Dual-Pump Shroud Assembly for Horizontal Wellbore Fluid Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric submersible pump assemblies lack efficient designs for pumping wellbore fluids, particularly in horizontal wellbores, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in fluid management.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a shroud with multiple apertures and pumps, allowing for dual-direction fluid pumping within the shroud, facilitated by a motor and shaft coupling, with intake conduits connecting the pumps to enhance fluid flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single pump is used in conventional electric submersible pump assemblies, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and fluid management capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is segmented into multiple independent pumps (first pump and second pump) that can operate separately or together. Each pump has its own impeller and canals, allowing independent fluid handling paths. This segmentation enables dual-direction pumping capability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pumps are merged into a single integrated assembly sharing common components including the shroud, motor, shaft, and drive mechanism. The first and second pumps are positioned within the same shroud structure with shared intake and discharge conduits, combining multiple pumping functions into one unified device that improves productivity without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual-direction pumping is implemented with multiple pumps, then the fluid circulation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is designed with dynamic operational flexibility, allowing the first pump and second pump to operate independently or simultaneously based on fluid flow requirements. The shaft and drive mechanism can dynamically adjust operation modes to enable dual-direction pumping when needed, providing adaptability without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly structure is designed with multi-functionality to handle various fluid circulation scenarios. The same shroud, shaft, and drive mechanism support both single-direction and dual-direction pumping operations, as well as different flow rates and directions, making the device universally applicable to various wellbore configurations without requiring separate specialized components for each function.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple pumps are positioned within the shroud, then the space utilization is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first pump and second pump are nested within the shroud structure, with each pump positioned in designated regions of the shroud's interior space. The pumps are arranged concentrically or adjacently within the shroud, maximizing space utilization. The nested arrangement allows compact configuration while maintaining manageable positioning requirements through standardized mounting interfaces and alignment features.
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 configuration enables efficient dual-direction pumping of wellbore fluids, improving fluid circulation and management in both vertical and horizontal wellbores, enhancing operational efficiency and fluid handling capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a motor; a shaft rotatably coupled to the motor, the first pump, and the second pump
Implementation Method 2
a first pump disposed in the shroud, wherein the first pump may be capable of pumping wellbore fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are electric submersible pump assemblies and methods for pumping wellbore fluid that may each include an electric submersible pump assembly which may include: a shroud that may include: a first shroud aperture; and a second shroud aperture; a first pump disposed in the shroud, wherein the first pump may be capable of pumping wellbore fluid that has flowed through the first shroud aperture; and a second pump disposed in the shroud, wherein the second pump may be capable of pumping out of the second aperture wellbore fluid that has flowed through the first shroud aperture.