Downhole Pumping Tool Hydrate Plug Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing hydrate plugs in well tubing are expensive, time-consuming, and not environmentally friendly, relying on glycol which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A downhole pumping tool with a pump, electric motor, and wireline is used to provide suction and remove gas molecules from the hydrate plug, dissolving it without the need for glycol, allowing for efficient and environmentally friendly removal of hydrate plugs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If glycol is pumped out through an outlet nearest the hydrate plug to dissolve the hydrate, then the hydrate plug can be removed, but the process is expensive, time-consuming and requires multiple runs
Solution Approach 1:
The pump outlet is divided into multiple outlets arranged in a circle, with at least one outlet positioned nearest the hydrate plug. This segmentation allows simultaneous dissolution of hydrate at multiple points, eliminating the need for multiple sequential runs and significantly improving productivity while reducing time loss.
2Productivity
If glycol is used to dissolve hydrate formation, then the hydrate plug can be removed, but the process is expensive and not environmentally friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the harmful glycol substance from the hydrate removal process. By using a pump with outlets positioned nearest the hydrate plug to directly remove hydrate formation, the system achieves effective hydrate removal without requiring glycol, thereby eliminating environmental harm and cost associated with glycol consumption.
3Quantity of substance
If a tool with glycol in a container is lowered into the well and pumped out, then hydrate can be dissolved, but the container must be emptied and refilled in multiple runs
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system with multiple outlets arranged in a circle enables continuous hydrate removal without interruption for refilling. The outlets are positioned to maximize contact with the hydrate plug, allowing the pump to continuously extract hydrate formation as it is dissolved, eliminating the need to empty and refill containers and maintaining uninterrupted useful 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 enables the removal of long hydrate plugs in a single run, reducing time and costs while preventing further hydrate formation, making the process more efficient and environmentally friendly compared to traditional glycol-based methods.
Implementation Method 1
the pump providing suction to remove at least part of a plurality of gas molecules from the hydrate plug for dissolving at least part of the hydrate formation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the use of a downhole pumping tool for removing a hydrate formation forming a hydrate plug in a tubing in a well, the downhole pumping tool comprising a pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet, an electric motor for driving the pump, a wireline for powering the electric motor, the pump having a first end arranged closest to the wireline and a second end facing the hydrate plug, wherein the pump inlet is arranged in the second end, and the pump inlet contacts a first face of the hydrate plug, the pump providing suction to remove at least part of a plurality of gas molecules from the hydrate plug for dissolving at least part of the hydrate formation. The invention also relates to a hydrate removal method for removing hydrate formation forming a hydrate plug in a tubing.