EP3755877B1 - Downhole pump with anti-gas lock orifice - Google Patents
Downhole pump with anti-gas lock orifice Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3755877B1 EP3755877B1 EP19707097.2A EP19707097A EP3755877B1 EP 3755877 B1 EP3755877 B1 EP 3755877B1 EP 19707097 A EP19707097 A EP 19707097A EP 3755877 B1 EP3755877 B1 EP 3755877B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- piston
- separating chamber
- interior
- downhole pump
- barrel
- 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.)
- Active
Links
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 claims description 34
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 17
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 210000002445 nipple Anatomy 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 64
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 13
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 10
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000001174 ascending effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000012071 phase Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007791 liquid phase Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001934 delay Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000003129 oil well Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005191 phase separation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- E21B43/126—Adaptations of down-hole pump systems powered by drives outside the borehole, e.g. by a rotary or oscillating drive
-
- 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
- E21B43/126—Adaptations of down-hole pump systems powered by drives outside the borehole, e.g. by a rotary or oscillating drive
- E21B43/127—Adaptations of walking-beam pump systems
-
- 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
- E21B43/34—Arrangements for separating materials produced by the well
- E21B43/38—Arrangements for separating materials produced by the well in the well
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B47/00—Pumps or pumping installations specially adapted for raising fluids from great depths, e.g. well pumps
- F04B47/02—Pumps or pumping installations specially adapted for raising fluids from great depths, e.g. well pumps the driving mechanisms being situated at ground level
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B47/00—Pumps or pumping installations specially adapted for raising fluids from great depths, e.g. well pumps
- F04B47/02—Pumps or pumping installations specially adapted for raising fluids from great depths, e.g. well pumps the driving mechanisms being situated at ground level
- F04B47/026—Pull rods, full rod component parts
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B53/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B23/00 or F04B39/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B53/10—Valves; Arrangement of valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B53/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B23/00 or F04B39/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B53/14—Pistons, piston-rods or piston-rod connections
-
- 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
- E21B2200/00—Special features related to earth drilling for obtaining oil, gas or water
- E21B2200/04—Ball valves
Definitions
- the present invention relates to downhole pumps (also known as bottom-hole pumps). More specifically, the present invention relates to downhole pumps comprising means for preventing gas lock.
- the sucker-rod string is connected to a device known as a pumping unit, whose function is to convert the rotary motion of a conventional motor into a reciprocating motion with slow rotation to the sucker rod, which in its turn transfers it to the pump installed at the bottom of the well.
- a pumping unit whose function is to convert the rotary motion of a conventional motor into a reciprocating motion with slow rotation to the sucker rod, which in its turn transfers it to the pump installed at the bottom of the well.
- bottom checking which consists of repositioning the travel of the pump so that at the end of the descending cycle, the piston collides with the barrel, causing maximum reduction of the dead space between piston and standing valve, which reduces the possibility of accumulation of gas and helps to ensure that the maximum amount of gas is expelled.
- the impacts caused by the bottom checking manoeuvre may damage the pump to the point that its operation becomes impracticable, as there is constant direct impact between the standing valve and the travelling valve.
- WO2008153698A1 discloses a downhole pump for removing volumes of liquids, such as oil, gases and production water, from oil wells.
- the pump described in that document comprises, among other elements: a chamber for gas separation, with a standing valve; a piston with a travelling valve; and an actuator of the travelling valve.
- the actuator of the travelling valve consists of a pin that actuates the ball of the valve, opening the travelling valve, in order to equalize the pressure between the interior of the piston and the separating chamber, preventing blocking by gas.
- the downhole pump disclosed in document WO2008153698A1 makes use of a pin for actuating the ball valve of the travelling chamber, so that, owing to the repeated movements of the valve, the pin is subjected to a high mechanical force, making it very susceptible to fractures.
- Document US3215085A discloses a configuration of standing valve for a downhole plunger pump. This document specifically envisages that, fixed to the standing valve, a means is provided for actuating the ball of the travelling valve fixed to the piston, when the piston is at the lowest point of its travel. In the configuration presented in this document, a pin is adopted for actuating the ball of the travelling valve. Thus, it makes it possible for gas trapped in the stationary assembly (separating chamber) to be directed to the interior of the piston, preventing blocking of the pump by gas.
- the downhole pump disclosed in document LIS3215085A makes use of a pin for actuating the ball valve of the travelling chamber, so that, owing to the repeated movements of the valve, the pin is subjected to a high mechanical force, which makes it very susceptible to fractures.
- Document US7909589B2 discloses a downhole pump that comprises a separating chamber, with a standing valve, and a piston, with a travelling valve, in which the piston is divided into two parts.
- a chamber for trapping sand is provided between the two parts of the piston, to prevent sand present in the pumped fluid entering the piston.
- orifices are also provided between the two parts of the piston, which allow fluid communication between the interior of the piston and the separating chamber (balancing).
- these orifices allow the internal pressure of the piston and the pressure of the separating chamber to be equalized, thus preventing blocking of the pump by gas.
- a channel is maintained between the piston and the inside wall of the separating chamber, via which a fluid (such as gas) can drain away.
