Submersible Well Pump With Magnetic Coupling for Back-Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submersible pumps in hydrocarbon wells face challenges in managing back-pressure, which reduces the efficiency and productivity of fluid extraction due to resistance from vertical height, friction, and physical obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A submersible well fluid system with an integrated electric machine and fluid end, including a buffer tank to homogenize multiphase fluids, magnetic bearings for reduced friction, and a pressure management system to optimize fluid flow and reduce back-pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pump is installed in the flow-stream to increase production rate, then the absolute volume of reserves that can be produced increases, but the back-pressure resistance against fluid flow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical seal systems with magnetic coupling technology. The magnetic coupling system uses magnetic fields to transmit rotational force from the motor to the pump impeller without physical contact, eliminating mechanical seals and their associated friction and wear. This substitution reduces back-pressure resistance while maintaining the pump's ability to increase production rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs magnetic coupling to change the operational parameters of the pump system. By using magnetic fields instead of mechanical contact, the system achieves reduced friction coefficients and lower pressure losses. The magnetic coupling allows the pump to operate at optimal speed and pressure parameters, resolving the contradiction between increased productivity and reduced back-pressure.
2Productivity
If a pump operates submerged in water to reduce back-pressure, then fluid extraction efficiency improves, but the electric machine must operate in a corrosive environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pump system into separate functional components: the electric motor operates in a protected, dry environment while the pump impeller operates in the submerged fluid environment. Magnetic coupling transmits power across the interface between these two environments without requiring the electric machine to be directly exposed to corrosive water, thus maintaining reliability while achieving submersible operation for improved extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling acts as an intermediary between the electric machine and the pump impeller. It allows power transmission from the motor to the impeller while isolating the electric machine from direct contact with water. This intermediary solution enables the system to benefit from submersible operation (improved efficiency) without exposing the electric machine to corrosive conditions that would reduce reliability.
3Productivity
If magnetic bearings are used to reduce friction, then fluid flow efficiency increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical bearings with magnetic bearing technology. Magnetic bearings use magnetic fields to support and position rotating components without physical contact, eliminating friction and wear associated with conventional bearings. This substitution increases fluid flow efficiency by reducing resistance while the integrated magnetic bearing design minimizes added system complexity through multi-functional components.
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 enhances fluid extraction efficiency by minimizing back-pressure, stabilizing fluid conditions, and maintaining optimal operating conditions for the electric machine, thereby increasing production rates and reserves.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid system includes a magnetic coupling between the electric machine rotor and the fluid end rotor
Implementation Method 2
magnetic bearings for reduced friction
Data Source
AI summary
A submersible well fluid system for operating submerged in a body of water may include an electric machine and a fluid end. The electric machine includes a rotor and a stator residing in a first housing at specified conditions. The fluid end may include an impeller and be coupled to the electric machine. The submersible well fluid system may also include an adjustable speed drive for the electric machine in the housing. The submersible well fluid system may also include a chemical distribution system for supplying treatment chemicals to the submersible well fluid system, a barrier fluid supply system for supplying a barrier fluid to the submersible well fluid system, and a pressure management system.