Modular Downhole Pump Inversion Prevents Gas Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole pumps in subterranean wells often experience gas lock issues due to gases trapped between inlet and outlet valves, which prevent efficient fluid movement to the surface, leading to productivity losses and potential equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A downhole pump configuration where the plunger is positioned below the inlet valves, eliminating the need for outlet valves and allowing fluids to be forced up the tubing string during the upstroke, thereby preventing gas lock and enabling modular design for easy maintenance and adaptation to changing production levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional downhole pumps use both inlet and outlet valves, then fluid can be moved through the pump, but gas lock occurs due to gases trapped between valves
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the outlet valve from the pump system, extracting the problematic component that traps gas. By eliminating the outlet valve and positioning the inlet valve above the plunger, the design prevents gas accumulation between valves, thereby preventing gas lock while maintaining fluid pumping capability through the modified valve-plunger configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional valve placement by positioning the inlet valve above the plunger rather than below it. This inverted configuration changes the flow dynamics so that fluid enters the chamber above the plunger during the downstroke, and the plunger then forces fluid up the tubing during the upstroke, eliminating the gas trap issue
2Productivity
If downhole pumps operate in harsh subterranean environments, then fluid extraction is achieved, but equipment damage occurs due to gas lock and operational stresses
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the outlet valve that is prone to damage from gas lock and operational stresses, the invention eliminates a vulnerable component. The simplified valve configuration reduces points of failure and equipment damage in harsh subterranean environments while maintaining extraction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of gas accumulation into a beneficial configuration where the single inlet valve position above the plunger allows fluid to be forced upward during the upstroke, transforming the potential gas trap into an effective single-direction pumping mechanism that is more durable
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional pump designs are used, then initial installation is straightforward, but maintenance and component replacement are difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the pump into distinct modular components with the valve assembly positioned as a separate unit above the plunger. This segmentation allows the valve to be independently accessed, removed, and replaced without requiring complete disassembly of the pump, significantly easing maintenance and component replacement in field conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for improving the production efficiency of a well and preventing gas lock. The apparatus is a downhole pump and comprises a barrel, a reciprocating plunger and a body having a plurality of inlet valves. The apparatus does not require outlet valves. The body and inlet valves are positioned above the barrel and plunger, thus eliminating gas lock. Fluids enter the body through the valves and, during upstrokes of the plunger, are forced up the tubing string to the surface equipment. Modularity of the components permits pump components to be changed as the productivity of the well fluctuates and also allows production of more fluids with a smaller casing.