- the present disclosure aims to solve the problems of the prior art described above in a practical and efficient manner.
- the present disclosure aims to provide a downhole pump for onshore oil production capable of substantially minimizing the gas lock effect.
- a downhole pump comprising at least one of an extension wall; a barrel that extends vertically to the interior of the extension wall; a gas separating chamber delimited by the barrel and the interior surface of the extension wall; and a piston comprising a travelling valve in its lower portion, wherein the piston is configured to slide vertically in the barrel to the interior of the separating chamber between an upper end of stroke position and a lower end of stroke position; wherein the piston comprises a plurality of venting orifices, wherein the plurality of venting offices is configured to provide communication between the interior of the piston and the gas separating chamber when the piston reaches the lower end of stroke position, wherein, in the lower end of stroke position, the plurality of venting orifices is positioned below the barrel.
- venting orifices are located at the same horizontal position on the piston.
- venting orifices have different dimensions.
- the at least one venting orifices provides fluid communication between the interior of the piston and the separating chamber in the uppermost region of the separating chamber
- the pump further comprises a nipple configured to be connected to a lower end of a production pipe between the barrel and the production pipe
- the pump further comprises an end-of-stroke sleeve configured to be connected to the sucker rod, wherein the nipple is adapted to interrupt the descending motion of the end-of-stroke sleeve when the piston reaches the lower end of stroke position.
- the end-of stroke sleeve is configured to be connected at an end of the sucker rod, wherein the pump further comprises a connecting rod which connects the end-of-stroke sleeve to the piston
- the end-of-stroke sleeve is configured to be adjustably connected to the sucker rod.
- the extension wall is an extension of the barrel, the interior of the extension wall having a larger diameter than the interior of the barrel.
- the gas separating chamber comprises a standing valve.
- the piston is configured to be driven by a sucker rod.
- venting orifice is configured not to provide communication between the interior of the piston and the gas separating chamber when the piston is away from the lower end of stroke position.
- the present disclosure relates to a downhole pump preferably for onshore use.
- a pump of this type is usually installed at the bottom of a production well.
- Such a pump can be connected to a sucker-rod string of sufficient length so that the other end reaches the surface.
- the sucker-rod string can be connected to a device known as a pumping unit.
- the function of the pumping unit is to convert the rotary motion of a conventional motor into a reciprocating motion and slow rotation for the sucker rod.
- the sucker rod can in turn transfer the motion to the pump installed at the bottom of the well.
- a downhole pump as illustrated schematically in Fig. 1 , which illustrates an optional configuration of the downhole pump with gas separator and anti-gas lock orifice, comprising:
- a downhole pump comprising one or more of an extension wall 10; a barrel 6 that extends vertically to the interior of the extension wall 10; a gas separating chamber 11 comprising a standing valve 9, wherein the gas separating chamber 9 is delimited by the barrel 6 and the interior surface of the extension wall 10; and a piston 7 comprising a travelling valve 8 in its lower portion, wherein the piston is configured to slide vertically in the barrel 6 to the interior of the separating chamber between an upper end of stroke position and a lower end of stroke position; wherein the piston 7 comprises a plurality of venting orifices 12, wherein the plurality of venting orifices 12 is configured to provide communication (i.e.
- the piston 7 may be configured to be driven by a sucker rod 7.
- the extension wall 10 may take the form of a cylindrical wall.
- the cylindrical wall may have a side portion and a bottom portion.
- the standing valve 9 may be disposed in the bottom portion.
- the interior of the pump defines a volume formed by the interior of the barrel 6 and the extension wall 10.
- the barrel 6 has a smaller interior diameter than the extension wall 10.
- the extension wall 10 may be thought of as an extension of the barrel, with a larger interior diameter.
- the exterior diameters of the barrel 6 and the extension wall 10 may be substantially the same, as shown in Figure 1 .
- a nipple 5 (also known as a seating nipple) may be provided above the barrel 6.
- the nipple 5 may be positioned at the top of the pump to allow a connection to a production pipe 2.
- the barrel 6 may be considered as part of the nipple 5, or alternatively, the barrel 6 can be considered as a separate part, with the nipple being positioned between the production pipe 2 and the barrel 6.
- the extension wall 10, barrel 6, and, where present, the nipple 5 may be considered to form a main body of the pump.
- the gas separating chamber 11 is defined by the space between the side and bottom walls of the extension wall 10, and the boundary between the extension wall and the barrel 6.
- the gas separating chamber 11 may comprise a standing valve 9.
- the standing valve 9 may be located at the bottom of the gas separating chamber 11 (i.e. in the bottom wall of the extension wall 10).
- the oil extracted from the well consists of a mixture of molecules, some of which are in a gas phase and some of which are in a liquid phase.
- the separating chamber 11 promotes phase separation of the mixture extracted from the well, wherein the gas phase tends to be displaced and to accumulate in the upper portion 110 of the separating chamber 11, and the liquid phases are displaced and accumulate in the lower portion 111 of the separating chamber 11.
- the piston 7 of the downhole pump of the present disclosure comprises at least one venting orifice 12.
- the venting orifice 12 is adapted for providing fluid communication between the interior of the piston 7 and the gas separating chamber 11 when the piston 7 reaches the lower end of stroke position.
