0030] 2. High-pressure hose

[0031] 3. Base

[0032] 4. Hydraulic actuator (also referred to as hydraulic cylinder below)

[0033] 5. Upper limit switch sensor

[0034] 6. Lower limit switch sensor

[0035] 7. Chassis

[0036] 8. Electrical box

[0037] 9. Inhalation canister lid

[0038] 10. Air filter

[0039] 11. Reflux tank lid

[0040] 12. Ventilation ducts for electronic components

[0041] 13. Solenoid valve

[0042] 14. Return line pressure gauge

[0043] 15. Recirculation pressure regulating valve

[0044] 16. Hydraulic actuator return line pressure control valve

[0045] 17. Throttling check valve

[0046] 18. Return hose from hydraulic actuator

[0047] 19. Recirculation return hose

[0048] 20. Hydraulic actuator return line check valve

[0049] 21. Check valve for recirculation return line

[0050] 22. Recirculation oil filter

[0051] 23. Hydraulic damper

[0052] 24. Fan

[0053] 25. Electric motor

[0054] 26. Bell-shaped outer shell

[0055] 27. Thermostat

[0056] 28. Suction Filter

[0057] 29. Hydraulic pump suction ball valve

[0058] 30. Hydraulic pump

[0059] 31. Flexible connector

[0060] 32. Labyrinth-style air filter

[0061] 33. Inhalation canister

[0062] 34. Reflux tank

[0063] 35. Radiator

[0064] 36. Front cover of hydraulic damper

[0065] 37. Hydraulic damper housing

[0066] 38. Hydraulic damper rear cover

[0067] 39. The opening in the rear cover of the hydraulic damper

[0068] 40. Damper spring

[0069] 41. Damper piston

[0070] 42. Hydraulic actuator rod

[0071] 43. Lower sleeve cap of hydraulic actuator

[0072] 44. Hydraulic actuator housing

[0073] 45. Hydraulic actuator piston

[0074] 46. ​​Top cover of hydraulic actuator

[0075] 47. Low-pressure return line for hydraulic actuator oil

[0076] A. Chamber A

[0077] B. Chamber B Detailed Implementation

[0078] The hydraulic mechanical pumping unit with ventilation ducts and damping filtration systems for electronic components includes: a hydraulic power unit (1) that periodically supplies pressurized hydraulic oil to a hydraulic actuator (4) (hereinafter also referred to as a hydraulic cylinder) capable of lifting a load equivalent to the weight of the rod plus the weight of the fluid to be extracted from the ground.

[0079] An electric motor (25) is connected to a hydraulic pump (30) via a flexible connector (31). The pump draws oil from a suction tank (33) and delivers a specific flow rate of pressurized oil to pressure regulating valves (15 and 16), which are controlled by directional valves or solenoid valves (13). When the solenoid valve (13) is closed, the pressure regulating valves (15 and 16) remain closed and deliver oil to the hydraulic actuator (4) via a high-pressure hose (2) connecting the hydraulic power unit (1) and the base (3).

[0080] After oil enters the hydraulic actuator (4), an upward force is generated on the effective area of ​​the actuator piston (45). The piston transmits the force to the rod (42) connected to the rod string. This causes the rod string to move upward, thereby extracting a certain amount of fluid from the well.

[0081] When the actuator (4) retracts the lever (42) to its highest position, the upper limit switch sensor (5) detects this and sends a signal to the programmable logic controller (PLC), which closes the solenoid valve (13) and opens it. This, in turn, opens the pressure regulating valves (15 and 16), allowing the oil delivered by the hydraulic pump (30) to return to the return tank (34) through the first pressure regulating valve (15) and flow through the oil circulation filter (22). This filter is protected by a hydraulic damper (23) immersed in the hydraulic oil in the return tank (34) to prevent structural breakage.

[0082] A second pressure regulating valve (16), also controlled by the same solenoid valve (13), redirects the remaining oil in the hydraulic actuator to the return tank (34). A throttling check valve (17) is provided between the second pressure regulating valve (16) and the hydraulic actuator (4) to limit the return oil flow of the hydraulic actuator (4), thereby regulating the downward speed of the actuator rod (42) and thus the downward speed of the rod column.

