JP2011526972A - Liquid rod pump - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention includes a downhole device that includes at least one plunger and uses power fluid to recover production fluid from the well.
[Selection] Figure 6

Description

(Cross-reference of related applications)
This application is based on US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 133,373 (Rod Pump for Liquids) filed on June 30, 2008 and US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/199, filed on November 21, 2008. No. 853 (rod pump for liquids) is claimed and these specifications and claims are incorporated herein by reference.

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to pumping and collecting underground liquids, and more particularly to the use of hydraulic principles to facilitate pumping of liquids without the use of a soccer rod.

  Currently, there is a need in the petroleum industry for pumps that can pump deeper wells, produce higher volumes, and recover fluid from tilted drills and bent wells. Current technology does not solve the problem of sucking water over 500 feet using solar and wind energy as a power source. Furthermore, there are problems associated with discarding unwanted fluids without the additional use of pumping equipment to assist in this process. Embodiments of the present invention can meet all of the above needs and have improved energy efficiency.

  In the current oil industry, the main pump type for deep wells relies on pump jacks, which have been used in the industry since the beginning of the 20th century. In the prior art, fluids have also been used to transmit pressure to the pump in the downhole.

  Currently, horizontal drilling has become a boom, and pump jacks or soccer rod pumps are not efficient in this type of drilling. Due to the mechanical connection from the surface to the downhole device, the pump jack is fixed at the correct travel distance and it may be difficult to reciprocate the rod in a horizontal position or in a bent well. Embodiments of the present invention can vary the travel distance and cycle at each pump, eliminating rod wear, improving efficiency, and reducing wear at the down pump.

  Current technology does not have a back-flow filtration system, and maintenance problems arise because the pump cannot flow back.

  In addition, current technology requires all pumps and tubing (tubes) to be pulled up for repair and does not have the ability to drain fluids, thus creating potential environmental problems when lifting rods and tubing from holes. Arise.

  Thus, an invention that meets industrial needs, such as energy efficiency needs, needs for easier means of horizontal pumps, and the ability to discard unwanted fluids from one zone and pump useful fluids from different zones There are needs. In addition, there is a need for a pump that can pump fluids higher than present with solar energy and / or wind powered pumps.

  Embodiments of the present invention provide a pump that is superior to current fluid wicking technology (especially a soccer rod pump). Preferably, embodiments of the present invention do not require the use of soccer rods or the use of pump jacks at the surface. Furthermore, the embodiments require less maintenance costs, because they can be driven by fluid and the mechanical parts remain centrally held as they move, so especially in offset wells. Less wear on moving parts.

  Embodiments of the present invention may be attached to conventional oilfield equipment using downhole equipment with piping (preferably about 2-5 inches piping, more preferably about 2 inches 3/8 or 2 inches 7/8). it can. Narrower piping (preferably 0.25 to 2 inches, more preferably about 1 inch or less (flexible or rigid)) is the larger piping to create an annular area for production Inserted into. Preferably, the downhole device uses a conventional precision tolerance barrel and plunger and has an upward imbalance so that the downhole device is at the top of its stroke when not reciprocating. Can stay. Unlike pump jacks, this pump technology allows the downhole device to pump with long slow strokes or short fast strokes. By using the fluid displacement concept, the downhole device of the present invention does not require a one to one replacement ratio of this downhaul device from the ground surface.

  Preferably, embodiments of the present invention are about 40 percent more energy efficient than known pumps.

  One embodiment of the present invention provides an improved pump system that saves energy, is lighter and requires less maintenance than conventional pump systems.

  Another embodiment of the present invention provides a pump system design that pumps from one underground zone while simultaneously discarding unwanted fluid in different underground zones.

  A further embodiment of the present invention provides a back-flow filtration system that prevents clogging of conventional filters and depletion of fluid pumps.

  Preferably, embodiments of the present invention comprise a pump system without mechanical movement between the ground surface and the downhole device, and an emerging market for oblique drilling of wells to maximize production zone efficiency Support.

  Another embodiment of the present invention provides a variable displacement pump system that can be adjusted from the surface without stopping the pump or placing the pump in a timer. Variable capacity pumps are particularly useful for pumps in remote areas of the world.

  A further embodiment of the present invention provides a large capacity pump system that can be pumped in large quantities with low energy by utilizing bidirectional pump strokes, thereby increasing efficiency, solar energy and / or Or it can be powered by wind energy.

  Yet another embodiment of the present invention preferably includes a method of pulling a dry string (fluid-free piping) during processing.