- the venting orifice 12 is positioned below the barrel 6.
- the venting orifice 12 is an opening in the wall of the piston which allows gas to pass from the gas separating chamber 11 to the interior of the piston 7 when the piston 7 is at its lowest position.
- the venting orifice 12 is configured not to provide communication between the interior of the piston 7 and the gas separating chamber 11. This may be because the orifice 12 can be blocked by the inner wall of the barrel 6. This may occur because the inner diameter of the barrel 6 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the extension wall 10.
- the State in which the piston 7 is considered to be away from the lower end of stroke position may be, for example, when the piston 7 is in the upper 90% of its travel. Any other suitable proportion of the stroke may also be chosen.
- Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic view of the detail of the operation of the venting orifice 12 of the piston 7 illustrated in Fig. 1 .
- this chamber is expected to have a pressure greater than that of the interior of the piston 7, but the pressure difference between the separating chamber 11 and the piston 7 is not sufficient to actuate (i.e. open) the travelling valve 8.
- venting orifice 12 when the piston 7 reaches the lower end of stroke position, in which the venting orifice 12 is positioned below the barrel 6, the venting orifice 12 now allows fluid communication between the interior of the piston 7 and the separating chamber 11. In this situation, since the pressure in the separating chamber 11 is greater than the pressure in the piston 7, the gas accumulated in the upper portion 110 of the separating chamber 11 is impelled to the interior of the piston 7.
- the pump With the expulsion of the gas from this region (i.e. the separating chamber 11), the pressure difference between the separating chamber 11 and the piston 7 is sufficient to actuate (i.e. open) the travelling valve 8. Thus, the pump operates normally again in the next pumping cycle, without any interruption of production.
- Figs. 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d illustrate, respectively, the pump from Fig. 1 in the initial position, in the ascending cycle of the piston 7, in the descending cycle of the piston 7, and in the final position.
- the initial and final positions represent the same position of the pump, or of the piston 7, since at the end of a cycle, the pump begins a new cycle immediately.
- the initial position of the piston 7 represents the point where the piston 7 reaches the lower end of stroke position, i.e. the lowest position of its travel.
- the upper end of stroke position is the position of the piston 7 at which the piston stops ascending (as shown in in Figure 3b ) and starts descending again.
- the piston 7 travels from the lower end of stroke position, to the upper end of stroke position, and back down to the lower end of stroke position.
- the piston 7 comprises only one venting orifice 12
- a plurality of venting orifices are provided in the piston 7.
- these orifices are positioned on one and the same horizontal line.
- the orifices may comprise different sizes (i.e. be of different dimensions).
- others can provide fluid communication between the interior of the piston 7 and the separating chamber 11.
- the varying sizes of orifices 12 may allow at least one orifice to remain clear of obstructions if the obstruction is made up of particles of a particular size, because those particles may block an orifice of a certain size, but pass through an orifice of a different size.
- venting orifice 12 remains obstructed by the barrel 6 of the pump, so that the venting orifice 12 is only in communication with the separating chamber 11 when the piston 7 is closer to its lower end of stroke.
- venting orifice 12 only provides communication between the interior of the piston 7 and the separating chamber 11 in the uppermost region 110 of the separating chamber 11, which normally is only filled with the gas phase.
- an end-of-stroke sleeve 4 connected (or fixed) to the sucker rod 3.
- the nipple 5 may be adapted to interrupt the descending motion of the end-of-stroke sleeve 4 when the piston 7 reaches a lowest position of travel.
- the lowest position of travel is such that the venting orifice 12 is positioned below the barrel 6. This can allow fluid communication between the interior of the piston 7 and the separating chamber 11.
- the end-of-stroke sleeve 4 may be fixed at the end of the sucker rod 3, wherein a connecting rod 13 is adopted, connecting the end-of-stroke sleeve 4 to the piston 7.
- the pump may comprise a connecting rod 13 between the end-of-stroke sleeve 4 and the piston 7 to provide a connection between the sucker rod 3, end-of stroke sleeve 4 and piston 7.
- a connecting rod 13 need not be provided, and the end-of-stroke sleeve 4 may be directly connected to the piston or connected to the piston using an arrangement other than a connecting rod 13.
- the end-of-stroke sleeve 4 may be connected adjustably to the sucker rod 3.
- the limit position of end of stroke defined by the position of the sleeve 4 may be adjustable.
- the standing and travelling valves 8,9 may be any that are known from the prior art, so that this feature does not limit the scope of protection of the invention.
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Description
- The present invention relates to downhole pumps (also known as bottom-hole pumps). More specifically, the present invention relates to downhole pumps comprising means for preventing gas lock.
- One of the most widely used methods of onshore oil extraction is known as mechanical pumping. According to this method, as widely employed in the prior art, a reciprocating pump is installed at the bottom of the well, and this pump is connected to a sucker-rod string with sufficient length so that the other end reaches the surface.
- At the surface, the sucker-rod string is connected to a device known as a pumping unit, whose function is to convert the rotary motion of a conventional motor into a reciprocating motion with slow rotation to the sucker rod, which in its turn transfers it to the pump installed at the bottom of the well.
