Well String Positioner for Dynamic Length Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oil extraction methods require shutting down operations and disassembling equipment to adjust downhole well string length, which is inefficient and poses safety risks, and manual monitoring is necessary to optimize pumping parameters.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically adjusting downhole well string length using a well string positioner and controller that can modify the length without stopping the pump or altering the stroke of the vertical reciprocating power unit, allowing for continuous operation and optimized oil extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the downhole well string length is adjusted by disassembling equipment, then the pumping system can be optimized, but pumping operations must be shut down and equipment disassembly is required
Solution Approach 1:
A well string positioner device is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the well string and the pumping system. This positioner includes a motorized actuator that can incrementally adjust the well string length by rotating a threaded rod, allowing optimization without shutting down pumping operations. The positioner serves as a mediator that enables length adjustment while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The well string positioner introduces dynamic adjustability to the previously static well string length. The motorized actuator allows the well string length to be dynamically changed during operation by rotating the threaded rod, which moves the well string incrementally. This transforms the system from a fixed configuration to one that can adapt while operating.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stroke of the vertical reciprocating power unit is shortened or lengthened, then the downhole well string length can be adjusted, but pumping efficiency and yield are significantly affected
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into independent components: the well string positioner with motorized actuator, threaded rod, and well string are separated from the reciprocating power unit. This allows the well string length to be adjusted independently without changing the stroke of the power unit, maintaining pumping efficiency while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the dynamic adjustment function (well string length) from the pumping function (stroke length). The well string positioner provides dynamic length adjustment through motorized rotation of a threaded rod, while the reciprocating power unit maintains its optimal stroke length for pumping efficiency, allowing both adaptability and productivity to be maintained.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual monitoring and adjustment of well string length is performed, then pumping parameters can be optimized, but operator intervention is required and operations are interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor is integrated into the system to detect the position of the well string and provide feedback to a controller. The controller automatically processes this feedback and actuates the well string positioner to adjust the length as needed. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic optimization of pumping parameters without operator intervention, increasing automation while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment through the automated feedback control mechanism. The sensor monitors well string position, the controller processes the information, and the motorized actuator makes adjustments automatically. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual operator intervention, allowing the system to optimize itself continuously during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A powered well string positioner capable of actuation during the vertical reciprocal movement of a well string will increase or decrease the length of the downhole well string length below the wellhead seal upon detection of a string positioning condition within the tubular by a controller. The vertical reciprocal stroke of the power unit of the well is not changed as the downhole length of the well string is varied, and the well string can be adjusted during operation of the well without the need to disassemble the well string.