Gas Compressor Unit for Oil Wells with Independent Motor Drive
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas compressors used in oil wells are dependent on the movement of AIB rod pumps, require frequent maintenance, and struggle to maintain constant gas pressure, leading to inefficiencies in oil production due to variable gas pressure in the well annulus.
Innovation Solution
A gas compressor unit with a pressure switch and frequency converter that controls piston speed based on gas flow rate, independent of AIB rod pumps, featuring a double-acting piston and security valves for pressure regulation, and a compact design with reduced maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beam-rocker compressors are used for gas extraction, then gas can be transferred from the well annulus, but the compressors require frequent maintenance and depend on AIB rod pump movement
Solution Approach 1:
The gas compressor is extracted from the dependency on AIB rod pump movement and operated independently with its own motor drive system. The compressor unit is separated as an independent device that can function autonomously without requiring the mechanical connection to the rod pump, thereby reducing maintenance requirements and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connection between the beam-rocker compressor and AIB rod pump is replaced with an electric motor drive system. The motor directly drives the compressor piston through a crank mechanism, eliminating the need for mechanical coupling with the rod pump and reducing maintenance needs associated with mechanical linkages.
2Productivity
If conventional compressors extract equal amounts of gas in each stroke, then gas extraction is consistent, but gas pressure in the well annulus varies significantly affecting oil production
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor system transitions from static, fixed-volume extraction to dynamic, variable-volume extraction. The motor speed and piston displacement are adjusted dynamically based on real-time pressure feedback from the well annulus, allowing the system to maintain optimal gas pressure while extracting variable amounts of gas as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure sensing system provides continuous feedback on the gas pressure in the well annulus to the motor control system. This feedback loop enables the controller to adjust motor speed and compressor operation to maintain gas pressure within a target range, preventing pressure variations that would affect oil production.
3Ease of repair
If AIB rod pumps are stopped for compressor maintenance, then compressor can be serviced, but oil production is lost during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The gas compression system is segmented as an independent unit separate from the oil pumping system. This segmentation allows the compressor to be maintained, repaired, or replaced without affecting the operation of the AIB rod pump, enabling independent servicing that does not interrupt oil production.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas compressor is extracted from the integrated pump-compressor system and operated as a separate, independent unit. This extraction allows the compressor to be serviced independently without requiring shutdown of the oil pumping system, thereby maintaining oil production continuity during compressor maintenance.
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 compressor unit maintains constant gas pressure, increases oil production by regulating gas extraction according to well conditions, reduces maintenance requirements, and extends the compressor's useful life, allowing for programmable pressure and efficient gas extraction without affecting oil production.
Implementation Method 1
A gas compressor unit with a pressure switch and frequency converter that controls piston speed based on gas flow rate
Implementation Method 2
A gas compressor unit with a pressure switch and frequency converter that controls piston speed based on gas flow rate, featuring a double-acting piston
Implementation Method 3
security valves for pressure regulation
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor unit for oil wells, operating independently from conventional AIB rod pumps, which allows regulated gas extraction to keep the gas pressure constant inside the well and thus allowing the extraction of oil without the inconveniences of traditional pumping systems.