- It is also known that each sample of oil consists of hundreds of different molecules in different States, from gaseous to solid in varying amounts. In oils with a larger amount of gaseous fractions, the effect known as "gas lock" occurs, which is the accumulation of gas in the space between the standing valve and the travelling valve. This accumulation of gas delays or even prevents opening of the travelling valve, limiting the flow of oil.
- In the State of the art, the problem of gas blocking of downhole pumps is tackled with a manoeuvre known as "bottom checking", which consists of repositioning the travel of the pump so that at the end of the descending cycle, the piston collides with the barrel, causing maximum reduction of the dead space between piston and standing valve, which reduces the possibility of accumulation of gas and helps to ensure that the maximum amount of gas is expelled.
- Another way of tackling this problem is the operation of reversed circulation, where fluid is pumped from the surface through the annular space between the casing and production pipes via the downhole pump, so that the gas is withdrawn.
- The impacts caused by the bottom checking manoeuvre may damage the pump to the point that its operation becomes impracticable, as there is constant direct impact between the standing valve and the travelling valve.
-
- Document
WO2008153698A1 discloses a downhole pump for removing volumes of liquids, such as oil, gases and production water, from oil wells. The pump described in that document comprises, among other elements: a chamber for gas separation, with a standing valve; a piston with a travelling valve; and an actuator of the travelling valve. The actuator of the travelling valve consists of a pin that actuates the ball of the valve, opening the travelling valve, in order to equalize the pressure between the interior of the piston and the separating chamber, preventing blocking by gas. - However, the downhole pump disclosed in document
WO2008153698A1 makes use of a pin for actuating the ball valve of the travelling chamber, so that, owing to the repeated movements of the valve, the pin is subjected to a high mechanical force, making it very susceptible to fractures. - Document
US3215085A discloses a configuration of standing valve for a downhole plunger pump. This document specifically envisages that, fixed to the standing valve, a means is provided for actuating the ball of the travelling valve fixed to the piston, when the piston is at the lowest point of its travel. In the configuration presented in this document, a pin is adopted for actuating the ball of the travelling valve. Thus, it makes it possible for gas trapped in the stationary assembly (separating chamber) to be directed to the interior of the piston, preventing blocking of the pump by gas. - Similarly, the downhole pump disclosed in document
LIS3215085A makes use of a pin for actuating the ball valve of the travelling chamber, so that, owing to the repeated movements of the valve, the pin is subjected to a high mechanical force, which makes it very susceptible to fractures. - Document
US7909589B2 discloses a downhole pump that comprises a separating chamber, with a standing valve, and a piston, with a travelling valve, in which the piston is divided into two parts. A chamber for trapping sand is provided between the two parts of the piston, to prevent sand present in the pumped fluid entering the piston. - According to document
US7909589B2 , orifices are also provided between the two parts of the piston, which allow fluid communication between the interior of the piston and the separating chamber (balancing). Thus, these orifices allow the internal pressure of the piston and the pressure of the separating chamber to be equalized, thus preventing blocking of the pump by gas. - To make it possible to equalize the internal pressure of the piston and the pressure of the separating chamber, a channel is maintained between the piston and the inside wall of the separating chamber, via which a fluid (such as gas) can drain away.
- However, since the oil being pumped comprises a number of impurities such as sand and mud, the channel maintained between the piston and the inside wall of the separating chamber is liable to obstruction, which could cause blocking of the pump by gas. Document
US8858187B2 discloses a downhole pump that comprises a filter provided in the piston adapted for separating the interior of the piston from the separating chamber. According to this document, the filter comprises openings that allow passage of fluid with the aim of balancing the pressure inside the piston and in the separating chamber, thus preventing blocking of the pump by gas. - In addition, it is described in
US8858187B2 that to make it possible to equalize the internal pressure of the piston and the pressure of the separating chamber, a space is maintained between the piston and the inside wall of the separating chamber, through which a fluid (such as gas) can drain away, in which the space maintained is preferably of the same thickness as the openings. - However, since the oil being pumped comprises a number of impurities such as sand and mud, the channel maintained between the piston and the inside wall of the separating chamber is liable to obstruction, which could cause blocking of the pump by gas. Document
US6273690B1 discloses a downhole pump that comprises a piston and a separating chamber, with standing and travelling valves, in which a channel is provided between the piston and the separating chamber so as to provide communication around the piston. According to this document, the channel is kept open when the piston is in the highest position of its travel, and is kept closed when the piston is in the lowest position of its travel. Thus, when the channel is open, the object described ensures that the infernal pressure of the piston is equalized with the pressure of the separating chamber. However, since the oil being pumped comprises a number of impurities such as sand and mud, the channel maintained between the piston and the separating chamber is liable to obstruction, which could cause blocking of the pump by gas. - Thus, it is clear that the prior art does not provide a downhole pumping system, preferably for onshore application, that is effective and free from the risk of blocking by gas.
- As will be described in more detail hereunder, the present disclosure aims to solve the problems of the prior art described above in a practical and efficient manner.
- The present disclosure aims to provide a downhole pump for onshore oil production capable of substantially minimizing the gas lock effect.
