Polarized Lubrication Film for Artificial Lift Pump Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Artificial lift systems in oil and gas production are inefficient due to high energy consumption, friction, torque, and drag, leading to premature component failure and reduced production volumes.
Innovation Solution
A polarized lubricant is mixed with water to create a diluted lubricant, which is circulated within the production pump to form a protective barrier on components, reducing friction, torque, and drag through a two-step process of initial and periodic treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lubrication is used in artificial lift systems, then component wear is reduced, but friction, torque, and drag remain excessive leading to high energy consumption and reduced production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical and physical properties of the lubricant through polarization treatment. The polarized lubricant molecules are aligned to create stronger adhesive bonds with metal surfaces, forming more effective protective films that reduce friction and torque while maintaining component protection, thereby lowering energy consumption without sacrificing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material principles by combining polarized lubricant with water to create a diluted lubricant solution. This composite approach allows the active polarized lubricant components to be distributed throughout the system while using water as a carrier, achieving both component protection and reduced energy consumption through optimized lubrication
2Ease of operation
If polarized lubricant is diluted with water, then the lubricant can be circulated effectively through the system, but the concentration of active lubricating components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by introducing the diluted polarized lubricant at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. This periodic dosing ensures that sufficient active lubricant components are delivered to maintain effective concentration at contact points while using water as a carrier for system-wide distribution, balancing circulation capability with lubricant concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The polarized lubricant exhibits self-service properties by forming durable protective films on metal surfaces that persist over time. This allows the diluted lubricant to be circulated effectively through the system with water as carrier, while the polarized components adhere to and protect critical surfaces, maintaining effective concentration where needed without requiring continuous high-dose application
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 lubricant reduces friction, torque, and drag, increasing pump efficiency, longevity, and production volumes while inhibiting corrosion and scale formation, resulting in improved Key Performance Indicators.
Implementation Method 1
An initial volume of the diluted lubricant may be circulated within the flowpath to allow the diluted lubricant to react with components of the fluid production pump and form a protective barrier on the components of the fluid production pump
Data Source
AI summary
A method of lubricating a fluid production pump may include mixing a polarized lubricant with water to produce a diluted lubricant. The method may additionally include creating a flowpath within the fluid production pump. An initial volume of the diluted lubricant may be circulated within the flowpath to allow the diluted lubricant to react with components of the fluid production pump and form a protective barrier on the components of the fluid production pump. The method may further comprise repeatedly introducing a periodic volume of diluted lubricant into the fluid production pump according to a predefined lubrication schedule.