Reverse Helix Agitator for Downhole Gas Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole pumps in oil wells are inefficient when dealing with entrained and free gases, as they compress and expand, reducing efficiency and causing wear, and existing gas and liquid separators do not effectively address this issue.
Innovation Solution
An improved downhole assembly with an agitation device using a dip tube, standard helix, and reverse helix to separate gas from oil through shear stress and centrifugal force, combined with a flow through assembly that minimizes resistance for separated gas to flow past the anchoring device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gas is not separated from oil before pumping, then the pumping system operates continuously without interruption, but the downhole pump efficiency and capacity are reduced due to gas compression and expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a gas separator that removes entrained and free gas from the oil before the mixture reaches the downhole pump. This pre-separation prevents gas from entering the pump, thereby maintaining pump efficiency and avoiding energy wastage from gas compression and expansion during pumping operations
2Productivity
If an anchoring device with minimal cross-section is used to reduce gas flow restriction, then gas can flow more easily past the anchoring device, but the structural strength and anchoring capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring device is segmented into multiple components including a central body with internal flow channels and external anchoring elements. This segmentation allows the device to provide sufficient anchoring strength through distributed structural elements while maintaining minimal external cross-section to reduce gas flow restriction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning the flow path to another dimension through internal flow channels within the anchoring device body. Gas flows through hollow internal passages rather than around external structures, maintaining anchoring strength while minimizing flow restriction
3Productivity
If gas flows through the annulus between casing and tubing past the anchoring device, then gas separation can occur, but the anchoring device structure restricts gas flow and reduces separation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring device serves as an intermediary structure with integrated flow channels that facilitate gas flow rather than restrict it. The device mediates between the need for structural anchoring and the need for efficient gas flow, providing pathways that guide gas through the anchoring structure itself rather than forcing flow around external obstacles
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
Effectively separates entrained gas from oil, reducing energy wastage and increasing the lifespan of the pumping system by enhancing gas flow and reducing wear, while maintaining efficient oil extraction.
Implementation Method 1
Shear stress and centrifugal force introduced by the agitation device cause the gas and oil to separate
Implementation Method 2
Shear stress and centrifugal force introduced by the agitation device cause the gas and oil to separate
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses an improved downhole assembly for separating oil and gas in an oil well. The downhole assembly includes an improved agitation device for causing centrifugal force and shear stress on oil and wellbore liquid with entrained gas such that the gas is released and allowed to flow upwards towards the ground surface. The improved agitation device includes the use of a standard helix and a reverse helix.