- According to the present disclosure, there is provided a downhole pump, comprising at least one of an extension wall; a barrel that extends vertically to the interior of the extension wall; a gas separating chamber delimited by the barrel and the interior surface of the extension wall; and a piston comprising a travelling valve in its lower portion, wherein the piston is configured to slide vertically in the barrel to the interior of the separating chamber between an upper end of stroke position and a lower end of stroke position; wherein the piston comprises a plurality of venting orifices, wherein the plurality of venting offices is configured to provide communication between the interior of the piston and the gas separating chamber when the piston reaches the lower end of stroke position, wherein, in the lower end of stroke position, the plurality of venting orifices is positioned below the barrel.
- Optionally, the venting orifices are located at the same horizontal position on the piston.
- Optionally, the venting orifices have different dimensions.
- Optionally, the at least one venting orifices provides fluid communication between the interior of the piston and the separating chamber in the uppermost region of the separating chamber
- Optionally, the pump further comprises a nipple configured to be connected to a lower end of a production pipe between the barrel and the production pipe
- Optionally, the pump further comprises an end-of-stroke sleeve configured to be connected to the sucker rod, wherein the nipple is adapted to interrupt the descending motion of the end-of-stroke sleeve when the piston reaches the lower end of stroke position.
- Optionally, the end-of stroke sleeve is configured to be connected at an end of the sucker rod, wherein the pump further comprises a connecting rod which connects the end-of-stroke sleeve to the piston
- Optionally, the end-of-stroke sleeve is configured to be adjustably connected to the sucker rod.
- Optionally, the extension wall is an extension of the barrel, the interior of the extension wall having a larger diameter than the interior of the barrel.
- Optionally, the gas separating chamber comprises a standing valve.
- Optionally, the piston is configured to be driven by a sucker rod.
- Optionally, the venting orifice is configured not to provide communication between the interior of the piston and the gas separating chamber when the piston is away from the lower end of stroke position.
- The detailed description presented hereunder refers to the appended figures and their respective reference numbers.
-
Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic view of the downhole pump with gas separator and anti-gas lock orifice according to an optional configuration of the present disclosure. -
Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic view of the detail of the operation of the venting orifice of the piston illustrated inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 3a illustrates a schematic view of the downhole pump with gas separator and anti-gas lock orifice fromFig. 1 in the initial position of the cycle. -
Fig. 3b illustrates a schematic view of the downhole pump with gas separator and anti-gas lock orifice fromFig. 1 in an initial position of the ascending cycle. -
Fig. 3c illustrates a schematic view of the downhole pump with gas separator and anti-gas lock orifice fromFig. 1 in an initial position of the descending cycle. -
Fig. 3d illustrates a schematic view of the downhole pump with gas separator and anti-gas lock orifice fromFig. 1 in the final position of the cycle. - Firstly, it is emphasized that the description given hereunder is based on a preferred embodiment of the disclosure. As will be obvious to a person skilled in the art, however, the invention is not limited to this particular embodiment.
- The present disclosure relates to a downhole pump preferably for onshore use. As already described in earlier sections, a pump of this type is usually installed at the bottom of a production well. Such a pump can be connected to a sucker-rod string of sufficient length so that the other end reaches the surface. At the surface, the sucker-rod string can be connected to a device known as a pumping unit. The function of the pumping unit is to convert the rotary motion of a conventional motor into a reciprocating motion and slow rotation for the sucker rod. The sucker rod can in turn transfer the motion to the pump installed at the bottom of the well.
- However, a very common phenomenon in this type of pump is the so-called gas lock effect, caused by the accumulation of gas in the separating chamber of the downhole pump (the space between the standing valve and the travelling valve). This accumulation of gas delays or even prevents opening of the travelling valve, literally obstructing the flow of oil, causing loss of production.
- Being well known in the field of oil extraction, this phenomenon occurs through the presence of light hydrocarbon fractions, that change phase during the suction cycle of the downhole pump, so that the pressure in the separating chamber is not high enough to cause opening of the travelling valve of the piston, which prevents entry of liquid produced therein, interrupting pumping. In the case of conventional pumps, there is no separating chamber, but the effect occurs in the same way as the space between piston and barrel expands.
