Pressure Compensator for Backup Well Pump Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical submersible pump assemblies face the risk of corrosive well fluid damaging secondary pump components and motor components due to potential leaks through temporary barriers and seals during prolonged storage, leading to potential contamination and damage.
Innovation Solution
A pressure compensator with a movable element, such as a flexible sleeve, is mounted between the secondary pump assembly and the well fluid, reducing the pressure differential between the well fluid and the buffer fluid, thereby minimizing leakage and contamination, and a sensor is used to detect any well fluid contamination within the buffer fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the secondary pump assembly is stored in non-operational mode for extended periods, then the pump remains available for future use, but the temporary barriers and seals may leak allowing corrosive well fluid to contaminate the buffer fluid and damage motor components
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure compensator with a movable element (flexible sleeve or diaphragm) is introduced as an intermediary between the well fluid and the buffer fluid. This mediator responds to pressure differentials by moving to equalize pressures, thereby preventing well fluid from leaking into the buffer fluid chamber and contaminating the motor components while maintaining the seal integrity during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure compensator dynamically adjusts the pressure differential between the well fluid and buffer fluid by allowing the movable element to shift position. This parameter change (pressure equalization) prevents the harmful effect of corrosion by eliminating the pressure-driven leakage pathway while maintaining the stored configuration.
2Reliability
If temporary barriers are used to seal the secondary pump intake ports during storage, then the pump can be protected from well fluid exposure, but the barriers may leak over time allowing corrosive fluid to enter
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure compensator serves as a dynamic intermediary that maintains proper pressure relationships between the well fluid and buffer fluid. This prevents leakage through temporary barriers by equalizing pressures, thereby protecting the buffer fluid from contamination while allowing the barriers to remain in place during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure compensator is installed beforehand to cushion against pressure differentials that could cause leakage. By pre-establishing pressure equalization capability, the system prevents well fluid from penetrating through seals and barriers, thereby avoiding buffer fluid contamination before it can occur.
3Device complexity
If the secondary pump is installed without a pressure compensator, then the device complexity is reduced, but the pressure differential between well fluid and buffer fluid causes seal leakage and component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure compensator introduces a movable element (flexible sleeve or diaphragm) as an intermediary component that responds to pressure differentials. This additional component, while increasing device complexity, prevents seal leakage by dynamically equalizing pressures between the well fluid and buffer fluid, thereby protecting motor components from damage.
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 pressure compensator effectively reduces the risk of leakage and contamination, ensuring the integrity of the secondary pump assembly and motor components by maintaining a reliable seal and detecting any well fluid encroachment, thus preventing damage from corrosive well fluids.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure compensator has a movable element that moves in response to a difference in pressure between well fluid on an exterior of the secondary pump assembly and buffer fluid within the secondary pump assembly to reduce a pressure differential between the well fluid and the buffer fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Primary and secondary pump assemblies are mounted to and supported by a supporting device in a well. The supporting device has a valve that has a first position allowing flow from the primary pump assembly while the secondary pump assembly is in a storage mode, and a second position allowing flow from the secondary pump assembly. A barrier in the intake of the secondary pump assembly blocks entry of well fluid into the secondary pump assembly while the valve is in the first position. The secondary pump is filled with a buffer fluid. A pressure compensator mounted to the secondary pump assembly has a movable element that moves in response to a difference between well fluid pressure on an exterior of the secondary pump assembly and the pressure of the buffer fluid contained in the secondary pump to reduce a pressure differential.