Well Pump Deployment via Spoolable Conveyance and Barrier Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for deploying electric submersible pumps (ESPs) on electrical cables in wells require lifting the wellhead, moving flow lines, cutting electrical cables, and exposing personnel to electric shock, which are costly, complex, and risky.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a downhole barrier valve (DBV) attached to a spoolable conveyance, which is deployed to a selected depth in the well without lifting the wellhead, allowing the ESP to be attached to the electrical cable and moved through the wellhead and production tubing without cutting the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing methods are used to deploy ESPs on electrical cables, then the pump can be installed in the well, but the wellhead must be lifted and flow lines moved, increasing operational complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment system is segmented into separate functional components: the ESP assembly, the electrical cable, and the wellhead system. The ESP and cable can be deployed independently through the production tubing without requiring wellhead removal, allowing sequential installation and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The ESP assembly is nested within the electrical cable, which is in turn deployed through the production tubing. This nested configuration allows the entire assembly to be lowered through existing well infrastructure without removing the wellhead or moving flow lines
2Reliability
If electrical cables are cut to attach the ESP, then the ESP can be connected to power, but personnel are exposed to electric shock risk and cable reuse is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical cable is prepared and configured before ESP deployment. Connection mechanisms are pre-arranged so that the ESP can be electrically connected to the cable without cutting the cable during the deployment operation, eliminating personnel exposure to live conductors
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary connection mechanism is used between the ESP and electrical cable, allowing for safe electrical connection without direct cable cutting. This intermediary system enables power transfer while maintaining cable integrity and worker safety
3Productivity
If the wellhead is lifted for ESP installation, then the ESP can be deployed, but operational time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment process is segmented to allow ESP installation through the production tubing without wellhead removal. This enables parallel operations where the wellhead remains in place maintaining flow control while the ESP is independently deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to serve itself during deployment - the production tubing serves as the deployment conduit, and the wellhead serves as the fixed anchor point, eliminating the need for wellhead lifting and reducing operational time
Data Source
AI summary
A method of deploying a pump in a well production tubing using an electrical cable includes attaching a downhole barrier valve (DBV) to a spoolable conveyance. The DBV is closed to flow in both directions until a differential pressure across the DBV exceeds a first threshold. The DBV is closed to flow when the differential pressure falls below the first threshold. The DBV is moved to a selected depth in the well by extending the conveyance through a lubricator attached to a wellhead at an upper end of the production tubing. The spoolable conveyance is withdrawn from the well. The pump is attached to the electrical cable and is moved through the wellhead and the production tubing by extending the cable until the pump reaches a selected setting depth in the well.