Solids Trap for ESP Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deposition of solids in electrical submersible pumping systems (ESPs) leads to frequent trips, failures, and jams, necessitating costly and time-consuming removal and reinstallation procedures, as existing solutions fail to effectively control the flow direction and prevent solids from falling back into the ESP stages.
Innovation Solution
A solids trap system is installed in the well with an inner and outer annulus and a chamber, where the fluid stream carrying solids follows a path delimited by the outer annulus and chamber, depositing solids into a solids accumulation zone before exiting through the inner annulus, thereby preventing solids from re-entering the ESP stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sand trap device is employed to reduce ESP removal operations, then the frequency of ESP trips and failures is reduced, but solids can still fallback into the ESP stages causing the device to get stuck or fail
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into distinct zones: a solids accumulation zone separated from the ESP stages by a trap chamber. The chamber creates a physical segmentation that prevents solids from reaching the ESP stages while allowing fluid to pass through, directly addressing the solids fallback problem
Solution Approach 2:
The trap chamber acts as an intermediary between the sand trap device and the ESP stages. It serves as a buffer zone that captures solids before they can enter the ESP stages, preventing the harmful effect of solids accumulation on the pump
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the ESP pumps fluid through the sand trap, then solids deposition on the ESP string is reduced, but the fluid stream can carry solids that may deposit in the ESP stages
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to prevent solids from entering the pump intake, the system inverts the approach by creating a trap chamber that actively captures and accumulates solids before they can reach the ESP stages. The flow path is designed to redirect solids into the chamber rather than allowing them to continue to the pump
3Ease of repair
If ESP pulls and reinstalls are executed to remove deposited solids, then the ESP can be restored to operation, but the procedure is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The trap chamber performs preliminary action by capturing and accumulating solids before they can cause damage to the ESP stages. This preventive measure eliminates the need for subsequent ESP removal and reinstallation operations, saving time and reducing operational disruptions
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 solids trap system effectively reduces the frequency of ESP trips and failures by creating a solids accumulation zone, allowing for continuous operation and minimizing the need for costly interventions by preventing solids from falling back into the ESP stages.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid stream carrying solids flowing from the pump, wherein the fluid stream carrying solids is configured to follow a path delimited by the outer annulus and the chamber until the fluid stream deposits the solids in the solids accumulation zone
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a solids trap disposed in a well. The system includes an inner annulus, an outer annulus, and a chamber between the inner annulus and the outer annulus. A solids accumulation zone is formed in the chamber. A pump is fluidly connected to the solids trap. A fluid stream carrying solids flows from the pump. The fluid stream carrying solids is configured to follow a path delimited by the outer annulus and the chamber until the fluid stream deposits the solids in the solids accumulation zone and departs the solids trap via the inner annulus into a tubing.