Modular Compact Pump for Subsea Multi-Phase Oil Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea multi-phase pumps face challenges in efficiently accelerating and improving oil recovery in both new and mature wells due to rotodynamic issues and limitations in energy addition to hydrocarbon well-streams, as well as high wellhead pressure.
Innovation Solution
A modular compact pump with integrated motor impellers rotating around a static shaft, featuring modular design with separate power connections for each stage, spiral coolant channels, and pressure compensators to manage pressure differences and reduce leakage, along with metal and polymeric seals for enhanced sealing and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing subsea multi-phase pumps are used, then pumping function is provided, but rotodynamic issues occur and energy addition efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is divided into multiple independent stages, each with its own impeller and diffuser assembly. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently for energy addition efficiency while reducing cumulative rotodynamic issues across the entire pumping system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical drive systems with an electrically driven impeller system. The impeller is directly coupled to an electric motor, eliminating mechanical transmission components and associated rotodynamic problems while improving energy addition efficiency to the hydrocarbon well-streams.
2Stress or pressure
If traditional pump designs are used, then pumping capability is achieved, but wellhead pressure remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-stage design provides continuous energy addition to the hydrocarbon well-streams through sequential impeller-diffuser assemblies. This continuous action progressively reduces wellhead pressure by adding energy at multiple points along the flow path, rather than relying on a single high-pressure stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical stacking dimension with multiple stages arranged in series. This dimensional approach allows energy addition to occur at multiple levels, effectively distributing the pressure reduction function across different spatial positions and improving overall energy addition capability.
3Productivity
If modular design with multiple stages is implemented, then energy addition is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each stage in the modular pump design serves multiple functions: the impeller adds energy to the fluid, the diffuser converts kinetic energy to pressure, and the casing provides structural support and flow guidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high energy addition efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump stages are nested within a common casing structure, with each impeller-diffuser assembly contained within the same housing. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functional elements into a compact arrangement, reducing overall device complexity while preserving the benefits of multi-stage energy addition.
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
The modular compact pump effectively enhances oil recovery by adding energy to multi-phase hydrocarbon well-streams, reduces wellhead pressure, and minimizes rotodynamic issues through efficient energy distribution and sealing, thereby improving the overall performance and longevity of the pumping system.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one coolant inlet and the at least one coolant outlet may be in fluid communication with spiral shaped coolant channels surrounding each stator
Implementation Method 2
Each module may include a pressure compensator limiting a pressure difference over the can between a pumped media in an impeller side of the modularized pump and a dielectric fluid inside the casing
Implementation Method 3
A can is provided to form a barrier and seal between the impeller and the stator
Implementation Method 4
The modularized pump may further include metal to metal face seals between the at least two modules. The pump may further include a polymeric face seal between the at least two modules
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a modularized pump. The pump has end lids 12, 13 with an inlet and an outlet for pumped fluid, and at least two pump modules 7 sandwiched between the end lids 12,13. Each pump module includes a casing 1 with an enclosed volume 20 and at least two pump stages 6. At least one coolant inlet 10 and outlet and a separate power connection 16 for connection to a VSD is included in each module. Each pump stage 6 includes an impeller 5 with a rotor 4, a stator 2 surrounding the rotor 4, provided to drive the rotor and a can 3 between the impeller 5 and the stator 2.