Jet Pump Spoolable Multi-String Tubing Wellbore Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current jet pump systems for wellbore cleaning and testing are inefficient and require multiple tubing strings, which complicates rapid deployment and retrieval, and often use costly nitrogen gas or pose safety concerns with compressed air.
Innovation Solution
A spoolable multi-string tubing system with a single conventional coiled tubing unit, incorporating a jet pump with a venturi nozzle, diffuser, and back-pressure valve, allowing for efficient wellbore fluid removal and real-time data collection using a single coiled tubing unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional coiled tubing with single string is used for jet pump installation, then deployment simplicity is maintained, but operational efficiency and wellbore cleaning capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single coiled tubing string is segmented into multiple functional sections with different diameters. The upper section has a larger diameter to accommodate the jet pump assembly and allow efficient fluid return, while the lower section maintains standard diameter for easy deployment. This segmentation enables the system to achieve multi-string functionality while using a single deployable unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional tubing approach to a multi-dimensional configuration by creating lateral openings in the coiled tubing that allow fluid communication between the inner jet pump section and the outer annulus. This dimensional change enables efficient fluid routing without requiring multiple separate tubing strings.
2Productivity
If nitrogen gas is used for gas lift, then wellbore fluid removal is effective, but operational cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive nitrogen gas with a temporary, disposable jet pump system that uses readily available power fluid (such as wellbore fluid itself or simple water). The jet pump nozzle is designed as a consumable component that can be easily replaced if needed, eliminating the ongoing cost of nitrogen gas while maintaining effective fluid removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The jet pump system is designed to use the wellbore fluid itself or simple power fluid as the jetting medium, eliminating the need for external gas supplies. The system essentially serves itself by using resources already present in the wellbore environment, thereby eliminating costly external substance requirements.
3Productivity
If compressed air is used for wellbore cleaning, then fluid removal is achieved, but safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces compressed air with a temporary jet pump system that uses controlled power fluid injection. The disposable nature of the jet pump assembly allows for controlled, contained operation without the uncontrolled expansion and potential safety hazards associated with compressed air release in the wellbore environment.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If permanent pumping equipment is installed for wellbore fluid removal, then continuous operation is achieved, but deployment time and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a dynamic, temporary jet pump system that can be rapidly deployed and retrieved through the single coiled tubing string. The system transitions from static permanent equipment to a dynamic temporary installation that maintains continuous operation capability during the testing or cleaning period while enabling rapid deployment and retrieval without complex installation procedures.
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 rapid and efficient wellbore cleaning and testing with reduced operational complexity and cost, while providing real-time data for reservoir assessment without the need for permanent equipment installation.
Implementation Method 1
a venture gap between the venturi nozzle and the diffuser for creating a low pressure condition at the venturi gap when power fluid flows through the venturi nozzle and past the venturi gap
Implementation Method 2
U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,545 discloses a jet pump that brings a power fluid to sedimented solids and the like plugging a conduit, and includes at least one nozzle which directs the power fluid in a high-velocity jet against the solids to bring the solids into suspension for subsequent removal thereof using the jet pump principle
Data Source
AI summary
A jet pump and method of using the jet pump for removing fluids and solids from a conduit. The jet pump is adapted for use with a spoolable multi-string tubing system. The jet pump may be deployed rapidly and is suitable for temporary installation. The method may be used to reestablish flow in watered out and sanded off wells, or to test wells. The jet pump is adapted to remove wellbore fluid, which may be removed in combination with power fluid. The spoolable multi-string tubing system includes two or more substantially parallel conduits, allowing power fluid and return fluid to flow in separate conduits. Preferred embodiments provide additional functionality by inclusion of jetting elements, sensing elements, back-pressure valves, and auxiliary tubing strings or communication members in the spoolable multi-string tubing system.