Downhole Jet Pump with Tungsten Carbide Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole jet pumps face issues with corrosion and abrasive wear due to unique fluid flow characteristics, limiting their efficiency and reliability in hydrocarbon recovery applications.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a downhole jet pump with a power fluid jet nozzle, a mixing tube, venturi ports, a nose piece, and a diffuser, all made from durable materials like tungsten carbide, with a specific configuration of three equidistant venturi ports and a carrier formed from powdered metallurgy to enhance structural integrity and reduce drag, along with an inlet valve for efficient fluid handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional jet pump components are used, then the pump can operate, but the components suffer from corrosion and abrasive wear reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a corrosion-resistant coating layer with the base metal components. The coating serves as a protective barrier against corrosive fluids and abrasive wear, while the underlying metal provides structural strength. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by protecting components from harmful factors while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-applying protective coatings to components before they are exposed to corrosive and abrasive conditions. This preventive measure cushions the components against corrosion and wear attacks, allowing them to maintain reliability throughout their service life despite the harsh operating environment.
2Reliability
If pump components are made more durable to resist corrosion and wear, then reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials where a specialized coating is applied to standard metal components. This approach achieves enhanced durability and corrosion resistance without completely redesigning the base components, thereby limiting the increase in manufacturing complexity to the coating application process rather than entire component redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies protective coatings selectively to specific areas and components that are most susceptible to corrosion and abrasive wear. This local quality approach ensures durability is improved where needed most, while avoiding unnecessary complexity in manufacturing components that are less vulnerable to degradation.
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
This configuration significantly increases the pump's reliability and efficiency by reducing corrosion and abrasive wear, leading to a longer and more reliable life compared to prior art jet pumps.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of venturi ports are provided in a carrier for drawing formation fluids from within the pump housing radially through the venturi ports and into the mixing tube
Implementation Method 2
The jet nozzle has a central passageway therein for increasing fluid velocity of the power fluid transmitted downhole through the tubular string and to the jet nozzle
Implementation Method 3
a diffuser downstream from the nose piece has a lower end passing through a side port in the pump housing for discharging the mixture of power fluid and formation fluids to the annulus surrounding the pump housing
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of a downhole jet pump 10 includes an exterior pump housing 12, power fluid jet nozzle 30, mixing tube 32, and a carrier 40 including a plurality of venturi ports 38. A nose piece 48 is provided fluidly downstream from the mixing tube 32. A diffuser 46 is downstream from the nose piece, and preferably forms a unitary body from the lower end of the nose piece to the side port of the pump housing. An inlet valve 100 passes formation fluid into the pump housing and to the venturi ports.