- In one arrangement, there is provided a downhole pump as illustrated schematically in
Fig. 1 , which illustrates an optional configuration of the downhole pump with gas separator and anti-gas lock orifice, comprising: - a
sucker rod 3 connected to a pumping unit; - a
nipple 5 connected to a lower end of aproduction pipe 2, and comprising abarrel 6 that extends vertically to the interior of anextension wall 10 of the pump; - a chamber for
gas separation 11 comprising a standingvalve 9, wherein the separating chamber is delimited by thebarrel 6 and theextension wall 10 of the pump; and - a piston 7 (also known as a plunger) comprising a travelling
valve 8 in its lower portion, wherein thepiston 7 is driven by thesucker rod 3, and adapted for sliding vertically in thebarrel 6 to the interior of the separating chamber. - According to the present disclosure, there is also provided a downhole pump comprising one or more of an
extension wall 10; abarrel 6 that extends vertically to the interior of theextension wall 10; agas separating chamber 11 comprising a standingvalve 9, wherein thegas separating chamber 9 is delimited by thebarrel 6 and the interior surface of theextension wall 10; and apiston 7 comprising a travellingvalve 8 in its lower portion, wherein the piston is configured to slide vertically in thebarrel 6 to the interior of the separating chamber between an upper end of stroke position and a lower end of stroke position; wherein thepiston 7 comprises a plurality of ventingorifices 12, wherein the plurality of ventingorifices 12 is configured to provide communication (i.e. fluid communication) between the interior of the piston and thegas separating chamber 11 when the piston reaches the lower end of stroke position, wherein, in the lower end of stroke position, the ventingorifices 12 are positioned below the barrel. It will be appreciated that "upper" and "lower" are in the sense of the pump when installed at the bottom of a well. Thepiston 7 may be configured to be driven by asucker rod 7. - The
extension wall 10 may take the form of a cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall may have a side portion and a bottom portion. The standingvalve 9 may be disposed in the bottom portion. - As set out above, and as shown in
Figure 1 , the interior of the pump defines a volume formed by the interior of thebarrel 6 and theextension wall 10. Thebarrel 6 has a smaller interior diameter than theextension wall 10. Theextension wall 10 may be thought of as an extension of the barrel, with a larger interior diameter. The exterior diameters of thebarrel 6 and theextension wall 10 may be substantially the same, as shown inFigure 1 . A nipple 5 (also known as a seating nipple) may be provided above thebarrel 6. Thenipple 5 may be positioned at the top of the pump to allow a connection to aproduction pipe 2. Thebarrel 6 may be considered as part of thenipple 5, or alternatively, thebarrel 6 can be considered as a separate part, with the nipple being positioned between theproduction pipe 2 and thebarrel 6. Theextension wall 10,barrel 6, and, where present, thenipple 5 may be considered to form a main body of the pump. - The
gas separating chamber 11 is defined by the space between the side and bottom walls of theextension wall 10, and the boundary between the extension wall and thebarrel 6. Thegas separating chamber 11 may comprise a standingvalve 9. The standingvalve 9 may be located at the bottom of the gas separating chamber 11 (i.e. in the bottom wall of the extension wall 10). - As explained above, the oil extracted from the well consists of a mixture of molecules, some of which are in a gas phase and some of which are in a liquid phase. The separating
chamber 11 promotes phase separation of the mixture extracted from the well, wherein the gas phase tends to be displaced and to accumulate in theupper portion 110 of the separatingchamber 11, and the liquid phases are displaced and accumulate in thelower portion 111 of the separatingchamber 11. - In order to prevent loss of production due to the gas lock effect, the
piston 7 of the downhole pump of the present disclosure comprises at least one ventingorifice 12. The ventingorifice 12 is adapted for providing fluid communication between the interior of thepiston 7 and thegas separating chamber 11 when thepiston 7 reaches the lower end of stroke position. At the lower end of stroke position the ventingorifice 12 is positioned below thebarrel 6. In other words, the ventingorifice 12 is an opening in the wall of the piston which allows gas to pass from thegas separating chamber 11 to the interior of thepiston 7 when thepiston 7 is at its lowest position. - It will be appreciated that, when the
piston 7 is away from the lower end of stroke position, the ventingorifice 12 is configured not to provide communication between the interior of thepiston 7 and thegas separating chamber 11. This may be because theorifice 12 can be blocked by the inner wall of thebarrel 6. This may occur because the inner diameter of thebarrel 6 may be smaller than the inner diameter of theextension wall 10. The State in which thepiston 7 is considered to be away from the lower end of stroke position may be, for example, when thepiston 7 is in the upper 90% of its travel. Any other suitable proportion of the stroke may also be chosen. - The functioning of the feature described in the preceding paragraphs may be visualized in
Fig. 2 , which illustrates a schematic view of the detail of the operation of the ventingorifice 12 of thepiston 7 illustrated inFig. 1 . In a situation of gas lock, due to accumulation of gas in the separatingchamber 11, this chamber is expected to have a pressure greater than that of the interior of thepiston 7, but the pressure difference between the separatingchamber 11 and thepiston 7 is not sufficient to actuate (i.e. open) the travellingvalve 8. This is due to the fact, in a gas lock condition, there is a large amount of gas 18 accumulated in theupper portion 110 of this chamber., Since the compressibility of gases is very high compared to liquids, thepiston 7 does not exert sufficient pressure on the separatingchamber 11 to actuate the travellingvalve 8, which would allow theliquid phase 111 to be directed to the interior of thepiston 7 through the travellingvalve 8. - However, due to the presence of the venting
