Downhole Blower System for Wellbore Pressure Boosting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Well production declines due to declining reservoir pressures, making it difficult to maintain production levels, especially as wells reach the end of their life, as existing methods like top-side compressors can only partially address the pressure issues.

Innovation Solution

A downhole blower system is deployed in the wellbore to increase the pressure of reservoir gas, using a blower system that adjusts speed based on flow rate and operates at sub-atmospheric pressures to enhance gas flow from the subterranean zone to the surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a top-side compressor is used to decrease pressure at the top of the well, then well production can be extended when reservoir pressures drop, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell production lifeVSAvoidcompressor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the pressure boosting function into multiple segments: a first blower system positioned downhole near the perforations to boost pressure at the source, and a second blower system positioned uphole to maintain pressure throughout the wellbore. This segmentation allows each blower to operate more efficiently and reduces the complexity compared to a single large surface compressor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The downhole blower system acts as an intermediary device between the reservoir and the surface, mechanically boosting the gas pressure at the wellbore bottom to enable gas flow even when reservoir pressure is insufficient. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for complex surface compressor systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If reservoir pressure declines, then gas flow to the surface is reduced, but production maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas production rateVSAvoidreservoir pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the pressure parameter at the wellbore bottom by introducing a mechanical pressure boosting device (blower) that increases the gas pressure from sub-atmospheric levels to supra-atmospheric levels. This parameter change enables continuous gas flow regardless of reservoir pressure decline.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The blower system is designed to be self-regulating, using a pressure-sensitive switch to automatically activate when reservoir pressure drops below a threshold and deactivate when pressure recovers. This self-service mechanism maintains production without external intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stress or pressure

If blower speed is increased to maintain pressure, then gas flow is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas pressureVSAvoidblower energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The blower system uses variable speed drive that dynamically adjusts the blower speed based on real-time pressure conditions and gas flow requirements. The system operates at lower speeds when reservoir pressure is sufficient and increases speed only when pressure drops, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates pressure sensors and flow meters that provide continuous feedback to a controller, which adjusts the blower speed accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the blower operates only when and where needed, minimizing energy waste while maintaining adequate gas pressure for production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 downhole blower system effectively increases gas flow and pressure, extending the life of the well by optimizing production even when reservoir pressures are insufficient to push gas to the surface, thereby boosting overall well production.

Implementation Method 1

the blower system directs the gas from the downhole inlet of the blower system to uphole of the blower system at a second, higher pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure increase: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 2

A downhole blower system is deployed in the wellbore to increase the pressure of reservoir gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

heat can transfer from the blower to the gas in the wellbore to reduce a condensation of the gas at the blower or uphole of the blower

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal heat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11326427B2Altering characteristics of a wellbore by mechanical intervention at the source

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 UPWING ENERGY LLC

AI summary

This disclosure describes various implementations of a downhole-blower system that can be used to boost production in a wellbore. The downhole-blower system includes a blower and an electric machine coupled to the blower that can be deployed in a wellbore, and that can, in cooperation, increase production through the wellbore.