CA2588189A1 - Bubble assisted method to prevent solids accumulations within hydrocarbon production conduits - Google Patents
Bubble assisted method to prevent solids accumulations within hydrocarbon production conduits Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2588189A1 CA2588189A1 CA002588189A CA2588189A CA2588189A1 CA 2588189 A1 CA2588189 A1 CA 2588189A1 CA 002588189 A CA002588189 A CA 002588189A CA 2588189 A CA2588189 A CA 2588189A CA 2588189 A1 CA2588189 A1 CA 2588189A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- hydrocarbon
- subsurface
- fluid
- production
- hydrocarbon production
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 65
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 title claims abstract description 65
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 title claims abstract description 65
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 56
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 16
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 7
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 title 1
- 230000035508 accumulation Effects 0.000 title 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 52
- 238000001556 precipitation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000003129 oil well Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000001376 precipitating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 24
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006837 decompression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002244 precipitate Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 steam Chemical compound 0.000 description 1
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/12—Methods or apparatus for controlling the flow of the obtained fluid to or in wells
- E21B43/121—Lifting well fluids
- E21B43/122—Gas lift
Abstract
A stream of compressed gas is fed into the lower end of the subsurface hydrocarbon production tubing string, resulting in the formation of numerous gas bubbles within the solids contaminated hydrocarbon fluid that is flowing to surface storage through the subsurface production tubing string and surface flow line. As the stream of hydrocarbon fluid flows through the conduits from the lower subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir altitude to surface storage, the bubbles introduced therein cause altered fluid flow conditions that do not permit the precipitation of normal earthen solids from the hydrocarbon fluid.
Description
SOLIDS ACCUMULATIONS WITHIN
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
7 The purpose of the present invention is to prevent earthen solids from precipitating from light, medium, or viscous hydrocarbon fluid, and 9 accumulating within, and causing fluid flow blockages within the subsurface and surface hydrocarbon fluid conduits of an oil well.
A stream of compressed gas is fed into the lower end of the subsurface 13 hydrocarbon production tubing string, resulting in the formation of numerous gas bubbles within the solids contaminated hydrocarbon fluid that is flowing to surface storage through the subsurface production tubing string and surface flow line. As the stream of hydrocarbon fluid flows through the conduits from the 17 lower subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir altitude to surface storage, the bubbles introduced therein cause altered fluid flow conditions that do not permit the 19 precipitation of normal earthen solids from the hydrocarbon fluid.
21 The method is intended for use in cold primary hydrocarbon production or thermally stimulated hydrocarbon production from vertical, slant, whipstocked, or 23 horizontal oil wells.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
7 The purpose of the present invention is to prevent earthen solids from precipitating from light, medium, or viscous hydrocarbon fluid, and 9 accumulating within, and causing fluid flow blockages within the subsurface and surface hydrocarbon fluid conduits of an oil well.
A stream of compressed gas is fed into the lower end of the subsurface 13 hydrocarbon production tubing string, resulting in the formation of numerous gas bubbles within the solids contaminated hydrocarbon fluid that is flowing to surface storage through the subsurface production tubing string and surface flow line. As the stream of hydrocarbon fluid flows through the conduits from the 17 lower subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir altitude to surface storage, the bubbles introduced therein cause altered fluid flow conditions that do not permit the 19 precipitation of normal earthen solids from the hydrocarbon fluid.
21 The method is intended for use in cold primary hydrocarbon production or thermally stimulated hydrocarbon production from vertical, slant, whipstocked, or 23 horizontal oil wells.
3 Hydrocarbon fluid being extracted from many subterranean hydrocarbon reservoirs, in North America and around the world, most usually employ sucker rod activated, or other types of subsurface production pumps. When earthen solids accompany hydrocarbon production from the subterranean hydrocarbon 7 reservoir, the earthen solids may precipitate from the hydrocarbon fluid within the subsurface production tubing and/or surface flow line. As the earthen solids 9 accumulate within these conduits, pumping pressures become greater, until the hydrocarbon fluid flow is blocked, or until some other apparatus failure occurs.
11 Under such conditions, the currently employed hydrocarbon production systems are unable to provide the oil well operator with optimal financial returns.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with this invention, compressed gas of sufficient volume 17 and pressure is fed into the oil well's subsurface production tubing string, most effectively, at a point near the output end of the subsurface production pump.