  One embodiment of the present invention is preferably a method for moving production fluid from a well having access to a production zone and access to a waste zone. The method includes isolating the production zone and the waste zone from each other, moving the production fluid from the production zone to the production system during the plunger stroke, and the waste fluid during the same stroke. Moving in. These two zones are isolated using a packer. This embodiment also includes systematically backflowing the production fluid using a screen filter to prevent particulates from entering the system. The disposal rate and production rate can also be adjusted. This adjustment is preferably based on the volume of waste fluid in the power / waste fluid tank.

  Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for removing production fluid from a well with access to a production zone and a waste zone. The apparatus preferably includes a packer for separating the production zone from the waste zone and a plunger that moves the production fluid from the production zone to the production system during the stroke. The plunger also moves waste fluid into the waste zone during the same stroke of the plunger. Thus, the production fluid is discarded in the same stroke of the plunger. This embodiment can optionally include a screen filter for backflowing the production fluid to ensure that particulates do not enter the flow.

  A further embodiment of the invention is a method of moving fluid from a well. The method includes disposing a downhole device at least partially within the well; moving a plunger of the downhole device in a first direction to move production fluid from the production zone into the production system; Moving the plunger of the downhole device in a second direction to move production fluid from the production zone into the production system. The plunger of the downhole device reciprocates, and the production fluid is produced in each stroke of the downhole device.

  One embodiment of the present invention includes a system for moving fluid from a well. The system includes a downhole device partially disposed within the well and a plunger disposed within the downhole device, the plunger being moved in a first direction, thereby producing a production fluid. Is moved from the production zone into the production system and the plunger is moved in a second direction, thereby moving production fluid from the production zone into the production system. In this embodiment, the plunger reciprocates to produce the production fluid in each stroke of the downhole device.

  Another embodiment of the invention is a method of moving fluid from a well. The method includes the steps of at least partially placing a downhole device including one or more plungers and pipes in the well, and using a power fluid that moves the one or more plungers in the downhole device; Moving the production fluid to the surface of the well and placing a valve on or near the downhole device, the valve at or near the surface of the well. Driven releasably near the surface of the earth and thereby included in the pipe when removing the pipe from the well such that when the pipe is removed through the well, the power fluid is discharged through the valve To release the motive fluid. In this embodiment, the valve is an L-shaped valve. Preferably, the pipe removed from the well is a dry pipe. The downhole apparatus of this embodiment is arrange | positioned in the said well using a base coupling in the bottom part of this downhole apparatus.

  Yet another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for moving fluid from a well. Preferably, the device comprises a downhole device at least partially within the well, including one or more plungers and pipes, a power fluid for moving the one or more plungers within the downhole device, and the well A production fluid that is moved to the surface of the earth, and a valve installed at or near the downhole device, the valve in the pipe when removing the pipe from the well. The power fluid contained in is discharged. In this embodiment, the valve is an L-shaped valve. Preferably, the pipe removed from the well is a dry pipe. Optionally, a pedestal joint is attached to the bottom of the downhole device.

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an embodiment of the present invention, in which a pulsar device is connected to one well, which moves fluid to the ground and moves the downhole device downward. Is. FIG. 2 is a side view showing an embodiment of the present invention, in which the pulsar device moves the downhole device downward in each of the plurality of wells in the stroke forward path and the return path of the piston in the pulsar device. Is. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a downhole pump according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view showing a pulsar and power pack unit for fluid production / disposal according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a production / disposal downhole device with a disposal zone located below the production zone according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a production / disposal downhole apparatus with a disposal zone above a production zone according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a pulsar device using mixed fluid and a power pack device that discharges excess fluid through a novel piston structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the pulsar device shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a double downhole production pump device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Objects, advantages, novel features, and scope of application of the present invention will be set forth in the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention may be embodied by means and combinations particularly described in the appended claims.

  The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description, explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

  As used in the specification and claims, a “power pack” means any device, method, apparatus, system, or combination thereof that can at least partially provide pumping action for a fluid.

  “Pulsar” as used in the specification and claims means any device, method, apparatus, system, or combination thereof that is capable of moving fluid.

  As used in the specification and claims, pipes and piping are intended to be used in a broad sense and include (but are not limited to) metals, composite materials, synthetic materials, resins and combinations thereof, etc. Move fluid, including (but not limited to) pipes, tubing, channels, conduits, bundles and combinations thereof, formed from any material capable of providing a fluid flow path at least temporarily It is intended to include any device, method, apparatus, system, or combination thereof that may be possible.

  As used in the specification and claims, a “downhole unit” means an apparatus, method, apparatus, system, or combination thereof that is at least partially disposed within a hole.

  As used in the specification and claims, “plunger” means an apparatus, method, device, system, or combination thereof that can apply pressure to a fluid.

  As used in the specification and claims, a “sequence system” includes, but is not limited to, a pressure sensor or a series of pressure sensors, an apparatus, method, apparatus, system that can drive a pulser Or it means a combination thereof.

