Hydraulic Downhole Pump for Deep Well Fluid Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pumping technologies, such as sucker rod pumps, are inefficient for deep and horizontal wells, require frequent maintenance, and struggle with lifting fluids over 500 feet while lacking energy efficiency and the ability to utilize solar and wind power effectively, and do not allow for simultaneous fluid disposal and production without additional equipment.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic-based pumping system that eliminates the need for sucker rods and pumpjacks, using a downhole unit with a close tolerance barrel and plunger design, allowing for variable stroke lengths and energy efficiency improvements, along with a backflush filtering system and the ability to isolate and manage production and disposal zones within the same well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If sucker rod pumps are used for deep wells, then fluid lifting capability is provided, but energy efficiency deteriorates and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical sucker rod pump system with a hydraulic system that uses fluid pressure to directly drive the downhole pump. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical rod connections and surface pumpjacks, reducing mechanical wear and maintenance while improving energy efficiency through direct hydraulic coupling between the power source and pump mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs hydraulic principles by using pressurized fluid to transmit power from the surface to the downhole pump. The hydraulic system allows for efficient power transmission through flexible hoses, enabling the pump to operate at depth without rigid mechanical connections, thereby reducing maintenance requirements and improving overall system reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pumpjack systems are used for horizontal wells, then fluid production is achieved, but adaptability to well geometry deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning and adjustable stroke mechanisms that allow the downhole pump to adapt to varying well geometries including horizontal and deviated wells. The system can modify its operating parameters and physical position to optimize performance across different well configurations, maintaining high productivity while achieving versatile adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes variable stroke length and adjustable pump cycle parameters to optimize fluid production across different well geometries. By dynamically changing operational parameters rather than relying on fixed mechanical configurations, the system maintains high productivity in horizontal, deviated, and vertical wells without sacrificing efficiency.
3Length of stationary object
If traditional pumping systems are used, then fluid lifting is achieved, but the ability to lift fluids over 500 feet deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic pressure transmission through flexible hoses to deliver power to the downhole pump at great depths. This hydraulic approach overcomes the limitations of traditional mechanical rod systems by allowing efficient power transmission over 500+ feet through fluid pressure, enabling the pump to operate effectively at extended depths with appropriate power sources including solar and wind.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical power transmission systems with hydraulic coupling, eliminating the depth limitations imposed by mechanical rod wear and structural constraints. This substitution enables fluid lifting beyond 500 feet by using incompressible hydraulic fluid to transmit power efficiently over extended distances from surface-mounted power sources.
4Productivity
If sucker rod pumps are used, then fluid production is achieved, but rod wear and mechanical component wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical rod connections and surface-mounted pumpjacks by replacing them with a hydraulic system that transmits power through fluid pressure. This substitution removes the primary sources of mechanical wear including rod-bucket connections, rod-packer interfaces, and pumpjack mechanical components, thereby significantly reducing wear-related failures while maintaining high fluid production capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole pump system is designed to be self-contained with all critical components located underground, eliminating the need for frequent surface mechanical interventions. The hydraulic system requires minimal maintenance as the power transmission medium (hydraulic fluid) naturally lubricates moving parts, reducing mechanical wear without compromising productivity.
5Ease of repair
If pump and tubing are pulled for repairs, then maintenance is performed, but environmental contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pumping system into a permanent downhole pump unit and removable surface hydraulic power units. This segmentation allows the surface equipment to be easily replaced or maintained without disturbing the downhole pump, eliminating the need to pull tubing and rods from the wellbore. Consequently, environmental contamination risks are significantly reduced while maintaining ease of repair for surface components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces hydraulic fluid as an intermediary power transmission medium between the surface power source and downhole pump. This intermediary system allows for maintenance of surface equipment without well intervention, as the hydraulic connections can be quickly disconnected and reconnected. The downhole pump remains in place, preventing environmental contamination that would result from pulling rods and tubing from the wellbore.
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 achieves 40% energy efficiency improvement, reduces maintenance costs, enables efficient pumping in horizontal and deep wells, and allows for simultaneous fluid production and disposal, with the capability to lift fluids higher than traditional systems and operate using solar and wind energy.
Implementation Method 1
A power fluid is forced into a pipe and the power fluid forces a downhole unit to reciprocate
Implementation Method 2
fluid displacement concept, the downhole unit does not require a one-to-one displacement ratio from the surface to the downhole unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a downhole unit that includes at least one plunger and that uses a power fluid to recover production fluid from a well. The downhole unit recovers production fluid and brings it to the surface of the well during both the downward and upward motion of the at least one plunger. The downhole unit can also optionally dispose of unwanted fluids in a formation.