19 Within the subsurface production tubing string, the compressed gas is permitted to form numerous bubbles that accompany and mix into the flow of hydrocarbon 21 production fluid, which is forced by the subsurface production pump, to flow through the subsurface production tubing, through the well head, through the 23 surface flow line, and into the surface hydrocarbon fluid storage tank or other fluid handling facility at surface.
In the present system and method, use is made of the fact that a suitable 27 volume and pressure of compressed gas, such as natural gas, steam, carbon 1 dioxide or air, may be fed into the lower end of a conduit cased stream of hydrocarbon fluid flowing from the subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir to surface 3 storage, for the purpose of creating gas bubbles therein. The bubbles therein are employed to produce a number of desirable effects within the span of the hydrocarbon fluid stream that prevent the earthen solids from precipitating from the hydrocarbon fluid as it is pumped through the oil well's conduits. The main 7 effects are erratic turbulence within the fluid stream and between the bubbles and between the bubbles and conduit walls, and increased hydrocarbon fluid 9 velocity, increased hydrocarbon fluid shear properties against the conduit walls, reduced fluid density, and the much reduced ability of the earthen solids to 11 adhere to the conduit walls and sucker rod surfaces. The altered hydrocarbon fluid flow properties result in the earthen solids being more positively entrained in 13 the hydrocarbon fluid stream through inclined, vertical and horizontal conduits.
In carrying out the method of the present invention, the compressed gas may be delivered into the lower end of the subsurface production tubing string by 17 any desired means. The author has found it convenient and cost effective to employ hollow sucker rods for the purpose. The hollow sucker rod may serve as 19 the compressed gas delivery conduit, or as the hydrocarbon production conduit.
21 As the fluid and gas pressure within the lower end of the subsurface production tubing is much greater than at higher elevations, the volume of 23 compressed gas to be fed into the subsurface production tubing must be sufficient for effect at the lower end. After the ratio of hydrocarbon to gas within the production conduits reaches normal operating parameters, a very considerable reduction of pumping horse power will be realized.
11 Under such conditions, the currently employed hydrocarbon production systems are unable to provide the oil well operator with optimal financial returns.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with this invention, compressed gas of sufficient volume 17 and pressure is fed into the oil well's subsurface production tubing string, most effectively, at a point near the output end of the subsurface production pump.
19 Within the subsurface production tubing string, the compressed gas is permitted to form numerous bubbles that accompany and mix into the flow of hydrocarbon 21 production fluid, which is forced by the subsurface production pump, to flow through the subsurface production tubing, through the well head, through the 23 surface flow line, and into the surface hydrocarbon fluid storage tank or other fluid handling facility at surface.
In the present system and method, use is made of the fact that a suitable 27 volume and pressure of compressed gas, such as natural gas, steam, carbon 1 dioxide or air, may be fed into the lower end of a conduit cased stream of hydrocarbon fluid flowing from the subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir to surface 3 storage, for the purpose of creating gas bubbles therein. The bubbles therein are employed to produce a number of desirable effects within the span of the hydrocarbon fluid stream that prevent the earthen solids from precipitating from the hydrocarbon fluid as it is pumped through the oil well's conduits. The main 7 effects are erratic turbulence within the fluid stream and between the bubbles and between the bubbles and conduit walls, and increased hydrocarbon fluid 9 velocity, increased hydrocarbon fluid shear properties against the conduit walls, reduced fluid density, and the much reduced ability of the earthen solids to 11 adhere to the conduit walls and sucker rod surfaces. The altered hydrocarbon fluid flow properties result in the earthen solids being more positively entrained in 13 the hydrocarbon fluid stream through inclined, vertical and horizontal conduits.
In carrying out the method of the present invention, the compressed gas may be delivered into the lower end of the subsurface production tubing string by 17 any desired means. The author has found it convenient and cost effective to employ hollow sucker rods for the purpose. The hollow sucker rod may serve as 19 the compressed gas delivery conduit, or as the hydrocarbon production conduit.
21 As the fluid and gas pressure within the lower end of the subsurface production tubing is much greater than at higher elevations, the volume of 23 compressed gas to be fed into the subsurface production tubing must be sufficient for effect at the lower end. After the ratio of hydrocarbon to gas within the production conduits reaches normal operating parameters, a very considerable reduction of pumping horse power will be realized.