orifice 12, when thepiston 7 reaches the lower end of stroke position, in which theventing orifice 12 is positioned below thebarrel 6, the ventingorifice 12 now allows fluid communication between the interior of thepiston 7 and the separatingchamber 11. In this situation, since the pressure in the separatingchamber 11 is greater than the pressure in thepiston 7, the gas accumulated in theupper portion 110 of the separatingchamber 11 is impelled to the interior of thepiston 7. - With the expulsion of the gas from this region (i.e. the separating chamber 11), the pressure difference between the separating
chamber 11 and thepiston 7 is sufficient to actuate (i.e. open) the travellingvalve 8. Thus, the pump operates normally again in the next pumping cycle, without any interruption of production. -
Figs. 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d illustrate, respectively, the pump fromFig. 1 in the initial position, in the ascending cycle of thepiston 7, in the descending cycle of thepiston 7, and in the final position. Note that the initial and final positions represent the same position of the pump, or of thepiston 7, since at the end of a cycle, the pump begins a new cycle immediately. It is also emphasized that the initial position of thepiston 7 represents the point where thepiston 7 reaches the lower end of stroke position, i.e. the lowest position of its travel. The upper end of stroke position is the position of thepiston 7 at which the piston stops ascending (as shown in inFigure 3b ) and starts descending again. It will be understood that in each cycle, thepiston 7 travels from the lower end of stroke position, to the upper end of stroke position, and back down to the lower end of stroke position. Although the figures show that thepiston 7 comprises only one ventingorifice 12, a plurality of venting orifices are provided in thepiston 7. Preferably, these orifices are positioned on one and the same horizontal line. The orifices may comprise different sizes (i.e. be of different dimensions). Thus, if there is obstruction of one of the ventingorifices 12, others can provide fluid communication between the interior of thepiston 7 and the separatingchamber 11. The varying sizes oforifices 12 may allow at least one orifice to remain clear of obstructions if the obstruction is made up of particles of a particular size, because those particles may block an orifice of a certain size, but pass through an orifice of a different size. - In general, it can be seen that during the ascending and descending motion of the
piston 7, the ventingorifice 12 remains obstructed by thebarrel 6 of the pump, so that the ventingorifice 12 is only in communication with the separatingchamber 11 when thepiston 7 is closer to its lower end of stroke. - Thus, in a situation of normal operation the venting
orifice 12 only provides communication between the interior of thepiston 7 and the separatingchamber 11 in theuppermost region 110 of the separatingchamber 11, which normally is only filled with the gas phase. - So as to ensure that the lower travel of the
piston 7 does not exceed a tolerable limit, there is optionally provided an end-of-stroke sleeve 4 connected (or fixed) to thesucker rod 3. Thenipple 5 may be adapted to interrupt the descending motion of the end-of-stroke sleeve 4 when thepiston 7 reaches a lowest position of travel. In this configuration, the lowest position of travel is such that the ventingorifice 12 is positioned below thebarrel 6. This can allow fluid communication between the interior of thepiston 7 and the separatingchamber 11. It will be understood that "fixed" need not mean "permanently fixed" and that any suitable attachment or connection may be used. - Optionally the end-of-
stroke sleeve 4 may be fixed at the end of thesucker rod 3, wherein a connectingrod 13 is adopted, connecting the end-of-stroke sleeve 4 to thepiston 7. In other words, the pump may comprise a connectingrod 13 between the end-of-stroke sleeve 4 and thepiston 7 to provide a connection between thesucker rod 3, end-ofstroke sleeve 4 andpiston 7. However, a connectingrod 13 need not be provided, and the end-of-stroke sleeve 4 may be directly connected to the piston or connected to the piston using an arrangement other than a connectingrod 13. - In particular configurations the end-of-
stroke sleeve 4 may be connected adjustably to thesucker rod 3. In this configuration, the limit position of end of stroke defined by the position of thesleeve 4 may be adjustable. - As is known by a person skilled in the art, the standing and travelling
valves - Thus, it will be clear that the invention now described solves, in a hitherto unpublished manner, the problems of the prior art for which it is proposed, namely to provide a downhole pump for onshore oil production that overcomes problems through blocking by gas.
Claims (12)
- Downhole pump comprising:an extension wall (10) having an interior;a barrel (6) that extends vertically to the interior of the extension wall (10);a gas separating chamber (11) delimited by the barrel (6) and the interior surface of the extension wall (10); anda piston (7) comprising a travelling valve (8) in its lower end, wherein the piston (7) is configured to slide vertically in the barrel (6) to the interior of the separating chamber (11) between an upper end of stroke position and a lower end of stroke position;wherein the piston comprises a plurality of venting orifices (12), wherein the plurality of venting orifices (12) is configured to provide communication between an interior of the piston and the gas separating chamber (11) when the piston (7) reaches the lower end of stroke position, wherein, in the lower end of stroke position, the plurality of venting orifices (12) is positioned below the barrel (6).
- Downhole pump according to claim 1, wherein the venting orifices (12) are located at the same horizontal position on the piston (7).
- Downhole pump according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the venting orifices (12) have different dimensions.
- Downhole pump according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of venting orifices (12) provides fluid communication between the interior of the piston (7) and the separating chamber (11) in the uppermost region (110) of the separating chamber (11).
- Downhole pump according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a nipple (5) configured to be connected to a lower end of a production pipe (2) between the barrel (6) and the production pipe (2).
- Downhole pump according to claim 5, further comprising an end-of-stroke sleeve (4) configured to be connected to a sucker rod (3), wherein the nipple (5) is adapted to interrupt the descending motion of the end-of-stroke sleeve (4) when the piston (7) reaches the lower end of stroke position.
