Downhole Pump Module Mixing Fluid and Additive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore pump systems are not designed to mix additives with fluids at the pumping location in the wellbore and then pump the mixture to another location, such as into the formation or to the surface, lacking the capability to effectively combine chemicals with fluids for enhanced fluid flow and corrosion inhibition.
Innovation Solution
A pump module is placed in the wellbore with a sealed container to mix fluids and additives, where the fluid is supplied via one line and the additive via another, allowing the mixed fluid to be pumped out, utilizing multiple pump units and control systems to manage the fluid and additive supply and mixing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current wellbore pump systems are used to pump fluids separately from additives, then the system structure remains simple, but the capability to mix and pump the mixture is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid pumping function and additive mixing function into a single integrated pump module. The pump module includes a mixing chamber where fluid and additive are mixed, and a pump mechanism that pumps the mixture together, eliminating the need for separate pumping systems for fluid and additive.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump module is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving fluid through a first inlet, receiving additive through a second inlet, mixing the two substances in the mixing chamber, and pumping the mixture through a common outlet. This multi-functional design allows a single device to handle both fluid transport and additive injection.
2Reliability
If additives are mixed with fluid at the pumping location, then the effectiveness of fluid flow enhancement and corrosion inhibition is improved, but the equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber serves as an intermediary component that facilitates the mixing of fluid and additive before pumping. It provides a dedicated space where the two substances can be combined effectively, ensuring proper mixing without requiring complex mixing mechanisms throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing chamber is designed with specific local characteristics to optimize mixing efficiency. The chamber geometry and flow paths are configured to ensure thorough mixing of fluid and additive at the pumping location, providing localized quality improvement rather than requiring system-wide complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple pump units are used to supply fluid and additive separately, then the supply capability is improved, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluid supply and additive supply functions into a single pump module that handles both materials through integrated inlets and a common pumping mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate pump units for fluid and additive, reducing operational complexity while maintaining supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump module is designed as a universal device that can handle both fluid and additive supply, mixing, and pumping operations. This multi-functional design allows a single operational system to manage multiple functions that would otherwise require separate operational complexity.
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
Enables efficient mixing and pumping of fluid and additive mixtures into formations or to the surface, improving fluid flow and preventing corrosion by combining chemicals with fluids at the optimal location and pressure, reducing equipment size and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a pump unit configured to discharge the mixture of the fluid and the additive from the container via an outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and methods for pumping a fluid mixture from a wellbore location to a selected location is disclosed. The apparatus, in one embodiment, includes a container configured to be placed in the wellbore, wherein the container is configured to mix therein a fluid received from a first source and an additive received from a second source, and a pump unit coupled to the container and configured to pump the mixed fluid from the container to the selected location. The method in one embodiment includes: supplying a fluid from a first source to a container placed in a wellbore; supplying an additive from a second source to the container; allowing the fluid and the additive to mix in the container to form a mixed fluid; and pumping the mixed fluid from the container to the selected location.