Wellhead Pump Motor Generator for Pressure Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hydrocarbon production, existing methods for regulating well fluid pressure, such as choking or boosting, consume energy and can reduce production rates, failing to efficiently manage varying well fluid pressures and flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a pump with a motor/generator unit on the wellhead, capable of operating in both power consumption and power generation modes, which includes a set of power and flow modules with contra-rotating rotors and a central power distribution unit to balance energy between wells, allowing for efficient pressure regulation and energy recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If traditional choking or boosting methods are used to regulate well fluid pressure, then pressure control is achieved, but energy consumption increases and production rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in motor mode to increase pressure when well fluid pressure is low, and in generator mode to reduce pressure when well fluid pressure is high. This single device replaces both the traditional booster pump and choke valve, eliminating the need for separate pressure reduction equipment and reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of dissipating excess well fluid pressure through a choke valve (which wastes energy), the system captures the energy from high-pressure fluid by operating the pump in generator mode. The excess pressure energy is converted into electrical energy that can be used to power the motor function when needed, turning what was previously a harmful waste into a useful resource.
2Stress or pressure
If traditional choking or boosting methods are used to regulate well fluid pressure, then pressure control is achieved, but production rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between motor and generator modes based on real-time well fluid pressure conditions. When pressure is low, the motor activates to boost pressure and maintain flow. When pressure is high, the generator activates to reduce pressure without restricting flow. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal production rates across varying pressure conditions, unlike static choke valves that inherently restrict flow.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a pump with motor/generator unit is used for pressure regulation, then energy consumption is reduced and energy recovery is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a single pump unit that can operate in both motor and generator modes, the system consolidates multiple functions into one device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate booster pumps, choke valves, and associated control systems, thereby actually simplifying the overall system architecture despite the advanced capabilities of the individual pump unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system is self-regulating and self-powered. It automatically switches between motor and generator modes based on pressure differential, and the electrical energy generated during pressure reduction is fed back to power the motor during pressure boosting. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external power sources and complex control infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity.
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
This approach reduces energy consumption and optimizes production by balancing discharge pressures between wells, recovering energy that would otherwise be wasted, and eliminating the need for traditional choking or boosting methods.
Implementation Method 1
the pump comprising a motor/generator unit operable as a generator as the pump is driven by well fluid in power generation mode, and wherein the pump is driven in power consumption mode by operation of the motor/generator unit as a motor
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for pressure regulation of well fluid produced from a hydrocarbon well in a hydrocarbon production field. The system comprises a pump arranged on a well head in fluid communication with a process fluid passage from the well, the pump arranged for receiving well fluid produced from the well and to deliver the fluid to downstream piping or equipment. The pump comprises a motor/generator unit operable as a generator as the pump is driven by well fluid in power generation mode, and wherein the pump is driven in power consumption mode by operation of the motor/generator unit as a motor.