Well Closure Device for ESP Deployment Without Tree Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for deploying electric submersible pumps (ESPs) in wells are cumbersome, requiring the lifting of the Christmas tree, potential movement of expensive flow lines, and the cutting of electrical cables, which can lead to safety risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a well closure device and an annular seal to deploy a pump in a well, allowing for full pressure control during deployment without killing the well or lifting the Christmas tree, and utilizing a terminated electrical cable with a well penetrator for secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the Christmas tree is lifted to install the hanger spool, then the pump can be deployed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The well closure device is installed and configured in advance before pump deployment. The electrical cable is terminated at the surface with the well penetrator prepared and positioned. These preliminary actions eliminate the need for time-consuming operations during actual pump installation, as the deployment path and electrical connections are already prepared.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment system is divided into separate functional components: the well closure device that seals the wellbore, the hanger spool that supports the electrical cable, and the pump assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be independently prepared and installed, streamlining the overall deployment process without requiring complete system disassembly.
2Ease of operation
If the electrical cable is cut to attach the connector assembly, then the pump can be connected, but safety risks increase and cable reusability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical cable is terminated at its surface end with a well penetrator before pump deployment. This preliminary electrical connection preparation allows the pump to be electrically connected without cutting the cable during installation, maintaining cable integrity and reducing safety hazards associated with cable cutting and splicing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The well penetrator acts as an intermediary component that provides the electrical connection interface between the surface electrical cable and the downhole pump. This intermediary eliminates the need for direct cable cutting and connection at depth, improving safety while maintaining electrical connectivity.
3Ease of operation
If the Christmas tree is lifted and flow lines are moved, then the pump can be installed, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The well closure device is installed and configured in advance to provide a sealed deployment path through the Christmas tree and flow lines. This preliminary action allows the pump to be deployed through the existing well architecture without requiring lifting or repositioning of expensive flow lines, maintaining system simplicity while enabling pump installation.
4Reliability
If the well is sealed with bridge plugs and Christmas tree valves, then pressure control is achieved, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The well closure device extracts and consolidates the well sealing function into a single integrated component that provides pressure control without requiring multiple bridge plugs and complex valve operations. This extraction simplifies the sealing system while maintaining full pressure control capability during pump deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for deploying a pump in a well includes attaching a well closure device above a surface control valve, wherein the surface control valve is connected to close a well tubing extending from the well control valve to a predetermined depth in the well. An annular seal and downhole control valve are moved to a selected pump setting depth in the well tubing. The downhole control valve is operable to close the well tubing to fluid flow. The pump is extended into the well tubing at the end of an electrical cable through the well closure device and the well tubing until the pump engages the downhole control valve or the annular seal. The electrical cable is terminated at its surface end with a well penetrator such that the well penetrator seats in the well closure device.