Hydraulic Pumping Unit With Single-Piston Accumulator Counterbalance

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic units for mechanical pumping (HUMP) face challenges in productivity due to the duplication of pistons and cylinders, leading to increased length and cost, while maintaining energy efficiency through pressure accumulators and hydraulic circuits.

Innovation Solution

A simplified hydraulic unit design using a single piston and pressure accumulator system, coordinated by a PLC, to control the upward and downward movements of the piston, optimizing force and speed to minimize equipment length and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a pressure accumulator and hydraulic pump system is used to counterbalance the rod string weight, then energy consumption is reduced, but the equipment length and complexity increase due to duplicated pistons and cylinders

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the counterbalance piston and actuating piston into a single integrated piston structure, merging two previously separate functions into one component. This reduces the number of parts while maintaining the dual functions of counterbalancing rod string weight and providing actuating force for reciprocating motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single piston serves multiple functions: it acts as both the counterbalance piston (supporting rod string weight) and the actuating piston (receiving hydraulic pressure for motion). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate pistons and cylinders for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If a pressure accumulator and hydraulic pump system is used to counterbalance the rod string weight, then energy consumption is reduced, but the equipment length increases generating mobility problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidequipment length

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the counterbalance piston and actuating piston into a single integrated piston structure, merging two previously separate functions into one component. This reduces the number of parts while maintaining the dual functions of counterbalancing rod string weight and providing actuating force for reciprocating motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single piston is designed with nested chambers where the counterbalance chamber and actuating chamber are arranged concentrically or in series within the same piston body, maximizing space utilization and minimizing overall equipment length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Force

If additional pistons and cylinders of different effective area are used to avoid duplication, then the force on the polished rod is increased, but the cost and manufacturing complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce on polished rodVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The single piston has different effective areas at different locations (local quality) - one area for the counterbalance chamber and another for the actuating chamber. This allows different forces to be generated in different regions of the same piston without requiring multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the counterbalance piston and actuating piston into a single integrated piston structure, merging two previously separate functions into one component. This reduces the number of parts while maintaining the dual functions of counterbalancing rod string weight and providing actuating force for reciprocating motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs while enhancing productivity by controlling the piston's movement, minimizing hydraulic losses, and preventing rod string damage, thus improving overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

The most commonly adopted is the pressure accumulator charged with nitrogen, responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the rod string and part of the tubing fluid column

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Accumulator

Implementation Method 2

The actuating piston received flow and pressure from a hydraulic pump after passing through by-pass valves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS20250215771A1Hydraulic unit for mechanical pumping (HUMP) for oil lifting

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 ALFANO JUAN CARLOS

AI summary

A equipment including a Cylinder and a Main Piston, a Pressure Accumulator with auxiliary Nitrogen tubes for the upward movement of the Main Piston, an Hydraulic Unit including an Hydraulic Fluid Deposit and a Heat Exchanger, an Electric or Thermal motor for making the Hydraulic bomb to work which is responsible of the downward movement of the Main Piston, responsible for the descending movement of the Main Piston, Diverter Valves, Closing Valves and Position, Temperature and Pressure Detectors. The ascent speed can be high, while the descent speed will be normal for this equipment but controlled. All this is coordinated by a program incorporated into the PLC.