Downhole Turbine Pumping System with Segmented Displacement Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional downhole pump systems are limited in their ability to achieve a wide range of flow rates, which restricts their application in various oil and gas exploration operations requiring different flow rate needs.
Innovation Solution
A pumping system that includes a turbine to convert energy from pumped fluid into rotational energy, coupled with multiple displacement units and driving devices, such as hydraulic and mechanical pumps, to provide a flexible and adjustable flow rate by utilizing both drilling fluid energy and electrical energy from a motor or energy accumulator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pump systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the flow rate range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into multiple displacement units (first displacement unit and second displacement unit) that can operate independently or in combination. Each displacement unit has its own driving device, allowing the system to segment the pumping function into controllable modules that can achieve variable flow rates by selectively activating different units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates multiple driving devices (first driving device and second driving device) that can drive the same displacement units through different mechanisms. This multi-functionality allows a single displacement unit to be operated by different driving mechanisms, providing flexibility in achieving various flow rates and pressures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple driving devices are used, then the flow rate flexibility increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control of the driving devices where the second driving device can selectively engage or disengage from the displacement unit. This dynamic configuration allows the system to operate in different modes: using only the first driving device for simple operation, or engaging the second driving device for enhanced flow rate flexibility and control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If dual energy sources are used, then the energy efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the drilled hole itself as part of the fluid circulation path, where fluid pumped by the displacement unit returns through the annulus between the drill string and borehole. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate return line infrastructure, reducing system complexity while maintaining efficient energy use through continuous fluid circulation.
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
Enables a broader range of flow rates and pressures, allowing the system to be used in various downhole tools and applications, providing redundancy and efficient energy use by switching between energy sources as needed.
Implementation Method 1
a turbine to convert energy from pumped fluid into rotational energy
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method are disclosed herein that relate to powering a pumping system within a downhole tool. The system may include a turbine having a shaft extending therefrom, in which the turbine is configured to convert energy from a fluid received therein into rotational energy for the shaft. The system may further include a pumping system coupled to the shaft of the turbine, in which the pumping system includes one or more driving devices coupled to one or more displacement units. The displacement units may have a cavity formed therein, in which the cavity is configured to receive a fluid therein. The driving devices may then be configured to drive the displacement units such that the fluid is received within the cavity of the displacement units.