ESP Deployment Using Short Lubricator and Pressure Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of installing and replacing Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs) in oil and gas wells require alternative methods that do not rely on large rigs, while maintaining well control and pressure containment.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a short length lubricator and standard pressure containment tools, along with a running tool with integral sealing plug and snap ring release mechanism, to deploy and exchange ESPs through wireline or coiled tubing, enabling assembly and disassembly in a borehole environment without large rigs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional large rigs are used to install and replace ESPs, then well control and pressure containment are maintained, but installation cost and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the ESP replacement operation into separate functional components: a lubricator for pressure containment, a running tool for deployment, a setting tool for installation, and a retrieval tool for recovery. This segmentation allows each tool to be optimized for its specific function while using smaller, less complex equipment than traditional rigs.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricator acts as an intermediary device that provides pressure containment and isolation during ESP installation and replacement. It serves as a controlled interface between surface operations and downhole operations, enabling work to be performed on the ESP without requiring full rig equipment while maintaining well control.
2Reliability
If traditional large rigs are used for ESP deployment, then full well control is maintained, but initial cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential well control function from the large rig system and isolates it into a dedicated lubricator. This allows the expensive rig equipment to be removed from the operation while the critical pressure containment and well control functions are maintained through the specialized lubricator and associated tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses disposable or single-use components such as the running tool, setting tool, and retrieval tool that are deployed for their specific function and then discarded or recovered. This eliminates the need for expensive, reusable rig equipment while maintaining operational effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If ESPs are installed using wireline or coiled tubing through a short lubricator, then cost and complexity are reduced, but maintaining pressure containment becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricator is prepared and positioned at the wellbore before ESP installation begins. Pressure containment protocols and tool configurations are established in advance, allowing the actual ESP deployment to proceed without complex pressure management during the critical installation phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic pressure management through the lubricator, which can be pressurized or depressurized as needed during different phases of ESP installation. The lubricator adapts its pressure state to match wellbore conditions, maintaining containment while allowing tool deployment and retrieval.
Data Source
AI summary
A deployment method and set of alternative tools for deploying, exchanging, and repairing an Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) and pipe strings utilizing a lubricator and standard pressure control equipment (valves, Blow Out Preventers); this method permits a rig less deployment of an ESP with well control maintained using a short length lubricator and standard pressure containment tools. This method defines a specific set of tools to be incorporated in the method to achieve the assembly of the ESP at surface and deployment in a single run to set the ESP at the pumping depth. This method facilitates the orientation and alignment of the terminals of the ESP motor and gauge and creates a pressure barrier through the ESP string during makeup and break out of the ESP.