Distributed Artificial Lift System for Deviated Wellbores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional submersible pumping systems struggle to effectively recover petroleum products from deviated wellbores, particularly in unconventional shale plays, due to difficulties in deploying pumps in highly deviated wells, leading to gas trapping, inconsistent production, and reduced fluid flow, which results in terrain slugging and overheating.
Innovation Solution
A distributed artificial lift system is introduced, featuring a base assembly in the vertical section and remote assemblies in the lateral sections, including self-propelled, remotely-controlled equipment deployment vehicles with pumps and sensors, allowing for strategic placement and operation of multiple pumping units along the deviated wellbore to enhance fluid recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional electric submersible pump is installed in the vertical section of the wellbore, then the pumping system can be deployed and operated, but it cannot effectively recover petroleum products from the deviated lateral sections
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping system is divided into multiple independent remote pumping units that can be deployed to different locations within the lateral section. Each unit operates independently to address specific production zones, enabling effective recovery from deviated wellbores where a single conventional pump would be ineffective
Solution Approach 2:
An equipment deployment vehicle serves as an intermediary carrier to transport and position remote pumping units within the deviated wellbore. This intermediary mechanism enables placement of pumps in locations that would be inaccessible to conventional deployment methods
2Ease of operation
If the pumping system is placed in the vertical section to avoid deployment difficulties, then installation is simplified, but gas and fluids become trapped in lateral sections causing terrain slugging
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple remote pumping units are distributed throughout the lateral section to segment the fluid collection and removal process. This segmentation prevents gas and fluid accumulation that would otherwise cause terrain slugging, while each unit can be independently controlled to maintain consistent production
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor packages monitor conditions such as pressure, temperature, and fluid levels at each remote pumping unit location. This feedback enables real-time adjustment of pumping operations to prevent gas trapping and maintain reliable, consistent production throughout the lateral section
3Productivity
If remote assemblies are deployed to strategic locations in lateral sections, then fluid flow and production are optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each remote pumping unit is designed as a universal, multi-functional module that can be deployed to any location in the lateral section. The standardized design with integrated sensors and communication capabilities reduces overall system complexity despite the distributed configuration, as each unit performs multiple functions independently
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed artificial lift system is configured for use in a wellbore that includes a vertical section and at least one lateral section connected to the vertical section. The distributed artificial lift system includes a first remote assembly positioned within the first lateral section. The first remote assembly includes an equipment deployment vehicle and cargo selected from the group consisting of electric remote pumping units, tubing, tubing connectors, tubing adaptors, sensor packages, gas separators, perforating tools, injection pumps and other downhole components. The first remote assembly is optionally self-propelled and remotely-controlled.