Gas Vent Tool Sliding Valve Pressure Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
In subterranean wells, the production of gas can be inefficient and damaging to equipment, as pumps designed for liquids become inoperative or damaged when gas is introduced, leading to premature failure due to gas accumulation and fluid pound.
Innovation Solution
A gas vent tool system that includes a tubular gas vent body with a sliding valve and a 'T' valve configuration, allowing gas to be vented away from the pump when it is not operating, preventing gas from being pulled into the pump during restarts and maintaining efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If gas is allowed to accumulate in the wellbore, then gas production increases, but pump efficiency decreases and equipment damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The gas vent tool extracts gas from the wellbore system by providing a dedicated vent port that allows gas to escape separately from the liquid production stream. The tool includes a body with a vent port positioned to allow gas to vent to the atmosphere or a separate location, preventing gas from entering the pump while maintaining liquid production.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas vent tool segments the gas and liquid flow paths by using a screen that allows liquid to pass through while blocking gas, and a vent port that provides a separate escape route for gas. This segmentation enables gas to be removed from the system independently of the liquid production stream.
2Productivity
If a pump is designed to pump liquids only, then liquid pumping efficiency is maximized, but the pump becomes vulnerable to gas-induced damage
Solution Approach 1:
The gas vent tool acts as an intermediary device positioned between the wellbore and the pump. It includes a screen that mediates between gas and liquid flows, allowing liquid to pass through to the pump while blocking gas, and a vent port that provides an alternative path for gas to escape, protecting the pump from gas damage.
3Reliability
If gas venting is implemented continuously, then gas accumulation is prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas vent tool is designed to automatically vent gas based on pressure differential without requiring external control systems. The tool includes a screen and vent port configuration that allows gas to escape automatically when pressure builds up, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms while maintaining reliable gas accumulation prevention.
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 system effectively prevents gas from entering the pump, ensuring efficient operation and extending equipment lifespan by continuously bleeding off gas when the pump is stopped, thus reducing the risk of premature failure.
Implementation Method 1
The sliding valve may be secured to and displace with the closure member. The first valve may block flow between the upstream section of the flow passage and an exterior of the gas vent tool in response to a positive pressure differential from the upstream section to the downstream section
Implementation Method 2
The second valve may permit flow between the upstream and downstream sections of the flow passage in response to a positive pressure differential from the upstream section to the downstream section
Data Source
AI summary
A gas vent tool can include a body with a flow passage having upstream and downstream sections, a valve that selectively permits and blocks flow between the upstream section and an exterior of the gas vent tool, and a valve that selectively permits and blocks flow between the upstream and downstream sections. A gas vent system can include a gas vent tool connected longitudinally between an intake tool and a pump, the intake tool being configured to receive formation fluids therein, and the pump being configured to pump the formation fluids to surface. The gas vent tool can include a valve that selectively permits and blocks flow between an interior flow passage and an annulus external to the gas vent tool, and a valve that selectively permits and blocks flow between upper and lower sections of the flow passage.