[0083] Therefore, the actuator rod (42) descends until it reaches the lower limit switch sensor (6), which sends a new signal to the programmable logic controller (PLC) to actuate the solenoid valve (13). The solenoid valve then closes again, and the two pressure regulating valves (15 and 16) close simultaneously, restarting the cycle.

[0084] Throughout the operation, the electric motor (25) rotates continuously, so the hydraulic pump (30) always delivers oil, either to the actuator (4) or back to the return tank (34).

[0085] Furthermore, the motor (25) of the hydraulic mechanical pumping unit, which has ventilation ducts and a damping filtration system, includes a through shaft. Since the hydraulic pump (30) is mounted at the front end of the shaft, a fan (24) is mounted at the other end of the shaft. This fan provides a constant airflow inside the hydraulic power unit (1) for cooling the hydraulic oil and the electrical and electronic components of the unit.

[0086] Approximately 90% of the airflow passes through the radiator (35) to cool the hydraulic oil. The remaining 10% of the airflow enters the ventilation duct (12) through the labyrinth air filter (32).

[0087] The ventilation duct (12) is located in the front area of ​​the hydraulic power unit (1) and connects to the rear of the electrical box (8). The electrical box (8) contains the electrical and electronic components required for normal operation, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC), soft starter, power switch, frequency converter, and power supply. These components generate heat and must be cooled by a constant airflow. Since the air delivered by the fan (24) may contain contaminants such as dust or dirt, a labyrinth air filter (32) is installed at the inlet of the ventilation duct (12) to prevent duct blockage and ensure clean airflow.

[0088] The labyrinth air filter (32) is designed to force airflow to change direction twice. At these turns, particles or contaminants carried in the air slow down and fall outside the duct, thus preventing contamination of the electrical box interior.

[0089] Advantageously, the chassis (7) integrates the intake tank (33), return tank (34) and radiator (35) into a single hydraulic oil reservoir. This configuration utilizes the principle of communicating vessels to allow oil to flow from the return tank (34) through the radiator (35) to the intake tank (33).

[0090] The return tank (34) contains a recirculation filter (22) and a hydraulic damper (23). When the pressure regulating valves (15 and 16) are opened, oil suddenly returns to the tank, creating a momentary pressure spike, also known as water hammer. This spike is first absorbed and attenuated by the hydraulic damper (23), thus protecting the structural integrity of the recirculation filter (22).

[0091] The hydraulic damper (23) includes an internal piston (41) and a spring (40) that define two separate chambers. Chamber A is located at the front end of the piston (41), and chamber B and the spring (40) are located at the rear end of the piston. Both chambers are filled with hydraulic oil because they are both immersed in the oil in the return tank (34).

[0092] The damper (23) operates as follows: When the pressure regulating valves (15 and 16) are opened, a momentary pressure peak is generated in the return lines (18 and 19). The end of the return hose (19) is the hydraulic damper (23). Therefore, the piston (41) experiences the pressure peak on its front surface, thereby compressing the spring (40) and causing oil to be discharged from chamber B through a small orifice (39) on the damper's rear cover. In this way, the momentary pressure peak is eliminated.

[0093] The damping effect of the water hammer is mainly generated by the hydraulic oil discharged from chamber B through the throttle orifice (39). The main function of the spring (40) is to reposition the piston (41) when the pressure regulating valves (15 and 16) close again. This causes chamber B to be filled with hydraulic oil again, preparing the damper (23) to cope with the next instantaneous pressure peak.

Claims

1. A hydraulic mechanical pumping unit having a ventilation duct and a damping filtration system for electronic components, comprising a ventilation duct (12) that diverts a portion of the air entering the unit and redirects that portion of the air to cool electrical and electronic components housed in an electrical box (8).

2. The hydraulic mechanical pumping unit according to claim 1, wherein, The ventilation duct (12) includes a labyrinth air filter (32) configured to protect the duct from contaminant particles by causing the airflow to change direction multiple times.

3. The hydraulic mechanical pumping unit according to claim 1 further includes a single electric motor (25) that provides sufficient power to cyclically drive the hydraulic actuator (4), cool the hydraulic oil contained therein, and simultaneously cool the electrical and electronic components of the unit.

4. The hydraulic mechanical pumping unit according to claim 1 further includes a hydraulic damper (23) immersed in a return tank (34), the damper using the same hydraulic oil of the unit to load and unload chamber B and guide the hydraulic oil through the orifice (39) of the damper rear cover (38).

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