Downhole Jet Pump for Borehole Cleaning and Sand Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing downhole tools are energy-consuming and unsuitable for separating solids from low viscosity liquids, as they are designed for pumping entire substances to the surface without the capability to combine with filter units for separation.

Innovation Solution

A downhole tool with a rotor/stator pump arrangement powered by an electrical conducting means, allowing for efficient movement of low viscosity liquids and separation of sand and debris using a filter unit, reducing energy consumption by minimizing pressure and optimizing fluid flow with hydrodynamic blade profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional pumping devices are used to remove sand and high viscosity materials, then the materials can be pumped to the surface, but the process becomes very energy-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidmaterial removal capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical pumping systems with a jet pump system that uses fluid dynamics. A high-velocity fluid jet creates a suction effect through pressure differential, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts and reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective material removal capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes hydraulic principles by employing a fluid jet to create a pressure differential that generates suction. The high-velocity fluid creates a low-pressure zone that draws sand and materials upward, replacing mechanical pumping with a hydraulic-based solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional pumping devices are designed for pumping entire substances to the surface, then sand and fluid can be removed, but the device is not suitable for combining with filter units to separate solids from liquids

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with filter unitsVSAvoidpump structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the system into separate functional components: a filter unit for solid-liquid separation and a jet pump for fluid movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling versatility while keeping individual component structures relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The jet pump design provides multi-functionality by既能 pumping fluids alone,又能 working in combination with filter units for separation applications. The universal design allows the same pump mechanism to serve different purposes depending on the configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If a screw pump is used, then pumping capability is achieved, but the accumulated pressure is high and much power is needed for driving the pump

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidaccumulated pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical screw pump with a jet pump system that uses fluid pressure differential instead of mechanical rotation. This substitution eliminates the need for high driving power and prevents excessive pressure accumulation, as the system operates through controlled fluid dynamics rather than forced mechanical displacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 tool efficiently moves low viscosity liquids and separates solids from liquids, reducing energy consumption and enabling effective separation of debris from fluids, with the pump's design minimizing power requirements and allowing for efficient fluid guidance.

Implementation Method 1

the pump comprises at least one rotor unit rotating in relation to at least one stator unit and the pump is connected with the driving unit in order to rotate the rotor unit, causing the fluid to move from the chamber inlet towards the chamber outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrodynamic principle:

Implementation Method 2

the rotor unit may comprise at least one rotor blade having a hydrodynamic profile having a leading edge and a trailing edge. This leads to a more even flow along the entire length of the profile, which makes the pump more efficient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrodynamic profile:

Data Source

PatentUS9284818B2Downhole tool for borehole cleaning or for moving fluid in a borehole

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 WELLTEC AS

AI summary

The present invention relates to a downhole tool (1) for borehole cleaning or for moving fluid in a borehole. The tool comprises a tool housing (29), a chamber inlet (6) and a chamber outlet (36), and the tool housing comprises a pump (8) arranged in a pump housing (4) and a driving unit powered by an electrical conducting means for driving the pump.