Settable Shoulder Mechanism for Submersible Pump Cable Tensile Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oil and gas well pumping systems face substantial tensile loading issues when long cables are deployed, leading to costly workover interventions during the deployment and retrieval of submersible pumping systems.

Innovation Solution

A settable shoulder mechanism is integrated with the tubular member of the submersible pumping system, allowing it to be selectively locked and actuated to counter axial loading, thereby resisting tensile forces on the cable during operation and reducing the risk of excessive loading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a packer is used to support the pumping system and limit tensile loading, then the cable tensile loading is reduced, but the workover intervention cost increases due to the need for costly workover to remove the pumping system and packer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable tensile loadingVSAvoidworkover intervention cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separable components: the pumping system with integrated shoulder mechanism can be independently deployed and removed without the packer, allowing the packer to remain in place and perform its sealing function while the pumping system is retrieved for workover

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shoulder mechanism provides multiple functions: it supports the pumping system during deployment, limits cable tensile loading during operation, and enables easy retrieval of the pumping system without requiring removal of the packer, thereby reducing workover intervention costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Length of moving object

If long lengths of cable are deployed to reach the pumping system, then the pumping system can be positioned at the required depth, but the cable experiences substantial tensile loading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable lengthVSAvoidcable tensile loading

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The shoulder mechanism acts as a counterweight or reaction point that provides upward support force to balance the downward tensile loading on the cable, effectively reducing the net force experienced by the cable during pumping system operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Ease of operation

If the pumping system is deployed via cable, then the deployment is simplified, but the cable cannot adequately support the pumping system under substantial tensile loading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment simplicityVSAvoidcable load capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The shoulder mechanism serves as an intermediary component between the cable and the pumping system, providing mechanical support and load distribution that enables the cable to deploy the pumping system easily while the shoulder mechanism handles the substantial tensile loading during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10208551B2Well system with settable shoulder

Publication Date: 2019.02.19 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A system for use in a well includes a completion system having a shoulder contact region, an electric submersible pumping system deployed downhole via a cable for landing on the completion system, a tubular member coupled to the electric submersible pumping system and extending downhole from the electric submersible pumping system, and a shoulder mechanism slidably mounted on the tubular member for engagement with the shoulder contact region during landing, the shoulder mechanism being selectively settable along the tubular member to counter tensile loading in the cable. The shoulder mechanism is set against the tubular member via anchors actuated against the tubular member, and the anchors are actuated by a piston movably mounted within a housing of the shoulder mechanism.