Flexible Electric Submersible Pump Assembly for Deviated Wellbores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electric submersible pump assemblies are rigid and lack sufficient flexibility to accommodate deviated wellbore paths, leading to increased drilling costs and reduced production rates in deviated wells, as they require larger diameters or less severe bends, which compromise performance.
Innovation Solution
A flexible electric submersible pump assembly is designed with flexible joints that linearly couple stationary and rotating elements, allowing for installation in wells with dogleg severity ranging from 22-35 degrees, thereby increasing bending flexibility and accommodating more severe deviations without reducing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid electric submersible pump assemblies are used, then structural strength and stability are maintained, but flexibility and adaptability to deviated wellbore paths are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is divided into multiple modular sections connected by flexible joints. Each section can be independently positioned and oriented, allowing the assembly to conform to deviated wellbore paths while maintaining structural integrity through the modular connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic configurable structure. The flexible joints enable the pump assembly to adapt its configuration during installation and operation, allowing it to follow the wellbore deviation while maintaining operational strength and stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If smaller diameter equipment is used to increase flexibility, then adaptability to deviated wells improves, but production rate performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pump assembly into modular sections with flexible joints, the design achieves high flexibility without reducing the diameter of individual pump components. This allows larger diameter pump stages to be used, maintaining production rate performance while adapting to deviated wellbore paths through the modular configuration.
3Productivity
If larger diameter equipment is used to maintain production rates, then productivity is improved, but flexibility and ease of installation in deviated wells deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is segmented into manageable modular sections that can be easily transported and installed. The flexible joints between sections allow the assembly to be maneuvered through deviated wellbore paths, making installation of large diameter equipment feasible in challenging well configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic configuration capability allows large diameter pump equipment to be installed in deviated wells by adapting the assembly shape during installation. The flexible joints enable the equipment to conform to wellbore geometry, making installation as easy as smaller equipment while maintaining the production rates of larger diameter pumps.
4Adaptability or versatility
If rigid pump assemblies are used, then manufacturing precision and structural stability are maintained, but adaptability to varying wellbore deviations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each modular section can be manufactured with high precision using standard manufacturing processes. The flexible joints are designed with precise tolerances to ensure proper alignment and connection between sections, maintaining overall assembly precision while enabling adaptability to different wellbore configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A submersible pumping assembly for a deviated wellbore is disclosed. The pump assembly including one or more electric submersible pumps disposed in a casing. The casing being disposed in a below ground deviated wellbore. The assembly including one or more electric motors disposed in the casing and configured to operate the one or more electric submersible pumps. The assembly further including one or more flexible joints. The one or more flexible joints are configured to linearly couple the one or more electric submersible pumps and the one or more electric motors and impart flexibility to the assembly in the deviated wellbore. Also provided is a submersible assembly for pumping a fluid.