Progressing Cavity Pump Isolation Plug for Tubing String Pressure Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing downhole equipment failures in tubing strings and progressing cavity pumps are inefficient, as they cannot differentiate between tubing string and pump failures without expensive or time-consuming procedures, leading to difficulties in identifying the exact location of failures.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that selectively isolates the progressing cavity pump during tubing string pressure testing by using a plug member connected to the rod string assembly, which engages a seat member within the tubing string to seal off the pump, allowing for pressure testing without removing the rod string, thereby differentiating between tubing string and pump failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pressure testing methods are used to identify downhole equipment failures, then failure detection is possible, but the method cannot differentiate between tubing string and pump failures, requiring expensive or time-consuming procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the downhole equipment into two testable sections by using the plug member to isolate the pump from the tubing string, allowing separate pressure testing of each component to identify failure location
Solution Approach 2:
The plug member acts as an intermediary device that creates a seal between the pump and tubing string, enabling independent pressure testing of either component without removing the rod string
2Measurement precision
If the rod string is removed to perform pressure testing, then accurate failure identification is possible, but well downtime increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows pressure testing to be performed while the rod string remains in place, enabling the equipment to be tested in its operational configuration without requiring removal or special handling procedures
3Ease of operation
If conventional pressure testing is performed without pump isolation, then the procedure is simple, but it is impossible to determine whether the failure is in the tubing string or the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pressure testing process into two distinct tests: one with the pump isolated and one without, allowing failure location to be determined by comparing pressure readings between the two tests
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a complete pressure test with full rod string in place, then performs a second partial test with the pump isolated using the plug member, providing redundant information that confirms failure location
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
Enables efficient differentiation between tubing string and pump failures, reducing well downtime and equipment costs by allowing pressure testing while the rod string remains in place, thus facilitating accurate corrective actions.
Implementation Method 1
the plug member configured to seal the aperture and fully obstruct fluid flow therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for pressure testing a tubing string of a fluid production well, the tubing string being provided with a progressing cavity pump at a downhole end, which apparatus and method can be used to help determine whether the tubing string has failed or the pump has failed. The apparatus comprises a plug member connected to the rod string assembly that includes the pump rotor, such that the rod string assembly can be lowered to seat the plug member in a seat member within the tubing string above the pump, thus sealing off and isolating the pump from the rest of the tubing string, allowing pressure testing of the tubing string above the pump.