Rod Pumping Unit Stroke Timing Control for Fluid Flow Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rod pumping units face variability in fluid flow due to changing well conditions and dynamic loads on the sucker rod string, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage from oscillatory responses and stress waves.
Innovation Solution
A system with sensors and a pumping control unit that monitors conditions and adjusts the stroke timing of the rod pumping unit based on predefined constraints to optimize fluid flow, prevent damage, and adapt to changing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the rod pumping unit operates continuously under varying well conditions, then fluid production is maintained, but oscillatory responses and stress waves cause variability in fluid flow and potential damage to the sucker rod string
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the stroke timing of the rod pumping unit adjustable and adaptive. The control system dynamically modifies stroke timing parameters (such as stroke duration, speed, and sequence) in response to real-time sensor data from the sucker rod string, allowing the system to optimize fluid production while minimizing oscillatory responses and stress waves that cause flow variability and potential damage.
2Ease of operation
If the sucker rod string transmits dynamic loads from the down-hole pump and rod pumping unit, then reciprocating motion is transmitted to induce fluid flow, but the rod string elongates and retracts causing oscillatory responses that interfere with motion profile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to monitor conditions of the sucker rod string during operation and feeding this information back to the control system. The control system processes this feedback data and adjusts the stroke timing of the rod pumping unit accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that stabilizes rod string motion and reduces oscillatory responses while maintaining effective motion transmission for fluid induction.
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
Enhances fluid flow efficiency and prevents damage to the sucker rod string and rod pumping unit by dynamically adjusting stroke timing in real-time, ensuring optimal operation across varying well conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The sucker rod string behaves similarly to a spring over long distances. The sucker rod string elongates and retracts based on exposure to variable tensile stress.
Implementation Method 2
The response of the sucker rod string is damped somewhat due to its submergence in a viscous fluid (water and oil)
Implementation Method 3
The primary function of the linear pumping unit is to convert rotating motion from a prime mover (e.g., an engine or an electric motor) into reciprocating motion above the wellhead.
Implementation Method 4
The reciprocating motion of the valves induces the fluid to flow up the length of the sucker rod string to the wellhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for enhancing a flow of a fluid induced by a rod pumping unit is provided. The system includes one or more sensors and a pumping control unit configured to control stroke movement of the rod pumping unit. The pumping control unit is configured to: (a) initiate at least one stroke of the rod pumping unit; (b) receive sensor data from the one or more sensors; (c) upon determination of a violation of a first set of constraints, make a first adjustment to the current stroke timing, and return to step (a); (d) upon determination of a violation of a second set of constraints, make a second adjustment to the current stroke timing, and return to step (a); and (e) upon determination of no violation of at least one set of constraints make a third adjustment to the current stroke timing, and return to step (a).