Rigless ESP Retrieval via Wireline and Hydraulic Packer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and retrieval of electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) typically require a rig, which is costly and environmentally harmful, especially in subsea or remote applications, and poses risks of contaminating the environment with formation fluids.
Innovation Solution
An in-well rigless ESP system that includes a tubing string with a tubular assembly, a wet connector connected to a hydraulic line and power cable, allowing for ESP installation and retrieval without a rig using wireline or coiled tubing, with a hydraulic packer for sealing and a flow port for cleaning before retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rig is used to install and retrieve ESP, then the installation and retrieval can be performed, but the cost increases and environmental harm occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ESP system from the traditional rig-based installation and retrieval process. The ESP, packer, and associated components are integrated into a single retrievable assembly that can be deployed and retrieved without a rig, eliminating the need for complex rig operations while maintaining installation and retrieval capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The ESP system is nested within the production tubing string. The ESP motor, pump, and packer are arranged in a nested configuration where the ESP is positioned within the tubing, and the packer seals against the tubing wall, creating a compact integrated assembly that can be deployed through existing well infrastructure without requiring a rig
2Reliability
If a rig is used for ESP installation and retrieval, then the operation can be completed, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service mechanisms where the ESP assembly is deployed and retrieved through existing well infrastructure (production tubing, wellhead) without requiring external rig equipment. The hydraulic packer sets and releases automatically through fluid pressure control, and the ESP can be pulled through the tubing using conventional wireline or coiled tubing equipment already present at the wellsite
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated ESP-packer assembly serves multiple functions: it provides artificial lift through the ESP motor, seals the wellbore through the hydraulic packer, and can be retrieved as a single unit. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate installation and retrieval operations requiring a rig, reducing overall operational costs
3Productivity
If ESP is retrieved without cleaning, then retrieval is faster, but environmental contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a preliminary cleaning action before retrieval. A cleaning fluid is circulated through the ESP and pump components while the packer is still set, flushing out formation fluids and contaminants. This preliminary cleaning ensures that when the ESP is later retrieved, minimal contamination is released into the environment, addressing environmental concerns without significantly impacting retrieval timing
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 cost-effective and environmentally friendly ESP installation and retrieval by eliminating the need for a rig, reducing overall costs and minimizing environmental impact through the use of wireline or coiled tubing and a hydraulic system for sealing and cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic line connected to a hydraulic source outside the well and to the packer, wherein the hydraulic line is configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic source and deliver the hydraulic fluid to the packer
Implementation Method 2
a power cable connected to a power source outside the well and configured to receive electrical power from the power source and deliver the electrical power to the motor
Data Source
AI summary
An in-well ESP string that can be installed or retrieved with a wireline instead of a rig. The ESP is combined with a motor and a hydraulic valve to pump formation fluid from a well to the surface. A wet connector is used to facilitate electrical and hydraulic connections. The ESP system is disposed within a tubing string located within the casing of a well. The hydraulic valve controls the flow of formation fluid to the ESP, opening to allow formation fluid to flow to the ESP, and closing to shut off production. When the valve is closed, the ESP may be cleaned with brine introduced via a flow port in the valve. This cleaning operation allows the ESP string to be to retrieved in an environmentally friendly manner. In addition, the wireline installation and retrieval is significantly less costly and less complicated than currently possible with a rig.