Wireline-Deployed Membrane Pump for Deviated Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional artificial lift systems, such as plunger lift and rod pump systems, are ineffective in removing wellbore liquids from long, deep, or deviated hydrocarbon wells due to mechanical linkage failures and insufficient pressure generation, especially in wells without sufficient gas pressure or with nonlinear wellbore trajectories.
Innovation Solution
A downhole pump system utilizing an electrically powered membrane that expands and contracts to create pressure for removing wellbore liquids, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages and operating effectively in deep or deviated wells without requiring threshold gas pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rod pump systems are used to remove wellbore liquid, then mechanical linkage can provide lifting force, but the mechanical linkage becomes more prone to failure and damage production tubing as well depth increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rod pump system with an electric submersible pump system. The electric motor drives a centrifugal impeller to create centrifugal force for fluid lifting, eliminating the need for long mechanical linkages (rods) that are prone to failure in deep wells. The motor is coupled to the impeller through a flexible coupling, and the entire assembly is positioned in a pump chamber surrounded by a diffuser, creating a fully submersible electric pump that eliminates mechanical linkage issues.
2Ease of operation
If plunger lift systems are used to remove wellbore liquid, then gas pressure can provide motive force, but the system requires gaseous hydrocarbons to develop at least a threshold pressure to convey the plunger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gas-dependent plunger lift system with an electrically-powered centrifugal pump system. The electric motor directly drives the impeller to generate centrifugal force for fluid lifting, eliminating the requirement for threshold gas pressure. This allows the system to operate effectively in wells regardless of gas pressure conditions, providing reliable liquid removal through electrical power rather than gas expansion forces.
3Reliability
If rod pump systems are used in deviated wells, then mechanical linkage can provide lifting force, but the system is unsuitable for wellbores with deviated and nonlinear regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid mechanical rod pump system with a flexible electric submersible pump system. The electric motor and pump components are positioned in a pump chamber that can accommodate deviated and nonlinear wellbore geometries. The flexible coupling between motor and impeller, combined with the submersible design, allows the system to adapt to various wellbore configurations including horizontal and highly deviated wells, eliminating the geometric constraints of traditional rod mechanisms.
4Productivity
If plunger lift systems are used in long wells, then gas pressure can provide motive force, but the system cannot efficiently remove liquid from long and deep hydrocarbon wells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gas-pressure-dependent plunger lift system with an electrically-powered centrifugal pump system optimized for deep well applications. The electric motor provides consistent power regardless of depth, and the centrifugal impeller efficiently moves large volumes of fluid. The system includes a motor-driven pump positioned in a pump chamber with a diffuser for efficient energy conversion, enabling effective liquid removal from very deep wells where gas pressure alone is insufficient.
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
The system efficiently removes wellbore liquids from long and deviated wells, reducing mechanical stress and increasing operational efficiency by using a membrane-based pump that can operate in low production rate hydrocarbon wells, avoiding mechanical failures and maintaining well integrity during pump insertion and removal.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor coupled to an electrical power inlet
Implementation Method 2
expanding and contracting a membrane by pumping a fluid with the pump, wherein expanding and contracting the membrane creates a pressure for removing the wellbore liquid from the well
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed techniques include a method of removing wellbore liquid from a wellbore that extends within a subterranean formation, comprising positioning a pump downhole in the wellbore, electrically powering the pump, expanding and contracting a membrane by pumping a fluid with the pump, wherein expanding and contracting the membrane creates a pressure for removing the wellbore liquid from the well, and removing the wellbore liquid from the well using the pressure.