Relocatable Sucker Rod Pump Barrel Wear Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tubing pumps in oil wells, especially in sandy environments, suffer from wear and tear, leading to high costs and time consumption in repairs due to the need to pull the entire tubing string to replace damaged barrels.
Innovation Solution
A downhole pumping assembly with multiple barrels arranged in-line within the tubing string, where only one barrel is used at a time, allowing the plunger to be relocated to a new barrel without removing the tubing string, and the standing valve is relocated accordingly to maintain efficient fluid extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the entire tubing string is pulled to replace a worn barrel, then the barrel can be replaced, but the time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into separate replaceable components: the barrel, the plunger, and the standing valve assembly. Each component can be independently removed and replaced without requiring removal of the entire tubing string. The barrel is separated from the tubing string by a coupling mechanism that allows selective disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The worn barrel is extracted from the tubing string using a fishing tool that engages with the standing valve assembly or coupling mechanism. The barrel can be removed while leaving the tubing string in place, and replacement barrels can be installed without pulling the entire string.
2Ease of repair
If the entire tubing string is pulled to replace a worn barrel, then the barrel can be replaced, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into separate replaceable components: the barrel, the plunger, and the standing valve assembly. Each component can be independently removed and replaced without requiring removal of the entire tubing string. The barrel is separated from the tubing string by a coupling mechanism that allows selective disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Worn barrels can be removed and replaced without discarding the entire tubing string. The tubing string, which is expensive, is recovered and reused. Only the worn barrel and associated small components are replaced, significantly reducing material costs.
3Ease of repair
If multiple barrels are installed in the tubing string, then barrel replacement becomes easier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into separate replaceable components: the barrel, the plunger, and the standing valve assembly. Each component can be independently removed and replaced without requiring removal of the entire tubing string. The barrel is separated from the tubing string by a coupling mechanism that allows selective disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of which barrel is active. Multiple barrels can be installed in the tubing string, and the plunger can be relocated between barrels as needed. This provides flexibility in maintenance operations while managing complexity through standardized coupling mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole pumping assembly has a tubing string with plural barrels which are arranged in-line with the tubing. The tubing string has a seating location adjacent to each barrel. A standing valve arrangement, which includes a standing valve and a seating device, is located with the standing valve adjacent to the lower end of one of the barrels. A plunger has a traveling valve that is located for reciprocation within the one barrel. The plunger has a clearance with each of the barrels so as to form a fluid seal. The plunger reciprocates inside the barrel so as to lift fluid to the surface. Over time, the barrel will exhibit wear. Instead of pulling the entire tubing string to replace the barrel, the standing valve and the plunger are relocated to one of the other barrels located in the tubing string and reciprocation is resumed to resume pumping.