Multi-Stage Wellbore Lifting with Side Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrocarbon recovery methods face challenges such as decreased natural pressure leading to inefficient extraction, especially in wells with low reservoir productivity index, and issues with wellbore angle deviation preventing effective application of plunger lift technology.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage wellbore system with production tubing divided by one-way valves and side chambers equipped with sensors to detect fluid levels, allowing controlled gas injection to lift hydrocarbons from the subterranean zone to the surface on a stage-by-stage basis, preventing backflow and reducing gas volume requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional secondary recovery techniques like ESPs are used to lift hydrocarbons, then hydrocarbon production can be maintained when natural pressure decreases, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The production tubing is divided into multiple discrete stages by one-way valves, with each stage capable of independent gas injection and hydrocarbon lifting. This segmentation allows the system to process hydrocarbons in controlled portions rather than requiring a continuous complex pumping system throughout the entire wellbore.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the hydrocarbons themselves as the lifting medium by injecting gas into stages to create upward flow that carries subsequent hydrocarbons. Each stage automatically lifts its own hydrocarbons through gas injection without requiring external pumping equipment, eliminating the need for ESPs or other mechanical lift devices.
2Loss of energy
If plunger lift technology is applied to wells with angle deviation, then gas consumption can be reduced, but the technology becomes ineffective due to wellbore angle constraints
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the wellbore into discrete stages with one-way valves, the system creates isolated lifting zones that can operate independently regardless of wellbore angle. Each stage functions as an independent lifting unit that is not affected by the overall wellbore geometry, allowing effective operation in deviated wells where traditional plunger lift fails.
Solution Approach 2:
Gas is introduced as an intermediary medium in each stage to facilitate hydrocarbon lifting. The injected gas creates upward flow that carries hydrocarbons through the one-way valve into the next stage, providing a mechanism that works independently of wellbore angle constraints that limit direct plunger lift effectiveness.
3Productivity
If gas injection is used to lift hydrocarbons in a single continuous column, then hydrocarbons can be lifted to surface, but large volumes of gas are required
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the lifting process into discrete stages allows gas to be injected in controlled, smaller quantities into each individual stage rather than requiring large volumes to lift the entire hydrocarbon column at once. Each stage processes a portion of the hydrocarbons, accumulating lift gas requirements in manageable increments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic cycles where gas is injected into a specific stage, hydrocarbons are lifted to the next stage, and then the process moves to the subsequent stage. This periodic, sequential operation allows for more efficient gas utilization compared to continuous injection required for single-column lifting.
4Ease of manufacture
If natural pressure is relied upon for hydrocarbon flow, then no additional equipment is needed, but production efficiency decreases when natural pressure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains simplicity by using the hydrocarbon fluid itself as the lifting medium through gas injection, avoiding complex mechanical equipment. Each stage uses injected gas to create natural upward flow that carries hydrocarbons, leveraging the fluid's own properties rather than requiring external pumps or lift mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs pneumatic injection of gas into each stage to create hydraulic flow that carries hydrocarbons upward through the one-way valves. This pneumatic-hydraulic mechanism provides controlled lifting capability without requiring complex mechanical equipment, maintaining system simplicity while improving productivity over pure natural pressure reliance.
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
Enhances hydrocarbon recovery efficiency by maintaining pressure and overcoming depth and angle challenges, reducing gas consumption and preventing hydrocarbon fallback, while allowing dynamic operation under varying fluid conditions.
Implementation Method 1
In response to determining the presence of hydrocarbons in the first stage, gas is injected into the first stage causing the hydrocarbons in the first stage to flow uphole through the first valve into a second stage
Implementation Method 2
Multiple valves are disposed in the production tubing at respective multiple tubing locations. Each valve is configured to permit one-way flow of hydrocarbons in an uphole direction.
Implementation Method 3
Each side chamber has one or more sensors coupled to the side chamber. Determining the presence of hydrocarbons in the first stage includes detecting, by at least one of 1) a first sensor coupled to a first side chamber at the first stage or 2) a second sensor coupled to a second side chamber at the second stage, a fluidic level of the hydrocarbons inside the first side chamber or a fluidic level of the hydrocarbons inside the second side chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A production tubing is disposed in a wellbore. Hydrocarbons entrapped in a subterranean zone enter the wellbore. Multiple valves are disposed in the production tubing at respective multiple tubing locations. The multiple valves divide the production tubing into multiple stages. A presence of hydrocarbons in a first stage terminating at a first valve is determined and gas is injected into the first stage causing the hydrocarbons in the first stage to flow uphole through the first valve into a second stage uphole of the first stage. It is determined that the second stage is filled with the hydrocarbons and injection of the gas into the first stage is ceased. Multiple side chambers are disposed in the respective multiple stages. Determining the presence of hydrocarbons in the first stage incudes detecting a fluidic level of the hydrocarbons inside the first side chamber.