3 Having thus generally described the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating preferred embodiments in which;
Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a typical prior art system to displace 7 hydrocarbon fluid from a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir to surface storage or handling facilities; and Figure 2 is a schematic illustration outlining the method of the present 11 invention, the oil well production system is modified to feed compressed gas into the lower end of the subsurface production tubing string.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring initially to Figure 1, a typical oil well system includes a 17 production casing indicated by reference numeral 8 which is placed into the earth. Within the casing 8 there is provided a subsurface production tubing 19 string 12 which is basically a length or lengths of conduit coupled together from wellhead 6 to subsurface production pump 15. The system also includes what is 21 commonly known as sucker rods 10. In use, hydrocarbon fluid 13 is fed by means of subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir 16 pressure into well bore 9 23 through casing perforations 14 and pumped from well bore 9 by subsurface production pump 15, into and through production tubing 12, into and through wellhead 6, into and through surface flow line 21, through optional surface check valve 20 and into hydrocarbon fluid storage tank 22. Valve 7 is provided 27 to vent casing gas. Optional surface check valve 20 is provided to prevent 1 stored hydrocarbon fluid 13 from back-flowing from hydrocarbon fluid storage tank 22 into subsurface production tubing string 12. Vent 23 is provided to vent 3 gas from storage tank 22. The sucker rod drive at surface is not shown.
Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a typical prior art system to displace 7 hydrocarbon fluid from a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir to surface storage or handling facilities; and Figure 2 is a schematic illustration outlining the method of the present 11 invention, the oil well production system is modified to feed compressed gas into the lower end of the subsurface production tubing string.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring initially to Figure 1, a typical oil well system includes a 17 production casing indicated by reference numeral 8 which is placed into the earth. Within the casing 8 there is provided a subsurface production tubing 19 string 12 which is basically a length or lengths of conduit coupled together from wellhead 6 to subsurface production pump 15. The system also includes what is 21 commonly known as sucker rods 10. In use, hydrocarbon fluid 13 is fed by means of subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir 16 pressure into well bore 9 23 through casing perforations 14 and pumped from well bore 9 by subsurface production pump 15, into and through production tubing 12, into and through wellhead 6, into and through surface flow line 21, through optional surface check valve 20 and into hydrocarbon fluid storage tank 22. Valve 7 is provided 27 to vent casing gas. Optional surface check valve 20 is provided to prevent 1 stored hydrocarbon fluid 13 from back-flowing from hydrocarbon fluid storage tank 22 into subsurface production tubing string 12. Vent 23 is provided to vent 3 gas from storage tank 22. The sucker rod drive at surface is not shown.
5 According to the present invention, Figure 2 illustrates one possible method to modify the oil well production system to feed compressed gas into the 7 lower end of the subsurface production tubing string, comprising the steps of;
replacing the standard sucker rod string 10 with a hollow sucker rod string 9 and employing it as a sucker rod string 10, and as subsurface hydrocarbon production tubing string 12;
11 permitting the pressure output of subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir 16 to flood hydrocarbon production fluid 13 through casing perforations 14, and into 13 well bore 9; pumping hydrocarbon production fluid 13, by means of subsurface production pump 17, from subsurface production pump output port 19, into and through the lower end of subsurface gas feed tubing string 11, into and through compressed gas communication port(s) 18, into and through subsurface 17 hydrocarbon production tubing string 12, into and through surface flow line 21, and into hydrocarbon production fluid storage tank 22;
feeding compressed gas 1, from a source, into and through conduit 2, into 21 and through well head 6, into and through subsurface compressed gas delivery conduit 11, into and through compressed gas communication port(s) 18, into and 23 through subsurface hydrocarbon production tubing string 12, into and through surface flow line 21, and into hydrocarbon production fluid storage tank 22;
permitting the feed of compressed gas 1 to mix with hydrocarbon production fluid 13, within subsurface hydrocarbon production tubing string 12, 27 and achieve all possible decompression therein; venting gas 1 from hydrocarbon production fluid storage tank 22, through storage tank gas vent 23 1 to atmosphere or other gas handling facility; optionally preventing stored hydrocarbon fluid 13 from back-flowing from hydrocarbon production fluid 3 storage tank 22 into subsurface production tubing string 12 by means of optional surface check valve 20 ; operating the hydrocarbon production system ;
recovering hydrocarbon fluid 13 and contaminants from the hydrocarbon production fluid storage tank 22 or other handling facility(s).
