Downhole Positive Displacement Pump with Double-Acting Piston
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole pumps are not suitable for delivering high pressure several kilometers down a well, as they are not designed for submersion and cannot effectively manage pressure fluctuations or efficiently pump fluids in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A downhole positive displacement pump with a double-acting mechanism, featuring a piston that moves reciprocally to both fill and empty chamber parts, utilizing valves to control fluid flow and a control unit to manage piston movement, allowing for consistent and high-pressure fluid delivery, and optionally incorporating a second pump or electric motor for enhanced efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If existing downhole pumps are used, then they can operate in the well, but they cannot deliver high pressure several kilometers down the well
Solution Approach 1:
The pump employs a reciprocating piston mechanism that dynamically changes chamber volumes to create pressure differentials, enabling high-pressure delivery at depth. The piston moves between top dead center and bottom dead center positions, dynamically expanding and compressing fluid in the chamber to achieve the required pressure several kilometers down the well.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump utilizes periodic reciprocating motion of the piston driven by a rotating crank mechanism. The piston performs repeated cycles of outward stroke (suction) and inward stroke (discharge), creating periodic pressure waves that continuously deliver high-pressure fluid to the downhole location.
2Stress or pressure
If a positive displacement pump is used for high pressure, then pressure delivery is improved, but the pump is not designed for submersion in the well
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that combines high-pressure positive displacement pumping with downhole adaptability. The housing incorporates both the pumping mechanism and features suitable for downhole installation including connection to well tubulars and accommodation of well fluid conditions, making it universally applicable to downhole high-pressure applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump chamber acts as an intermediary sealed environment between the high-pressure pumping mechanism and the well fluid. The chamber with movable piston creates a controlled space that can generate high pressure while being isolated from direct contact with well fluids, yet still delivering pressurized fluid to the downhole location through the outlet.
3Productivity
If reciprocating motion is used to pump fluid, then positive displacement is achieved, but pressure fluctuations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet valve is positioned and configured to open in advance during the piston's inward stroke, allowing fluid to begin flowing out before the piston reaches top dead center. This preliminary opening of the outlet valve smooths pressure transitions and reduces fluctuations by initiating discharge before the compression phase completes.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump design ensures continuous fluid discharge through proper timing of valve operations. The outlet valve remains open during the entire inward stroke of the piston, maintaining continuous flow and pressure delivery without interruption or fluctuation, while the inlet valve opens during the outward stroke to maintain continuous suction action.
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 solution provides a consistent and predictable pumping action with reduced energy consumption, capable of handling high pressures and pressures higher than surface pressure, while minimizing the risk of piston damage from well fluids through a closed-loop system.
Implementation Method 1
a first piston movable in the first chamber for pressing fluid out of the pump outlet... a first valve being arranged in the first outlet for allowing fluid to flow out of the first chamber part and preventing fluid from flowing into the first chamber part
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole double-acting positive displacement pump has a housing with a first end 1 and a second end, the housing having a pump inlet, a pump outlet arranged closer to the second end, a first chamber arranged in the housing and having a first outlet in fluid communication with the pump outlet, a first piston movable in the first chamber for pressing fluid out of the pump outlet, and a drive to reciprocate the first piston. The first piston divides the first chamber into a first and second chamber parts, the first chamber part having the first outlet and a first inlet, a first valve being arranged at the first outlet, a second valve being arranged in the first inlet. The second chamber part has a second outlet in fluid communication with the pump outlet and a second inlet, a third valve being arranged in the second outlet, and a fourth valve being arranged in the second inlet. The downhole pump further has a control unit for controlling an output of the drive into the movement of the first piston in the first direction or the second direction.