Artificial Lift System for Horizontal Wells Using Remote Intake
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Solution Overview
Problem
In horizontal wells, traditional artificial lift mechanisms like sucker rod pumps face challenges due to the curved geometry of the well, requiring longer pumps that are difficult to install and suffer from excessive wear, and issues with sucker rod guides wearing out, which complicates fluid extraction.
Innovation Solution
An artificial lift system utilizing a downhole fluid lifting mechanism with a remote intake and compressed gas source independent of the producing formation, where compressed gas is used to drive fluids from a remote intake to the lifting mechanism located in the vertical portion of the well, preventing gas from reentering the formation using isolation elements like packing seals and one-way valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a sucker rod pump is installed in the horizontal section of the well, then fluid extraction is enabled, but the pump experiences excessive wear and suffers from guide wearout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid lifting mechanism as an intermediary between the sucker rod pump and the horizontal well section. This mechanism receives fluid from the pump and transports it through the curved portion to the horizontal section, allowing the pump to operate in the vertical section where conditions are more favorable, thereby reducing wear while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the fluid lifting function into separate components: the sucker rod pump operates in the vertical section, while a dedicated fluid lifting mechanism handles the curved and horizontal sections. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal environment, reducing overall system wear
2Length of stationary object
If the well depth increases, then more hydrocarbons can be accessed, but the pump length increases requiring larger radius of curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid lifting mechanism acts as an intermediary that handles the complex traversal through curved sections. This allows the main pump to remain in the vertical section where installation is easier, while the intermediary mechanism manages the transition through the curved portion to reach deeper horizontal sections
3Productivity
If compressed gas is used to lift fluid from remote intake, then fluid extraction efficiency is improved, but gas may enter the producing formation causing unwanted pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces isolation elements as intermediaries between the compressed gas system and the producing formation. These elements selectively allow fluid to pass while blocking gas, enabling efficient fluid extraction with compressed gas while preventing harmful gas entry into the formation that would cause unwanted pressure changes
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 effective artificial lift in horizontal wells without the need to install lifting components in the horizontal portion, reducing wear and improving fluid extraction efficiency by using compressed gas to assist in lifting fluids through the curved section, thus enhancing well production.
Implementation Method 1
A compressed gas source independent of the producing formation provides compressed gas to the well annulus at a pressure sufficient to move fluids in the well from the remote intake to the fluid operating level
Implementation Method 2
At least one isolation element prevents the compressed gas in the annulus from entering the producing formation. In accordance with one aspect, the isolation element comprises a packing seal in the annulus
Implementation Method 3
In accordance with still another aspect, the isolation element comprises a one-way valve and tubing. The tubing contains the downhole lifting mechanism and the remote intake
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial lift system provides a lifting mechanism located in a well. The lifting mechanism communicates with a remote intake that is located below in the well. A compressed gas source provides compressed gas to the well annulus at a pressure that is sufficient to move the well fluid from the remote intake up to the lifting mechanism. The well has an annulus and tubing. The well has isolation elements that isolate the producing formation from compressed gas in the annulus. Various sources of compressed gas can be used such as a compressor, an accumulator or a gas sales line. A controller is provided to control the intermittent application and removal of compressed gas in the annulus and also to control the operation of the lifting mechanism. The well could be a horizontal well or a vertical well. The well could be a cased hole or an open hole well.