Pumpjack Control System Using Gas Production Rate Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pumpjack systems often operate inefficiently as they continue to run regardless of the production rate of gas, leading to unnecessary energy expenditure and potential damage, as they switch based on timers and traditional pump-off conditions rather than adjusting according to the production rate of the well.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control system that adjusts the pump's state based on feedback regarding the production rate of gas from the well, switching between ON and OFF states depending on whether the production rate is increasing, decreasing, or steady, and adjusting pump-off time accordingly, allowing the pump to run only when deemed necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the pump runs continuously based on timers and traditional pump-off conditions, then the pump ensures liquid removal capacity, but the system experiences unnecessary energy expenditure and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the production rate of gas from the well and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust pump operation. The system switches the pump between ON and OFF states based on whether the production rate is increasing, decreasing, or steady, ensuring the pump runs only when necessary to maintain optimal liquid levels and support gas production.
2Productivity
If the pump switches based on timers and traditional pump-off conditions, then the control system remains simple, but the pump operates inefficiently regardless of production rate
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the production rate of gas from the well and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust pump operation. The system switches the pump between ON and OFF states based on whether the production rate is increasing, decreasing, or steady, ensuring the pump runs only when necessary to maintain optimal liquid levels and support gas production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameters of the pump based on production rate conditions. When the production rate is increasing, the pump remains ON longer; when decreasing, the pump switches OFF sooner; when steady, the pump operates based on traditional pump-off conditions. This parameter adjustment optimizes gas production while managing control complexity.
3Reliability
If the pump runs regardless of production rate, then the pump maintains consistent operation, but unnecessary pump operation causes energy waste and potential equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the production rate of gas from the well and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust pump operation. The system switches the pump between ON and OFF states based on whether the production rate is increasing, decreasing, or steady, ensuring the pump runs only when necessary to maintain optimal liquid levels and support gas production.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump operation transitions from static, timer-based control to dynamic, production-rate-based control. The system adapts pump switching decisions in real-time based on whether the production rate is increasing, decreasing, or steady, allowing the pump to respond dynamically to well conditions rather than following a fixed schedule.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, software, and apparatus for controlling a pump configured to pump liquid out of a well. Such control may involve determining whether a production rate of gas from the well is increasing, decreasing, or steady, and whether to switch the pump between an OFF state and an ON state. Whether the pump is switched may depend upon whether the production rate of the gas is determined to be increasing, decreasing, or steady.