Fluid Separating Device Radial Motion for Friction Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid separating devices for oil or natural gas wells face challenges in descending to the bottom of the well due to friction between separators and the wellhole's inner wall, leading to reduced productivity and potential well shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
A fluid separating device with a cylinder, radially outward-moving separators, and a guiding mechanism that transitions between expanded and contracted positions to eliminate friction by forming an annular gap, allowing the device to quickly descend and ascend within the well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separators are always in contact with the inner wall of the wellhole under the action of elastic pieces to form a seal, then sealing performance is improved, but the device cannot descend quickly to the bottom of the well due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is designed to dynamically change its radial position between contact and non-contact states with the wellhole inner wall. During ascent, elastic pieces push the separator outward to contact the wall for sealing. During descent, the separator moves inward to eliminate friction, enabling quick descent to the bottom of the well.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial position parameter of the separator is changed based on operational phase. By adjusting the separator's radial distance from the cylinder center, the system transitions between sealed contact state (for reliable sealing during ascent) and non-contact state (for fast descent during shutdown or repositioning).
2Stress or pressure
If separators are always in contact with the inner wall of the wellhole, then fluid pressure can be maintained, but the device descends slowly due to friction between separators and wellhole wall
Solution Approach 1:
The separator periodically alternates between contact and non-contact states with the wellhole inner wall. During production phase, continuous contact maintains fluid pressure. During shutdown or repositioning phase, the separator withdraws to eliminate friction, significantly reducing descent time and avoiding prolonged frictional resistance.
3Reliability
If separators move radially outward to form a seal with the wellhole wall, then sealing is improved, but friction increases preventing quick descent
Solution Approach 1:
The separator's function is segmented into two distinct operational modes: sealing mode where the separator moves radially outward to contact the wellhole wall for reliable sealing, and descent mode where it moves radially inward to eliminate friction. This functional segmentation allows the system to achieve both sealing reliability and friction-free descent as needed.
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 fluid separating device to efficiently descend and ascend the well, reducing friction and extending the service life of separators by allowing oil or natural gas to flow through the annular gap, thereby maintaining well productivity and preventing shutdowns.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic piece disposed between the separator and the cylinder, and applying an elastic force to the separator outward along the radial direction of the cylinder
Implementation Method 2
the friction between the separators and the inner wall of the wellhole
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid separating device comprises: a cylinder; a plurality of separators disposed around a cylinder; a first elastic piece disposed between one of the separators and the cylinder and applying an elastic force to the separator outwardly in the radial direction of the cylinder; a first guiding device passing through the cylinder axially and configured to reciprocate between an expanded position and a contracted position in the axial direction of the cylinder; a second guiding device penetrating the cylinder, connected to the separator at one end, and slidably fitted with the first guiding device at the other end via a fitting surface. The fluid separating device eliminates the friction between the separator and the inner wall of the wellhole when descending, therefore descending to the bottom of the well quickly.