Hybrid Deliquification System for Deviated Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
In subterranean wells, especially those with deviated sections, the insufficient reservoir pressure to lift unwanted liquids along with hydrocarbons poses a challenge, leading to back pressure that blocks gas production and requires expensive and technically difficult artificial lift methods.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid deliquification system with multiple fluid removal means, including an inner tubing string with a distal and proximal section, where the first fluid removal means operates in the deviated section and the second, more powerful means operates in the vertical section, allowing sequential and optimized removal of unwanted liquids, utilizing various pumps and power supplies to efficiently transport fluids to the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single powerful pump is used to remove liquids from the entire well including deviated sections, then liquid removal capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The well is divided into multiple sections (deviated section and vertical section), with separate fluid removal means assigned to each section. The first fluid removal means handles the deviated section while the second handles the vertical section, allowing each device to be optimized for its specific section rather than requiring one oversized pump for the entire well.
Solution Approach 2:
Different types of fluid removal means are used in different sections of the well based on local requirements. The first fluid removal means (such as a pump) is used in the deviated section where liquid accumulation is problematic, while the second fluid removal means (such as a plunger) is used in the vertical section where gravity-assisted lift is effective.
2Productivity
If large pumps are used to overcome the entire static pressure head in horizontal sections, then liquid transport capability is improved, but ease of operation and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid removal function is segmented between two devices positioned at different locations in the well. The first device in the deviated section only needs to overcome the local pressure head for that section, not the entire well depth, making it smaller and easier to install while still achieving effective liquid removal.
3Productivity
If artificial lift methods are implemented in deviated wells, then gas production is improved, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial lift system is segmented into two functional zones with different mechanisms. The first fluid removal means in the deviated section addresses liquid accumulation that would otherwise block gas flow, while the second means in the vertical section provides additional lift capability, together enabling gas production without requiring a single complex system.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for removing fluids from a subterranean well are described. An example embodiment includes a system having a well casing surrounding at least one inner tubing string, where the inner tubing string has a distal section and a proximal section, an apparatus for removing a first fluid within the distal section of the inner tubing string, and an apparatus for removing a second fluid within the proximal section of the inner tubing string.