Heat insulation and cooling protection device and method for electric submersible pump sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of electric submersible pump oil extraction, in particular to a heat insulation and cooling protection device and method for an electric submersible pump sensor. According to the technical scheme, the device comprises a submersible motor, a motor conversion connector, a heat insulation protection connector and a sensor shell, the lower end of the submersible motor is movably connected with the upper end of the motor conversion connector, the lower end of the motor conversion connector is movably connected with the upper end of the heat insulation protection connector, and the lower end of the heat insulation protection connector is movably connected with the sensor shell. And the heat insulation protection joint is made of a non-metal heat insulation material. The sensor has the advantages that the heat insulation protection connector is installed between the submersible motor and the sensor shell, heat generated by operation of the submersible motor is prevented from being transmitted to the sensor shell, it is ensured that the sensor normally works in the well fluid temperature environment of 70-80 DEG C of the pump hanging depth, and the service life of the sensor is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electric submersible pump oil production technology, and in particular to a heat insulation and cooling protection device and method for submersible pump sensors. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the production, operation, and management of electric submersible pump (ESP) lifting processes for heavy oil blending or water injection, downhole sensors for the ESP are crucial for detecting pump operating parameters and downhole pressure and temperature. These sensors provide vital data support for oilfield engineers in assessing pump operating conditions and calculating fluid levels. Especially when integrated with a surface frequency converter control system, closed-loop control can be achieved to amplify production pressure differentials and pursue optimal output. Furthermore, they can promptly detect abnormal temperature rises, vibrations, and other malfunctioning operating conditions, sending signals to the frequency converter control cabinet to implement measures such as frequency reduction to avoid malfunctioning operation and extend the ESP's lifespan.

[0003] Due to the temperature-dependent effects on chips and components, especially chips, the highest domestically produced chips currently reach 125℃, and even that is not particularly stable. Because they operate under high temperature and pressure conditions underground, if a malfunction occurs, replacement cannot be performed without pump retrieval. Raising the pump incurs high well workover costs, impacts production, causes losses, and increases maintenance costs for the electric pump. Currently, imported chips from the United States are widely used. While 125℃ chips and high-temperature resistant components from the US can be imported into China via third countries, 150℃ and 175℃ chips are strictly controlled in the US and have virtually no channels to enter the domestic market. Furthermore, their price is 2-4 times that of 125℃ chips.

[0004] In the Tarim Oilfield, the temperature of oil wells is approximately 126℃ at a depth of 5500 meters in the middle of the oil layer. The electric submersible pump (ESP) is located at a depth of approximately 3000 meters, where the ambient temperature is approximately 70-80℃. However, during actual operation, due to the heat generated by the ESP's submersible motor, the actual temperature of the sensor reaches 120℃-180℃. This leads to frequent downhole sensor malfunctions, preventing data transmission to the surface. Consequently, downhole parameters often fail to be uploaded, affecting the accurate judgment, analysis, and implementation of corresponding measures for oil well production parameters.

[0005] Based on the sensor's operating status, the electric pump sensor's temperature rises from 70-80℃ to 120-180℃, a temperature increase of nearly 50-100℃. This heat primarily originates from the temperature rise caused by the submersible motor's operation (a temperature sensor inside the motor detects its operating temperature, and an external connection to the well casing detects the ambient well temperature). Heat transfer occurs through conduction, convection, and radiation. Since the well fluid flows from bottom to top, convection can be ruled out. The casing is filled with liquid that flows rapidly upwards, which also largely eliminates radiation. (Refer to...) Figure 1More often, the heat conduction method, where the metal casing of the electric pump's submersible motor connects to the metal casing of the sensor, determines the main source of the sensor's temperature rise. Given the current restrictions on the import of high-temperature resistant chips, isolating the heat from the motor's metal casing to the sensor is a relatively economical and easily achievable method. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned deficiencies in the existing technology by providing a heat insulation and cooling protection device and method for a submersible electric pump sensor. This invention installs a heat insulation protection connector between the submersible motor and the sensor housing to block the heat generated by the operation of the submersible motor from being transferred to the sensor housing, ensuring that the sensor operates normally in a well fluid temperature environment of 70-80℃ at the pump mounting depth and extending the sensor's service life.

