Jet Pump Lift System Safety Valve Inversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing artificial lift systems, such as sucker rod lifting systems, are prone to mechanical failures and are costly due to the need for subsurface safety valves rated for deep well depths, while jet pumps face challenges with safety valve installation and cost inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A jet pump lift system with a one-way valve allowing power fluid communication between the jet pump and the tubing, enabling a safety valve to be installed above the jet pump, reducing the need for deep-rated safety valves and lowering costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a safety valve is installed below the jet pump at deep depths (8000 ft or more), then the system provides necessary safety barrier function, but the cost of safety valves and control lines increases dramatically (more than double or triple the costs)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety barrier functionVSAvoidcost of safety valves and control lines

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by installing the safety valve above the jet pump instead of below it. This reversal allows the use of shallower-rated, less expensive safety valves while maintaining the safety barrier function, as the one-way valve prevents backflow and the safety valve still blocks communication through the tubing bore.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The one-way valve acts as an intermediary component between the jet pump and the safety valve. It allows power fluid to flow in one direction while preventing backflow, enabling the safety valve to be positioned above the jet pump without compromising system integrity or safety functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If sucker rod lifting systems are used for artificial lift, then fluid can be brought to the surface by mechanical pumping action, but the system includes several moving mechanical components that are susceptible to failure or damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid lifting capabilityVSAvoidsusceptibility to failure or damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical sucker rod lifting system with a jet pump system that uses fluid dynamics instead of mechanical pumping components. The jet pump uses a nozzle and venturi section to create a pressure differential that lifts production fluid, eliminating the need for reciprocating or rotating mechanical parts downhole.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The jet pump system uses hydraulic principles where power fluid is directed through a nozzle to create a high-velocity jet that draws production fluid into the venturi section. The combined fluids are then lifted to the surface through the annular area, utilizing fluid pressure and flow dynamics rather than mechanical pumping action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If a subsurface safety valve is employed within the wellbore, then the system provides safety barrier function, but a sucker rod string cannot be placed through the subsurface safety valve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety barrier functionVSAvoidcompatibility with sucker rod string

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the safety valve from the conventional position below the jet pump and relocates it above the jet pump. This separation allows the sucker rod string (or in this case, the jet pump assembly) to be installed without passing through the safety valve, while the safety barrier function is maintained at the new location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 allows for cost-effective hydrocarbon fluid production by reducing the expense of safety valves and control lines, while maintaining system efficiency with the safety valve positioned above the jet pump, thus minimizing operational risks and costs.

Implementation Method 1

As the power fluid passes from the nozzle section to the venturi section, production fluid is drawn into the venturi section via the inlet ports

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3309355B1Jet pump lift system for producing hydrocarbon fluids

Publication Date: 2021.04.21 WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

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Figure 2A

AI summary

A jet pump lift system for use with a tubing (110) disposed in a casing (115) includes a jet pump (120) installed in the tubing; a one way valve (160) for communicating a power fluid into the jet pump; and a safety valve (180) configured to block fluid communication through the tubing and disposed above the jet pump.