Modular Seal Section with External Ports for Series or Parallel Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current submersible pumping systems lack a standardized and easily configurable seal section that can be adapted for either parallel or series configurations, which is essential for effective fluid management and contamination prevention in harsh downhole environments.
Innovation Solution
A modular seal section with a guide body that includes a configuration selection mechanism, allowing the upper and lower fluid compensation sections to be externally manipulated into either a series or parallel configuration using a variety of plugs, such as blocking, end, series flow, and parallel flow plugs, to control fluid flow and maintain seal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seal bags are connected in series configuration, then redundant seal protection is provided, but device complexity increases due to multiple shaft seals required
Solution Approach 1:
The seal section is divided into multiple independently configurable seal bag sections (first, second, third seal sections) that can be arranged in series or parallel configurations. Each section has its own fluid compensation chamber, allowing the system to achieve redundant protection through modular segmentation without requiring complex integration of shaft seals between sections.
2Quantity of substance
If seal bags are connected in parallel configuration, then overall effective volume change capacity is increased, but redundant protection is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a configuration selection mechanism with selectively positionable plugs that can dynamically reconfigure the fluid communication pathways between seal sections. This allows the seal section to transition between series configuration (providing redundant protection) and parallel configuration (providing increased volume change capacity) based on operational requirements, making the system adaptable rather than fixed.
3Ease of manufacture
If a standardized modular seal section is implemented, then ease of manufacture and configuration is improved, but adaptability to different well conditions may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The seal section is designed as a universal modular unit with standardized external ports and a configuration selection mechanism that can accommodate multiple operational configurations (series or parallel). The guide body includes multiple passages that can be selectively blocked or opened using positionable plugs, allowing a single standardized design to serve multiple functions and adapt to different well conditions without requiring custom manufacturing.
4Reliability
If configuration change requires disassembly, then seal integrity is maintained, but loss of time and productivity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration selection mechanism is designed to be externally accessible and operable without disassembling the seal section housing. The plugs can be positioned within the guide body passages from the outside, allowing operators to reconfigure the seal section between series and parallel modes while maintaining seal integrity and without requiring time-consuming disassembly and reassembly operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular seal section for use within a downhole pumping system includes an upper fluid compensation section, a lower fluid compensation section and a guide body connected between the upper fluid compensation section and lower fluid compensation section. The guide body includes a configuration selection mechanism that can be externally manipulated to selectively place the upper fluid compensation section in either a series or parallel configuration with the lower fluid compensation section.