[0007] The technical solution of the submersible electric pump sensor heat insulation and cooling protection device mentioned in this invention is as follows: it includes a submersible motor (1), a motor conversion connector (3), a heat insulation protection connector (5), and a sensor housing (7). The lower end of the submersible motor (1) is movably connected to the upper end of the motor conversion connector (3), the lower end of the motor conversion connector (3) is movably connected to the upper end of the heat insulation protection connector (5), and the lower end of the heat insulation protection connector (5) is movably connected to the sensor housing (7). The heat insulation protection connector (5) is made of non-metallic heat insulation material.

[0008] Preferably, the above-mentioned heat insulation protection connector (5) includes a connector body (5.1), a connector upper flange (5.2), and a connector lower flange (5.3). The connector body (5.1) is made of non-metallic heat insulation material with an I-shaped structure. The connector body (5.1) has a connector upper flange (5.2) at the top and a connector lower flange (5.3) at the bottom. The upper end of the connector body (5.1) is movably connected to the lower end of the motor conversion connector (3).

[0009] Preferably, the upper flange (5.2) of the connector is provided with 6-8 screw holes and is connected to the lower end of the motor conversion connector (3) by the middle connecting bolt (4); the lower flange (5.3) of the connector is provided with 6-8 screw holes and is connected to the upper end of the sensor housing (7) by the lower connecting bolt (6).

[0010] Preferably, the upper end of the motor conversion connector (3) is connected to the lower end of the submersible motor (1) via an upper connecting bolt (2).

[0011] Preferably, a sealing ring (5.4) is installed on the upper outer side of the flange (5.2) of the above-mentioned connector and inserted into the lower end of the motor conversion connector (3).

[0012] Preferably, the pressure sensor, temperature sensor, vibration sensor and leakage current sensor are installed in the inner cavity of the sensor housing (7).

[0013] Preferably, the non-metallic heat insulation material used in the above-mentioned heat insulation protection joint (5) is PEEK material.

[0014] The method of using the submersible electric pump sensor heat insulation and cooling protection device mentioned in this invention includes the following steps: 1. Before construction, pull the star point lead of the submersible motor (1) out from the lower end of the motor conversion connector (3), pass through the heat insulation protection connector (5) and the inside of the sensor housing (7), and then connect and fix the heat insulation protection connector (5) and the lower end of the motor conversion connector (3) through the middle connecting bolt (4); 2. Securely connect the star-point lead of the submersible motor (1) to the corresponding lead inside the upper end of the sensor housing (7); 3. Connect the lower connecting bolt (6) to the upper end of the sensor housing (7) to connect and fix the sensor housing (7) to the heat insulation protection connector (5); 4. Before entering the well, check whether the pressure sensor, temperature sensor, vibration sensor and leakage current sensor inside the sensor housing (7) are normal, and at the same time confirm whether the heat insulation protection joint (5) is intact. Then, lower it into the well. The heat generated by the operation of the submersible motor (1) is blocked by the heat insulation protection joint (5) and transferred to the sensor housing (7). This ensures that the pressure sensor, temperature sensor, vibration sensor and leakage current sensor inside the sensor housing (7) work normally in the well fluid temperature environment of 70-80℃ at the pump hanging depth, and extends the service life of the sensor.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: This invention solves the problem of sensor internal components being affected or damaged by the temperature rise of the submersible motor. The main solution is to install a heat insulation protection joint between the submersible motor and the sensor housing to block the heat generated by the submersible motor from being transferred to the sensor housing. This ensures that the sensor can work normally in the well fluid temperature environment of 70-80℃ at the pump mounting depth, extending the sensor's service life and better transmitting production parameters such as downhole temperature and pressure to the surface control cabinet instruments, providing a reference for oil well production management. In summary, this invention reduces the maintenance costs of downhole units caused by the inability to determine the operating status of downhole electric pump units due to sensor damage preventing the transmission of downhole data, thereby reducing non-productive time in oil wells and increasing oil well production rate and output. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of existing technology; Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal insulation protection joint; Figure 4 This is a top view of the structure of the thermal insulation protection joint; In the above diagram: 1. Submersible motor; 2. Upper connecting bolt; 3. Motor adapter; 4. Middle connecting bolt; 5. Heat insulation protection connector; 6. Lower connecting bolt; 7. Sensor housing; 5. Connector body; 5.1. Connector upper flange; 5.2. Connector lower flange; 5.3. Sealing ring; 5.4. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0018] Example 1, referring to Figures 2-4 The present invention provides a submersible electric pump sensor heat insulation and cooling protection device, which includes a submersible motor 1, a motor conversion connector 3, a heat insulation protection connector 5, and a sensor housing 7. The lower end of the submersible motor 1 is movably connected to the upper end of the motor conversion connector 3, the lower end of the motor conversion connector 3 is movably connected to the upper end of the heat insulation protection connector 5, and the lower end of the heat insulation protection connector 5 is movably connected to the sensor housing 7. The heat insulation protection connector 5 is made of non-metallic heat insulation material.

