Service Portion Inside Diameter for PCP Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for servicing progressive cavity pumps (PCPs) in well servicing, especially in heavy oil reservoirs, often result in significant production interruptions and costs due to clogging issues, as standard production tubing lacks sufficient diameter to accommodate large features like PCP rotors, requiring the entire rod string to be pulled for servicing.
Innovation Solution
A service portion with an increased inner diameter is introduced within the production string uphole of large features, allowing a service string to pass alongside the feature without pulling the entire rod string, facilitating access to downhole targets like PCP stators without interrupting production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If standard production tubing is used, then the production string can be installed, but the inside diameter is insufficient to accommodate large features like PCP rotors alongside service strings
Solution Approach 1:
The production string incorporates a service portion with increased inside diameter at specific locations where servicing is needed. This localized enlargement allows service strings to pass through alongside large features like PCP rotors without requiring the entire rod string to be pulled, thus reducing servicing complexity while maintaining standard tubing elsewhere.
2Ease of operation
If the entire rod string is pulled for servicing, then access to downhole targets is achieved, but production interruption time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The production string is divided into a standard portion and a service portion with different inside diameters. The service portion with enlarged diameter allows service strings to access downhole targets independently without requiring removal of the entire rod string, enabling servicing operations to proceed while production continues.
Solution Approach 2:
The service portion acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates the passage of service strings through the production string. This intermediate enlarged-diameter section enables coiled tubing or other service strings to reach downhole targets like PCP stators without interfering with the rod string, thus allowing continuous production during servicing.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard production tubing is used, then installation is straightforward, but rod wear is exacerbated due to limited clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The service portion of the production string features an increased inside diameter that provides enhanced clearance between the rod string and tubing wall. This localized enlargement reduces friction and wear on the rods in critical areas without complicating the overall installation process, as the service portion is integrated into the existing production string architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for servicing a well. Servicing a well often includes running a service string into a production string, which may include a rod string. A service portion is provided in the production string during completion. The service portion is located at or uphole of a large rod string feature. The service portion has a greater inside diameter than production tubing and other standard production string components. The service portion provides sufficient clearance for the service string alongside the large feature. The large feature may be, for example, a PCP stator, a centralizer, or a rod collar. The large feature may be pulled uphole into the service portion prior to running in the service string, allowing servicing downhole of the large feature without pulling the entire rod string. The service portion may also mitigate rod wear in deviated or other portions of the well.