Helical Bristle Rod Centralizer for Solids Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oil well pumping systems face issues with solids reentering the pump, causing wear, sticking, and tubing failure due to the accumulation of solids, especially in rotational rod pumps where solids settle and reaccumulate upon pump shutdown, leading to over-torque and shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
A rod centralizer and solids control assembly featuring a helical groove and bristle mechanism that extends during rod rotation and upward fluid movement to lift and trap solids, preventing them from reentering the pump and accumulating in the tubing, while centralizer components center the rods to prevent rubbing and over-torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pump operates in high solids environments, then productivity is maintained, but solids accumulate in the tubing and reenter the pump causing wear and sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The bristle mechanism extracts solids from the fluid stream by trapping them on the bristles during rod rotation, separating the harmful solids from the pumped fluid to prevent reentry into the pump
Solution Approach 2:
The bristle acts as an intermediary between the fluid stream and the pump, capturing solids that would otherwise reenter the pump and cause damage, thereby protecting the pump while maintaining productivity
2Productivity
If the rod rotates to enable pumping, then productivity is achieved, but the bristle must retract to allow fluid passage
Solution Approach 1:
The bristle mechanism transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one that extends during rod rotation to capture solids and retracts during upward fluid movement to allow passage, adapting its configuration to different operational phases
Solution Approach 2:
The bristle undergoes periodic extension and retraction cycles synchronized with the rod rotation and fluid movement, extending during rotation to trap solids and retracting during upward movement to permit fluid flow
3Strength
If the pump shuts down to prevent over-torque, then component damage is avoided, but productivity is lost due to shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The bristle mechanism performs preliminary action by trapping solids before they can accumulate in sufficient quantities to cause over-torque conditions, preventing the need for shutdowns and enabling continuous operation
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
Effectively prevents solids from reentering the pump and accumulating in the tubing, reducing wear, sticking, and over-torque issues, ensuring continuous operation and extending the lifespan of pump components.
Implementation Method 1
a helical groove formed on the brush tube and spiraling vertically along a length of at least a lower portion of the brush tube; and a bristle coupled to the brush tube, wherein at least a portion of the bristle is positioned within the groove so that the bristle conforms to a spiral shape of the groove
Implementation Method 2
centralizer components center the rods to prevent rubbing and over-torque
Data Source
AI summary
A rod centralizer and solids control assembly can be mounted on a rod string. The assembly allows well fluid containing high solids to pass through the pump while eliminating the solids from being swept back into the pump barrel or accumulating in the tubing. The assembly can include a body portion coupled to a bristle positioned helically around the body portion. The bristle can be coupled to a piston, allowing the bristle to extend during upward fluid movement and retract when rod rotation stops. The bristle can trap solids, leaving the solids higher and away from a pump intake. This can allow the solids to be lifted out of the pump, preventing solids from collecting on a bottom portion of the pump or tubing. The assembly can include centralizer components that center the rod, preventing it from rubbing against the tubing. Multiple assemblies can be incorporated into the rod string.