Hybrid Pumping System for Downhole Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pump systems used in oil and gas exploration are limited in their ability to achieve a wide range of flow rates, which restricts their application in various drilling and monitoring operations.
Innovation Solution
A pumping system that includes a displacement unit coupled with both a hydraulic driving device and a mechanical driving device, allowing either device to drive the displacement unit to achieve a broader range of flow rates, with the option to use either or both devices depending on the operational need.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional single-type pump system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the range of flow rates is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a hydraulic driving device and a mechanical driving device into a single pump system that shares a common displacement unit. This merging allows the system to achieve a wide range of flow rates (0.1-150 cc/s) by selecting between or combining both driving devices, while avoiding the need for two completely separate pump systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement unit is designed to be universally driven by both hydraulic and mechanical driving devices. The displacement unit can be actuated by hydraulic fluid pressure from the hydraulic driving device or by direct mechanical connection from the mechanical driving device, making it a multi-functional component that serves both driving modes through a single unified structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid pump system with both hydraulic and mechanical driving devices is used, then the range of flow rates increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydraulic and mechanical driving devices into a coordinated system that shares common components, particularly the displacement unit. This reduces overall complexity compared to having two independent pump systems, while still providing the full range of flow rate options from 0.1 to 150 cc/s.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between hydraulic and mechanical driving modes based on the required flow rate. The controller activates only the necessary driving device for the current operational requirements, optimizing system complexity by avoiding unnecessary components being active simultaneously while maintaining adaptability across the full flow rate range.
3Reliability
If only one driving device is used, then the system is easier to operate, but reliability decreases when that device fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between hydraulic and mechanical driving modes based on requirements. The controller manages the selection and coordination of driving devices, providing redundancy for reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated control that handles the complexity of coordinating multiple driving modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning against failure by having both hydraulic and mechanical driving devices available as backup options. If one driving device fails, the other can take over to ensure continuous operation, providing fault tolerance built into the system architecture before any failure occurs.
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
Enables a more flexible and efficient operation by providing a larger range of flow rates, from approximately 0.1-150 cc/s, and offers redundancy in case one driving device fails, ensuring continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic driving device configured to drive a piston of the displacement unit such that the fluid is received within the cavity
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical driving device configured to drive the piston of the displacement unit such that the fluid is received within the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A pumping system and method to be used within a downhole tool is disclosed herein. The pumping system includes a displacement unit having a cavity formed therein, in which the cavity is configured to receive a fluid therein. A hydraulic driving device and a mechanical driving device are then both included within the system such that both the hydraulic driving device and the mechanical driving device are configured to drive a piston of the displacement unit to receive the fluid within the cavity.