Artificial Lift Pump Lubrication for Friction, Torque, and Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial lift systems in oil and gas production are inefficient due to high energy consumption, wear, and premature failure of components caused by friction, torque, and drag, leading to increased operational costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A diluted polarized lubricant, composed of a polarized lubricant and water, is used to form a protective barrier on pump components, reducing friction, torque, and drag through a two-step process of initial and periodic treatments, creating a closed and serial flowpath.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lubrication methods are used in artificial lift systems, then components are protected to some extent, but friction, torque, and drag remain high causing excessive wear and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical and physical properties of the lubricant through polarization treatment. The polarized lubricant creates a protective barrier film with different tribological properties than conventional lubricants, reducing friction coefficients and allowing components to operate with lower energy consumption while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical lubrication systems with a chemically-active polarized lubricant that forms protective barriers through molecular alignment. This substitution transforms the lubrication mechanism from purely mechanical film formation to electrochemical barrier creation, reducing direct metal-to-metal contact and associated energy losses
2Reliability
If conventional lubricants are applied continuously, then friction is reduced, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by applying polarized lubricant at specific intervals rather than continuously. The system monitors operational parameters and applies lubricant only when the protective barrier degrades below a threshold, reducing system complexity while maintaining component protection through timed dosing cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The polarized lubricant exhibits self-service properties by forming long-lasting protective barriers that automatically replenish through molecular realignment under operational conditions. This self-maintaining characteristic eliminates the need for complex continuous lubrication systems, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring reliable component protection
3Ease of operation
If polarized lubricant is diluted with water, then the lubricant can be distributed more effectively, but the lubrication intensity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the concentration and polarization strength of the lubricant in relation to dilution level. Through controlled dilution with polarized water, the system achieves effective distribution throughout the artificial lift system while maintaining sufficient lubrication intensity through enhanced molecular alignment and barrier film formation
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
The lubricant reduces friction, torque, and drag, enhancing pump efficiency, longevity, and production volumes while inhibiting corrosion and scale formation, resulting in reduced energy consumption and component failure.
Implementation Method 1
An initial volume of the diluted lubricant may be circulated within the flowpath to allow the diluted lubricant to react with components of the fluid production pump and form a protective barrier on the components of the fluid production pump
Implementation Method 2
System and method for reducing friction, torque and drag in artificial lift systems used in oil and gas production wells
Data Source
AI summary
A method of lubricating a fluid production pump may include mixing a polarized lubricant with water to produce a diluted lubricant. The method may additionally include creating a flowpath within the fluid production pump. An initial volume of the diluted lubricant may be circulated within the flowpath to allow the diluted lubricant to react with components of the fluid production pump and form a protective barrier on the components of the fluid production pump. The method may further comprise repeatedly introducing a periodic volume of diluted lubricant into the fluid production pump according to a predefined lubrication schedule.