replacing the standard sucker rod string 10 with a hollow sucker rod string 9 and employing it as a sucker rod string 10, and as subsurface hydrocarbon production tubing string 12;
11 permitting the pressure output of subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir 16 to flood hydrocarbon production fluid 13 through casing perforations 14, and into 13 well bore 9; pumping hydrocarbon production fluid 13, by means of subsurface production pump 17, from subsurface production pump output port 19, into and through the lower end of subsurface gas feed tubing string 11, into and through compressed gas communication port(s) 18, into and through subsurface 17 hydrocarbon production tubing string 12, into and through surface flow line 21, and into hydrocarbon production fluid storage tank 22;
feeding compressed gas 1, from a source, into and through conduit 2, into 21 and through well head 6, into and through subsurface compressed gas delivery conduit 11, into and through compressed gas communication port(s) 18, into and 23 through subsurface hydrocarbon production tubing string 12, into and through surface flow line 21, and into hydrocarbon production fluid storage tank 22;
permitting the feed of compressed gas 1 to mix with hydrocarbon production fluid 13, within subsurface hydrocarbon production tubing string 12, 27 and achieve all possible decompression therein; venting gas 1 from hydrocarbon production fluid storage tank 22, through storage tank gas vent 23 1 to atmosphere or other gas handling facility; optionally preventing stored hydrocarbon fluid 13 from back-flowing from hydrocarbon production fluid 3 storage tank 22 into subsurface production tubing string 12 by means of optional surface check valve 20 ; operating the hydrocarbon production system ;
recovering hydrocarbon fluid 13 and contaminants from the hydrocarbon production fluid storage tank 22 or other handling facility(s).
Claims
EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE
DEFINED AS FOLLOWS;
1. A method of preventing the precipitation of earthen solids from hydrocarbon production fluid, and the subsequent earthen solids build-up and fluid flow blockages that occur in the oil well's surface and subsurface production fluid conduits, comprising the steps of;
feeding compressed gas of sufficient volume and pressure, into the lower end of the subsurface production tubing string, at a point above the subsurface production pump, and into the hydrocarbon production fluid stream that is being pumped to surface; permitting the sufficient feed of compressed gas to transform into bubbles within the stream of hydrocarbon production fluid, and therein cause sufficient hydrocarbon fluid flow pattern alterations and disturbances, a reduction of hydrocarbon fluid density, and an increase of hydrocarbon fluid flow velocity, as required, to prevent earthen solids from precipitating from the stream of hydrocarbon production fluid, and from adhearing to the inner walls and sucker rod surfaces within the subsurface and surface hydrocarbon production fluid conduits.
feeding compressed gas of sufficient volume and pressure, into the lower end of the subsurface production tubing string, at a point above the subsurface production pump, and into the hydrocarbon production fluid stream that is being pumped to surface; permitting the sufficient feed of compressed gas to transform into bubbles within the stream of hydrocarbon production fluid, and therein cause sufficient hydrocarbon fluid flow pattern alterations and disturbances, a reduction of hydrocarbon fluid density, and an increase of hydrocarbon fluid flow velocity, as required, to prevent earthen solids from precipitating from the stream of hydrocarbon production fluid, and from adhearing to the inner walls and sucker rod surfaces within the subsurface and surface hydrocarbon production fluid conduits.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002588189A CA2588189A1 (en) | 2007-05-04 | 2007-05-04 | Bubble assisted method to prevent solids accumulations within hydrocarbon production conduits |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002588189A CA2588189A1 (en) | 2007-05-04 | 2007-05-04 | Bubble assisted method to prevent solids accumulations within hydrocarbon production conduits |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2588189A1 true CA2588189A1 (en) | 2008-11-04 |
Family
ID=39941643
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002588189A Abandoned CA2588189A1 (en) | 2007-05-04 | 2007-05-04 | Bubble assisted method to prevent solids accumulations within hydrocarbon production conduits |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2588189A1 (en) |
-
2007
- 2007-05-04 CA CA002588189A patent/CA2588189A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |