Internal-Conduit Downhole Pump Assembly for Deviated Wellbores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reciprocating linear pumps are unable to be deployed in deviated wellbores due to the inability of rigid interconnected rods to move linearly around corners, causing damage and wear, and provide uneven pressure profiles and low flow rates, while ESPs with external conduits and conductors are not suitable for smaller wellbores.
Innovation Solution
A pumping assembly with internalized fluid and electrical conduits that maintain a constant outer diameter and smooth profile, allowing it to be used in smaller wellbores, featuring a power assembly, powered actuation assembly, production fluid assembly, and central conduit for power fluid conduction, with a connector that directs fluids and electrical signals internally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reciprocating linear pumps with rigid interconnected rods are used, then high reliability is achieved, but the system cannot be deployed in deviated wellbores due to inability to move around corners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sucker rod system with a hydraulic actuation system. A hydraulic motor converts hydraulic energy to rotational motion, which drives a converter mechanism to produce reciprocating linear motion of the pump rod, eliminating the need for rigid interconnected rods that cannot navigate deviated wellbores
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic fluid transmitted through flexible hoses from surface to downhole to power the pump. The hydraulic system enables the pump to operate in deviated wellbores by replacing rigid mechanical connections with flexible hydraulic actuation
2Ease of operation
If pump-jack style lift systems are used, then reciprocating linear motion is provided, but uneven pressure profile and low flow rate result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic converter mechanism that transforms continuous rotational motion from the hydraulic motor into reciprocating linear motion. This dynamic conversion allows for controlled piston movement that maintains more uniform pressure and flow compared to traditional pump-jack systems
3Productivity
If electrical submersible pumps with external conduits are used, then fluid delivery is achieved, but the system is not suitable for smaller wellbores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple components within a compact configuration where the pump rod moves within the pump cylinder, and the entire assembly is housed in a compact housing. The hydraulic actuation system is integrated within the pump assembly, creating a nested structure that reduces overall cross-sectional area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the hydraulic motor, converter mechanism, and pump assembly into a single integrated downhole unit. This merging of functions into one compact assembly eliminates the need for separate external conduits and reduces the overall footprint for deployment in smaller wellbores
Data Source
AI summary
A submersible downhole pumping system is provided. The pumping system is designed so that all fluid conduits and electrical signal conduits are internalized within a pumping assembly. This design provides a substantially constant and slim profile to the pumping assembly. The pumping assembly comprises a housing that houses a power assembly, a powered actuator assembly that is operatively linked to a production fluid assembly and a central bore that extends through the pumping assembly to provide fluid communication between the power assembly and a first end of the pumping assembly. The pumping system further includes a flow distributor/connector at the first end or pump head for providing fluids' communication between the pump head and a conducting system that extends from surface to the pumping system. The communication fluids include high pressure power hydraulic fluid, low pressure exhaust hydraulic fluid and pressurized produced wellbore fluid.