Linear Backpressure Pump for Well Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well drilling systems face challenges in maintaining precise fluid pressure control, particularly during 'tripping' operations where the drill string is withdrawn, leading to reduced fluid pressure due to decreased well fluid displacement, and existing backpressure pumps lack the necessary precision for optimal control.
Innovation Solution
A vertically oriented, linear motion backpressure pump with a reciprocating hydraulic actuator and proportional solenoid valve system that uses a controller to manage fluid flow and pressure, ensuring accurate and efficient maintenance of well fluid pressure by utilizing a controllable orifice choke and flowmeter for real-time adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional backpressure pump is used to maintain fluid pressure during tripping operations, then fluid pressure can be maintained, but the pressure control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable displacement pump with adjustable flow rate and a controllable choke with variable opening size, allowing dynamic adjustment of system parameters to achieve precise pressure control while maintaining reliability during different operational phases
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a pressure sensor that continuously monitors well pressure and feeds this information back to the controller, which automatically adjusts the pump flow rate and choke opening to maintain the desired pressure setpoint, ensuring both precision and reliability
2Measurement precision
If drilling rig mud pumps are used to maintain backpressure, then fluid pressure can be maintained, but the control accuracy is insufficient compared to dedicated backpressure pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the pressure control function from the main drilling mud pumping system by using a dedicated variable displacement pump specifically for backpressure maintenance, allowing independent optimization of control accuracy without complicating the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The variable displacement pump allows continuous adjustment of flow rate parameters, and the controllable choke enables variable opening size adjustment, providing fine-tuned pressure control accuracy that fixed-displacement pumps cannot achieve
3Reliability
If additional fluid is pumped into the well during tripping operations to maintain pressure, then fluid pressure can be maintained, but the surface area and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The variable displacement pump adjusts its flow rate dynamically based on actual pressure requirements, pumping only the necessary amount of fluid to maintain pressure rather than operating at constant high flow, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining pressure reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by pumping only the minimum required fluid volume needed to compensate for pressure loss during tripping, rather than using excessive flow rates, optimizing the balance between pressure maintenance and energy usage
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a linear motor and a fluid pump functionally connected to the linear motor. A fluid inlet of the fluid pump is in fluid communication with a fluid source. A fluid outlet of the fluid pump in fluid communication with a well. A pressure sensor is in fluid communication with the well. A controller is functionally coupled to the linear motor and the pressure sensor, wherein the controller is configured to operate the fluid pump to maintain a selected pressure in the well.