- Downhole pump according to claim 6, wherein the end-of-stroke sleeve (4) is configured to be connected at an end of the sucker rod (3), wherein the pump further comprises a connecting rod (13) which connects the end-of-stroke sleeve (4) to the piston (7).
- Downhole pump according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the end-of-stroke sleeve (4) is configured to be adjustably connected to the sucker rod (3).
- Downhole pump according to any preceding claim, wherein the extension wall (10) is an extension of the barrel (6), the interior of the extension wall (10) having a larger diameter than the interior of the barrel (6).
- Downhole pump according to any preceding claim, wherein the gas separating chamber (11) comprises a standing valve (9).
- Downhole pump according to any preceding claim, wherein the piston (7) is configured to be driven by a sucker rod (3).
- Downhole pump according to any preceding claim, wherein the venting orifices (12) are configured not to provide communication between the interior of the piston (7) and the gas separating chamber (11) when the piston (7) is away from the lower end of stroke position.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
BR102018003152-0A BR102018003152B1 (en) | 2018-02-19 | 2018-02-19 | BOTTOM PUMP WITH GAS SEPARATOR AND ANTI GAS LOCK HOLE |
PCT/GB2019/050445 WO2019158952A1 (en) | 2018-02-19 | 2019-02-19 | Downhole pump with anti-gas lock orifice |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3755877A1 EP3755877A1 (en) | 2020-12-30 |
EP3755877B1 true EP3755877B1 (en) | 2024-03-20 |
Family
ID=65520329
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19707097.2A Active EP3755877B1 (en) | 2018-02-19 | 2019-02-19 | Downhole pump with anti-gas lock orifice |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20200386087A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3755877B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN112105794B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2019221823A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR102018003152B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3091553A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2020008621A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019158952A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US11466681B1 (en) * | 2021-05-27 | 2022-10-11 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Anti-gas locking pumps and related methods in oil and gas applications |
US11542797B1 (en) | 2021-09-14 | 2023-01-03 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Tapered multistage plunger lift with bypass sleeve |
Family Cites Families (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US3215085A (en) | 1963-09-09 | 1965-11-02 | Jack E Goostree | Standing valve assembly for downhole plunger pumps and attachment therefor |
US3912420A (en) * | 1974-02-19 | 1975-10-14 | Bethlehem Steel Corp | Positive pull-down non-pounding oil well pump for use with flexible pumping strand |
US4173451A (en) * | 1978-05-08 | 1979-11-06 | Reserve Oil, Inc. | Downhole pump |
US4221551A (en) * | 1978-06-26 | 1980-09-09 | Rupert Clement L | Sliding valve pump |
US6273690B1 (en) | 1999-06-25 | 2001-08-14 | Harbison-Fischer Manufacturing Company | Downhole pump with bypass around plunger |
US6585049B2 (en) * | 2001-08-27 | 2003-07-01 | Humberto F. Leniek, Sr. | Dual displacement pumping system suitable for fluid production from a well |
US7686598B2 (en) | 2006-01-03 | 2010-03-30 | Harbison-Fischer, Inc. | Downhole pumps with sand snare |
US20100116508A1 (en) | 2007-05-21 | 2010-05-13 | Kenneth Doyle Oglesby | Hydraulic Pump-Drive Downhole Fluids Pump With Linear Driver |
US8858187B2 (en) | 2011-08-09 | 2014-10-14 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Reciprocating rod pump for sandy fluids |
US9157301B2 (en) * | 2013-02-22 | 2015-10-13 | Samson Pump Company, Llc | Modular top loading downhole pump |
US10151182B2 (en) * | 2013-02-22 | 2018-12-11 | Samson Pump Company, Llc | Modular top loading downhole pump with sealable exit valve and valve rod forming aperture |
CN103629107A (en) * | 2013-11-19 | 2014-03-12 | 西安思坦仪器股份有限公司 | Anti-blocking throw-in type draining pump of coal-bed gas well |
-
2018
- 2018-02-19 BR BR102018003152-0A patent/BR102018003152B1/en active IP Right Grant
-
2019
- 2019-02-19 EP EP19707097.2A patent/EP3755877B1/en active Active
- 2019-02-19 WO PCT/GB2019/050445 patent/WO2019158952A1/en unknown
- 2019-02-19 CN CN201980026724.4A patent/CN112105794B/en active Active
- 2019-02-19 US US16/970,905 patent/US20200386087A1/en active Pending
- 2019-02-19 MX MX2020008621A patent/MX2020008621A/en unknown
- 2019-02-19 AU AU2019221823A patent/AU2019221823A1/en active Pending
- 2019-02-19 CA CA3091553A patent/CA3091553A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP3755877A1 (en) | 2020-12-30 |
CN112105794B (en) | 2023-03-14 |
CA3091553A1 (en) | 2019-08-22 |
BR102018003152A2 (en) | 2019-09-10 |
US20200386087A1 (en) | 2020-12-10 |
AU2019221823A1 (en) | 2020-09-10 |
WO2019158952A1 (en) | 2019-08-22 |
MX2020008621A (en) | 2021-01-15 |
BR102018003152B1 (en) | 2021-08-03 |
CN112105794A (en) | 2020-12-18 |
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