Submersible Pump Assembly With Selective Unit Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submersible pump assemblies face challenges in efficiently operating across different hydrocarbon producing wells over the life of the well, particularly in managing fluid accumulation and varying pressure conditions.
Innovation Solution
A submersible pump assembly with multiple pump units co-axially aligned with a common drive shaft, featuring a cylinder block with pistons and an inclined leading plate for reciprocating motion, along with a common suction and pressure chamber for efficient fluid transfer and circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centrifugal-type pump assemblies are used to handle high production requests, then production capacity is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is divided into multiple independent pump units (first pump unit, second pump unit, etc.) that can operate separately or together. Each pump unit has its own piston, cylinder, and valve assembly, allowing selective activation based on production requirements. This segmentation enables the system to match supply with demand, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption when full capacity is not needed while maintaining the ability to handle high production requests when required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotational speed of drive unit is adjusted to compensate for pressure conditions, then adaptability to pressure changes is improved, but pump assembly efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly incorporates dynamic pressure compensation through adjustable pressure compensation members that can move within the pump housing. These members include pressure compensation ports and adjustable members with spring mechanisms that automatically adjust the pressure differential across the piston based on actual operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the pump to maintain optimal efficiency across varying pressure conditions without requiring changes to the drive unit rotational speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selectively activating different pump units and adjusting the pressure compensation mechanism. Instead of changing rotational speed, the system adjusts which pump units are active and modifies the pressure differential parameters through the compensation members, thereby maintaining efficiency while adapting to different pressure conditions.
3Device complexity
If multiple pump units are co-axially aligned with a common drive shaft, then structural complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pump units are merged into a single co-axial assembly sharing a common drive shaft and housing structure. The pump units are arranged concentrically with their pistons aligned along the same axis, allowing them to be driven by a single motor. This merging reduces the number of separate drive systems and simplifies the overall structure, though it does require precise manufacturing to ensure proper coaxial alignment of the multiple pump units.
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 solution enhances operational efficiency by allowing selective operation of pump units, achieving variable flow rates, and maintaining performance across different hydrocarbon producing wells, thereby addressing fluid accumulation and pressure variation issues.
Implementation Method 1
An inclined leading plate is coupled to the pistons and the drive shaft such that pistons are configured to be axially driven in a reciprocating motion within the cylinders upon rotation of the inclined leading plate
Implementation Method 2
the fluid medium is transferred from the suction port to the pressure port during the reciprocating motion of the pistons, when the pistons are actively pumping
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A submersible pump assembly (10) for transference of a fluid medium with low viscosity is disclosed. In one embodiment, the submersible pump assembly (10) includes multiple pump units (58, 60, 62) co-axially aligned with a common drive shaft (90), a common suction chamber (92), and a common pressure chamber (94). Each of the pump units (58, 60, 62) includes an active operational mode wherein the fluid medium is transferred from the common suction chamber (92) to the common pressure chamber (94) during as well as an inactive operational mode wherein the fluid medium is circulated through the common suction chamber (92). Each of the pump units (58, 60, 62) is individually actuatable.