Oil Extraction Arrangement Using Gas Recirculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current oilfield extraction methods face challenges in efficiently extracting hydrocarbons from low-pressure or semi-depleted wells due to excessive gas pressure, which decreases oil production and requires high energy for fluid suction, leading to unproductive gas venting.

Innovation Solution

An arrangement that reduces gas pressure in oil wells by using a suction/injection pump to recirculate gas, connecting it to both the oil and gas pipelines, allowing the gas to assist in oil extraction and be delivered for further treatment, while maintaining non-negative pressure to enhance oil production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional suction methods are used to extract oil from low-pressure wells, then oil extraction can be achieved, but excessive gas pressure requires high energy consumption and decreases extraction efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil extraction efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption for fluid suction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of excessive gas pressure into a beneficial force by using the gas to push the collected oil upward through the extraction pipe. The gas pressure that previously hindered extraction is now utilized as the driving force to move oil from the collecting container to the surface, eliminating the need for high-energy suction methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using suction (pulling force) to extract oil as in conventional methods, the patent employs pressure (pushing force) from the accumulated gas to drive the oil upward. This inverts the traditional extraction approach from suction-based to pressure-based, fundamentally changing the mechanism of oil recovery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If gas pressure in the well is reduced to increase oil production, then oil extraction volume increases, but gas must be managed and recirculated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil production volumeVSAvoidgas recirculation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction pipe serves multiple functions: it collects oil in its lower section and simultaneously acts as a conduit for gas to push the oil upward. The same structural element (extraction pipe) performs both oil collection and oil displacement functions, eliminating the need for separate gas injection equipment and simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the well's own gas resources to perform the work of oil extraction. The gas that accumulates in the well naturally pushes the collected oil upward through the extraction pipe, creating a self-sustaining extraction process that requires no external energy input or complex recirculation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stress or pressure

If gas is vented to maintain pressure balance, then pressure control is achieved, but unproductive gas loss occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell pressure controlVSAvoidgas loss through venting

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the previously wasted vented gas into a useful resource. The gas that would have been lost through venting is now captured and utilized to push the collected oil upward through the extraction pipe, transforming a loss into a productive force that enhances oil recovery while maintaining pressure balance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding the gas through venting, the system recovers and reuses it for oil extraction. The gas is retained in the well and utilized to displace oil from the collecting container to the surface, preventing substance loss and converting waste into value.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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

This approach increases oil extraction volumes, reduces gas pressure, and allows for the efficient delivery of extracted gas and oil for treatment, improving operational efficiency and reducing venting.

Implementation Method 1

uses a suction/injection pump to recirculate gas, connecting it to both the oil and gas pipelines, allowing the gas to assist in oil extraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas recirculation:

Implementation Method 2

maintaining non-negative pressure to enhance oil production

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure maintenance:

Implementation Method 3

the extraction assembly being operated by suction or discharge pressure within the collecting container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4041983B1Arrangement for extracting oil and gas from oil and gas wells

Publication Date: 2024.06.12 HOERBIGER SERVICE INC

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AI summary

An arrangement (1, fig.l) for oil and gas extraction in oil and gas wells which increases oil extraction by reducing the internal pressure of the well generated by the gas, the gas also being extracted and sent together with the oil for further treatment and commercial use.