[0019] Reference Figure 3 The heat insulation protection connector 5 mentioned in this invention includes a connector body 5.1, an upper connector flange 5.2, and a lower connector flange 5.3. The connector body 5.1 is made of non-metallic heat insulation material with an I-shaped structure. The upper part of the connector body 5.1 is provided with the upper connector flange 5.2, and the lower end is provided with the lower connector flange 5.3. The upper end of the connector body 5.1 is movably connected to the lower end of the motor conversion connector 3.

[0020] Reference Figure 4 The upper flange 5.2 of the connector mentioned in this invention is provided with 6-8 screw holes and is connected to the lower end of the motor conversion connector 3 by the middle connecting bolt 4; the lower flange 5.3 of the connector is provided with 6-8 screw holes and is connected to the upper end of the sensor housing 7 by the lower connecting bolt 6.

[0021] The upper end of the motor conversion connector 3 is connected to the lower end of the submersible motor 1 via the upper connecting bolt 2.

[0022] A sealing ring 5.4 is installed on the upper outer side of the flange 5.2 of the above-mentioned connector and inserted into the lower end of the motor conversion connector 3 to provide a sealing function.

[0023] The sensor housing 7 described above has pressure sensors, temperature sensors, vibration sensors, and leakage current sensors installed inside. These sensors are used to transmit production parameters such as downhole pressure, temperature, vibration, and current leakage to the surface control cabinet instruments, providing a reference for oil well production management.

[0024] The method of using the submersible electric pump sensor heat insulation and cooling protection device mentioned in this invention includes the following steps: 1. Before construction, pull the star point lead of the submersible motor 1 out from the lower end of the motor conversion connector 3, pass it through the heat insulation protection connector 5 and the inside of the sensor housing 7, and then connect and fix the heat insulation protection connector 5 and the lower end of the motor conversion connector 3 through the middle connecting bolt 4. 2. Securely connect the star-point lead of the submersible motor 1 to the corresponding lead inside the upper end of the sensor housing 7; 3. Use the lower connecting bolt 6 to connect to the upper end of the sensor housing 7, and fix the sensor housing 7 to the heat insulation protection connector 5. 4. Before entering the well, check whether the pressure sensor, temperature sensor, vibration sensor and leakage current sensor inside the sensor housing 7 are normal. At the same time, confirm whether the heat insulation protection joint 5 is intact. Then, lower it into the well. The heat insulation protection joint 5 blocks the heat generated by the operation of the submersible motor 1 from being transferred to the sensor housing 7. This ensures that the pressure sensor, temperature sensor, vibration sensor and leakage current sensor inside the sensor housing 7 can work normally in the well fluid temperature environment of 70-80℃ at the pump hanging depth, thus extending the service life of the sensors.

[0025] Example 2: The submersible electric pump sensor heat insulation and cooling protection device mentioned in this invention includes a submersible motor 1, a motor conversion connector 3, a heat insulation protection connector 5, and a sensor housing 7. The lower end of the submersible motor 1 is movably connected to the upper end of the motor conversion connector 3, the lower end of the motor conversion connector 3 is movably connected to the upper end of the heat insulation protection connector 5, and the lower end of the heat insulation protection connector 5 is movably connected to the sensor housing 7. The heat insulation protection connector 5 is made of non-metallic heat insulation material.

