Downhole Solid State Pump Cooling with Dielectric Oil

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional artificial lift systems, such as plunger lift and rod pump systems, are ineffective in removing wellbore liquids from long, deep, or deviated hydrocarbon wells, as they require threshold pressures and are prone to mechanical failures, and are not suitable for wells with nonlinear regions.

Innovation Solution

A downhole positive-displacement solid state pump system utilizing piezoelectric, electrostrictive, or magnetorestrictive actuators with a heat sink for cooling, powered by an electrical source, which includes a dielectric oil bath, thermoelectric cooling elements, and a rechargeable battery, allowing for efficient liquid removal without mechanical linkages and threshold pressure requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional rod pump systems are used to remove wellbore liquid, then mechanical linkage can provide lifting force, but the mechanical linkage becomes more prone to failure and damage as depth increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of mechanical linkageVSAvoiddepth of wellbore

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rod pump system with a solid state pump that uses piezoelectric actuators to generate pumping action. This eliminates the long mechanical linkage (rod) that extends from surface to wellbore, substituting it with an electrically actuated system that has no moving mechanical parts along the wellbore length, thereby improving reliability in deep wells

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the mechanical linkage (rod) from the pumping system, eliminating the component that is prone to failure in deep wells. The pumping function is achieved through a solid state pump located at the wellbore, which does not require a mechanical connection to the surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If plunger lift systems are used to remove wellbore liquid, then gaseous hydrocarbons provide motive force, but the system requires threshold pressure that is not always available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperability of artificial lift systemVSAvoidthreshold pressure requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the plunger lift system that relies on gaseous hydrocarbon pressure with a solid state pump actuated by piezoelectric elements. This electrical actuation system does not depend on threshold pressure from gaseous hydrocarbons, allowing operation in wells where gas pressure is insufficient to drive traditional plunger lift systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional artificial lift systems are used in deviated wellbores, then liquid removal may be achieved, but the systems are not suitable for wellbores with nonlinear regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for deviated wellboresVSAvoidwellbore geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical lift systems with a solid state pump that has no long mechanical linkages or moving parts that would be affected by wellbore deviation. The pump can be positioned at the wellbore and pump liquid directly, adapting to deviated and nonlinear wellbore geometries without requiring straight-line mechanical connections to the surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If solid state actuators are used in downhole pumps, then mechanical failures are reduced, but heat generation requires cooling systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction of mechanical failuresVSAvoidheat generation from actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dielectric oil as an intermediary cooling medium between the piezoelectric actuators and the wellbore environment. The dielectric oil absorbs heat generated by the actuators and transfers it away, allowing the solid state actuators to operate reliably without overheating, while the dielectric properties prevent electrical interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The system effectively pressurizes and removes wellbore liquids over long distances and through deviated regions, enhancing production efficiency and reducing mechanical failures, making it suitable for previously inaccessible wells.

Implementation Method 1

A downhole positive-displacement solid state pump system utilizing piezoelectric, electrostrictive, or magnetorestrictive actuators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a heat sink for cooling the at least one solid state actuator, the heat sink comprising at least one of; (i) a dielectric oil bath

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a heat sink for cooling the at least one solid state actuator, the heat sink comprising at least one of; (ii) a thermoelectric cooling element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10760387B2Cooling systems and methods for downhole solid state pumps

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 EXXONMOBIL UPSTREAM RESEARCH COMPANY(US)

AI summary

A system and methods for reducing the operating temperature of a solid state pumping system for lifting liquids from a wellbore. The pumping system and methods utilizing a solid state electrical actuator system. The cooling systems and methods including a heat sink for cooling the solid state actuator. The heat sink comprising at least one of; (i) a dielectric oil bath, (ii) a thermoelectric cooling element, (iii) an aperture within the at least one solid state actuator for conveying a cooling fluid through the aperture, and (iv) combinations thereof. The pumping system including and an electrical power source for powering the solid state pump.