Downhole Powered Device Automatic Connection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for deploying and retrieving electrical submersible fluid transducer systems in oil and gas production wells often result in damage to the electrical power transmission cable due to bending stresses and pressure differentials, requiring large and cumbersome surface equipment for intervention, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system where a power line is disposed along a production tube with an orientation profile and an assembly featuring a powered device with a second power connector and an extending orientation means that automatically connects to the power line as it is lowered, allowing for radial outward movement to engage with the profile and orient the device for secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional deployment methods using jointed tubing or coiled tubing are used, then the electrical submersible system can be deployed in the well, but large and cumbersome surface equipment is required and cable damage occurs due to bending stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate deployable components: the powered device assembly (containing the motor and fluid transducer) can be deployed independently from the power transmission cable. The power cable remains in the well after the powered device is retrieved, eliminating the need to pull the cable through complex surface equipment during deployment and retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered device is extracted from the power cable assembly at the surface, allowing the powered device to be deployed and retrieved separately while the power cable remains stationary in the well. This separation eliminates the mechanical stresses and bending damages that occur when the cable is continuously pulled through surface equipment.
2Ease of operation
If the electrical power transmission cable is pulled during retrieval, then the powered device can be retrieved, but the cable suffers damage from bending stresses and pressure differentials
Solution Approach 1:
The powered device is extracted and separated from the power cable at the surface before deployment. During retrieval, only the powered device is pulled out of the well while the power cable remains stationary in the well, completely eliminating bending stresses and pressure differential damage to the cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The power cable is pre-installed and left in the well before the powered device is deployed. This preliminary placement of the cable eliminates the need to pull or maneuver the cable during subsequent deployment and retrieval operations, preventing mechanical damage.
3Productivity
If automatic connection is implemented, then deployment efficiency is improved, but the connection mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the power cable and powered device is designed to occur automatically through self-aligning features and spring-loaded connectors. As the powered device is lowered into the well, the connection mechanism self-activates without requiring manual intervention, complex positioning equipment, or specialized surface machinery.
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
This method reduces cable damage and eliminates the need for large surface equipment by enabling automatic and secure connection of the powered device to the power line, facilitating easier and more efficient deployment and retrieval of the ESP system.
Implementation Method 1
an extending orientation means capable of radial outward movement from the assembly. The powered device is lowered down the production tube, causing the extending orientation means to be urged radially outwards to engage with the orientation profile and orient the device
Implementation Method 2
a power line disposed along a production tube... connect the powered device to the power line
Data Source
AI summary
A system for installing a powered device in a downhole tube, comprising a power line disposed along a production tube and terminating in a first power connector and an orientation profile disposed in the vicinity of the first power connector. An assembly includes a powered device having a second power connector and an extending orientation capable of radial outward movement from the assembly. The powered device being lowered down the production tube, causing the extending orientation to be urged radially outwards to engage with the orientation profile and orient the device, so that the first power connector and second power connector engage to connect the powered device to the power line in an automatic manner.