Articulating Adapter for Submersible Pump Torque Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing submersible pumping systems face challenges in navigating non-vertical wellbores due to their rigidity and length, which limits their deployment in offset, deviated, directional, or horizontal wells.

Innovation Solution

The development of an electrical submersible pumping system with an articulating adapter that allows for angular movement between components, featuring a series of shafts for torque transfer and a fluid path, enabling flexible deployment in non-vertical wells by connecting components with an articulating joint and adapter drivetrain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid pumping system is used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but the ability to navigate non-vertical wellbores deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidability to navigate non-vertical wellbores

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pumping system is divided into multiple rigid components (motor assembly, pump assemblies, adapter sections) that are connected through articulating joints. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its structural integrity while the overall system gains flexibility through the articulated connections between segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter incorporates an articulating joint with multiple shafts that can dynamically adjust the relative angular positions of connected components. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying wellbore angles during deployment and operation, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamically adaptable system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the pumping system is made flexible to navigate curved wellbores, then adaptability to non-vertical deployments is improved, but torque transfer efficiency between components deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility for non-vertical deploymentVSAvoidtorque transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The articulating joint employs multiple shafts (first shaft, second shaft, third shaft) that can rotate relative to each other to accommodate angular misalignment. This dynamic mechanism maintains efficient torque transfer by allowing the shafts to self-align with the load direction while transmitting power from the motor to the pump assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The articulating joint changes the operational parameters of the connection between components by allowing variable angular positions. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different wellbore geometries while maintaining effective torque transmission through the articulated shaft mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If fixed rigid connections are used between components, then torque transfer is efficient, but the system cannot accommodate angular offsets in non-vertical wells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transferVSAvoidangular movement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is segmented into multiple rigid sections (upstream section, downstream section) connected by articulating joints. This segmentation allows torque to be efficiently transferred within each rigid section while the articulated connections between sections provide the necessary angular movement capability for non-vertical well deployments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The articulating joint incorporates multiple shafts that can dynamically adjust their relative positions to accommodate angular offsets. This dynamic mechanism maintains effective torque transfer by allowing the shafts to self-align with the load direction while permitting the necessary angular movement for navigating curved wellbores.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient navigation and operation of submersible pumping systems in non-vertical wells by allowing angular offset and fluid communication between components, enhancing the system's flexibility and adaptability in complex well geometries.

Implementation Method 1

an articulating joint that permits the angular movement of the first component with respect to the second component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngular movement:

Implementation Method 2

a series of shafts for transferring torque between the first and second components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque transfer: Torque

Implementation Method 3

a fluid path for providing fluid communication between the first and second components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid communication:

Data Source

PatentUS9260924B2Flexible joint connection

Publication Date: 2016.02.16 BAKER HUGHES ESP INC

AI summary

A downhole submersible pumping system includes an adapter for use in connecting a first component to a second component within the downhole pumping system. The adapter preferably includes an upstream section configured for connection to the first component and a downstream section configured for connection to the second component. The adapter further includes an articulating joint that permits the angular movement of the first component with respect to the second component.