[0026] The difference from Example 1 is: The non-metallic heat insulation material used in the heat insulation protection connector 5 mentioned in this invention is PEEK material. PEEK material, polyether ether ketone, is a high-performance special engineering plastic located at the "top of the pyramid" of polymer materials. It has comprehensive properties such as high temperature resistance, high strength, chemical corrosion resistance, and excellent biocompatibility. It meets the requirements of this invention to be a heat insulation material with a certain strength, high temperature resistance, and hydrogen sulfide corrosion resistance, and can also meet the requirements of the conversion connector that connects the submersible motor and the sensor.

[0027] The above description is merely a partial preferred embodiment of the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify the above-described technical solutions or modify them into equivalent technical solutions. Therefore, any simple modifications or equivalent transformations made based on the technical solutions of the present invention fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A heat insulation and cooling protection device for a submersible electric pump sensor, characterized in that: The device includes a submersible motor (1), a motor conversion connector (3), a heat insulation protection connector (5), and a sensor housing (7). The lower end of the submersible motor (1) is movably connected to the upper end of the motor conversion connector (3), the lower end of the motor conversion connector (3) is movably connected to the upper end of the heat insulation protection connector (5), and the lower end of the heat insulation protection connector (5) is movably connected to the sensor housing (7). The heat insulation protection connector (5) is made of non-metallic heat insulation material.

2. The submersible electric pump sensor heat insulation and cooling protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat insulation protection connector (5) includes a connector body (5.1), an upper flange (5.2), and a lower flange (5.3). The connector body (5.1) is made of non-metallic heat insulation material with an I-shaped structure. The upper part of the connector body (5.1) is provided with an upper flange (5.2), and the lower end is provided with a lower flange (5.3). The upper end of the connector body (5.1) is connected to the lower end of the motor conversion connector (3) through a movable connection.

3. The submersible electric pump sensor heat insulation and cooling protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper flange (5.2) of the connector is provided with 6-8 screw holes and is connected to the lower end of the motor conversion connector (3) by the middle connecting bolt (4); the lower flange (5.3) of the connector is provided with 6-8 screw holes and is connected to the upper end of the sensor housing (7) by the lower connecting bolt (6).

4. The submersible electric pump sensor heat insulation and cooling protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper end of the motor conversion connector (3) is connected to the lower end of the submersible motor (1) by an upper connecting bolt (2).

5. The submersible electric pump sensor heat insulation and cooling protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A sealing ring (5.4) is installed on the upper outer side of the flange (5.2) of the connector and inserted into the lower end of the motor conversion connector (3).

6. The submersible electric pump sensor heat insulation and cooling protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure sensor, temperature sensor, vibration sensor and leakage current sensor are installed in the inner cavity of the sensor housing (7).

7. The submersible electric pump sensor heat insulation and cooling protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The non-metallic heat insulation material used in the heat insulation protection joint (5) is PEEK material.

8. A method of using the submersible electric pump sensor heat insulation and cooling protection device as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The process includes the following:

1. Before construction, pull the star point lead of the submersible motor (1) out from the lower end of the motor conversion connector (3), pass through the heat insulation protection connector (5) and the inside of the sensor housing (7), and then connect and fix the heat insulation protection connector (5) and the lower end of the motor conversion connector (3) through the middle connecting bolt (4); 2. Securely connect the star-point lead of the submersible motor (1) to the corresponding lead inside the upper end of the sensor housing (7); 3. Connect the lower connecting bolt (6) to the upper end of the sensor housing (7) to connect and fix the sensor housing (7) to the heat insulation protection connector (5); 4. Before entering the well, check whether the pressure sensor, temperature sensor, vibration sensor and leakage current sensor inside the sensor housing (7) are normal, and at the same time confirm whether the heat insulation protection joint (5) is intact. Then, lower it into the well. The heat generated by the operation of the submersible motor (1) is blocked by the heat insulation protection joint (5) and transferred to the sensor housing (7). This ensures that the pressure sensor, temperature sensor, vibration sensor and leakage current sensor inside the sensor housing (7) work normally in the well fluid temperature environment of 70-80℃ at the pump hanging depth, and extends the service life of the sensor.

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