  As used in the specification and claims, a “production system” includes (but is not limited to) tanks, surfaces, pipes, heat exchangers, pumps, and combinations thereof for storing or further processing production fluids. Means an apparatus, a method, an apparatus, a system, or a combination thereof.

As used in the specification and claims, “packer” is intended to be used in a broad sense, and any device, method, that can isolate or separate one zone in a hole from another zone in the hole, Means a device, a system, or a combination thereof. For example, the packer can isolate the production zone in the well from the waste zone.

Closed system (closed system)
Referring to FIG. 1, the power pack 10 at the surface is preferably a closed working fluid system. This working fluid is used to transmit the force from the hydraulic pump 14 to the pulsar 18 and both are preferably at or near the surface of the well. In one preferred embodiment, the working fluid does not mix with the power fluid. The power fluid transmits energy from the pulsar 18 and applies a downward pressure to the downhole device 200 (see FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the working fluid does not mix with the production fluid. A production fluid is a product that is pumped from the underground to the ground using embodiments of the present invention. The power fluid is also preferably a closed system. This power fluid actually moves the downhole device 200 and in one embodiment consists essentially of water. Since water is substantially incompressible, pressure is transmitted to the downhole device 200 very efficiently and with little compression. When an unexpected fluid loss occurs, the power fluid piston 40 returns to the reset position to create a vacuum and fill the fluid gap in the power tube 204.

  FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, which includes a pulsar device 18 that moves a ground surface fluid and causes a downhole device 200 to reciprocate, and a power pack 10.

  FIG. 1 shows a power pack 10 that preferably includes a motor 12 (preferably a standard electric motor). The motor 12 may be a general alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) motor, and can be used for solar thermal power generation, wind power generation, and manual power generation. The motor 12 is fixed to a fluid pump 14 supported by the reservoir tank 16. The reservoir tank 16 is filled with working fluid and provides fluid drive for the pulsar device 18. The pulsar device 18 is preferably a closed system so that the working fluid does not mix with the power or production fluid. The line 20 is fixed to the reservoir tank 16, and the working fluid from the reservoir tank 16 is moved to a sealed hydraulic cylinder 24 using an end cap 28. The hydraulic piston 22 is accommodated in a hydraulic cylinder 24. Reservoir tank 16 and hydraulic cylinder 24 can be made from any suitable material that holds the working fluid and is operable at the required high pressure. The hydraulic valve system 26 drives the pulsar 18, and the pulsar 18 reciprocates the connecting shaft 30 back and forth repeatedly. The valve system 26 is preferably controlled by various pressures in a closed power system and is driven by the increased pressure from the downhole device 200. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the downhole device 200 preferably moves along its entire length until the lower plunger 234 bottoms out, thereby increasing the pressure in the power tube 204. And the increase in pressure moves the sequencing system. This sequence system then causes a working fluid flow through the hydraulic valve system 26 to reverse the direction of the hydraulic piston 22 on the surface. The sequencing system may be electrical, mechanical, or a combination thereof.

  The motor 12 preferably provides the force to drive the hydraulic pump 14, which pumps the working fluid into the hydraulic cylinder 24, which then transmits the pressure to the hydraulic piston 22. . It is preferable that the hydraulic piston 22 moves and transmits force via the connecting shaft 30. The shaft 30 moves through the central coupling 32. The central coupling 32 is preferably sealed with a seal-pack made from any suitable material designed to hold the pressure differential between these two regions. The connecting shaft 30 is preferably fixed to both the power fluid cylinder 34 and the hydraulic cylinder 24. The connecting shaft 30 is preferably driven and increases the pressure in the power tube 204 as the hydraulic piston 22 begins to move toward the power fluid cylinder 34. The end cap 36 for the power fluid prevents the pressure in the power fluid cylinder 34 from being pushed back toward the hydraulic cylinder 24, thereby gathering all the pressure downward. The vent 638 allows the power fluid cylinder 34 to vent and prevents the power fluid piston 40 from being locked when the power tube 204 increases pressure. Pressure is transmitted to the downhole device 200 and applied to the upper plunger 216 (see FIG. 2), which begins to move down the well. When the plungers 216, 222, and 234 are pushed downward, the pressure pushes the product fluid into the annular region 210 and moves it into a closed housing in the reservoir tank 16. The production fluid is then used as a cooling device for the working fluid placed in the second housing in the reservoir tank 16, thereby cooling the working fluid. This production fluid is further warmed by the working fluid to facilitate downstream processing and separation of the production fluid. The working fluid and the production fluid are preferably isolated from each other in the reservoir tank 16. The production fluid moves through the reservoir tank 16 to a storage tank (not shown).

  FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention that includes a downhole device 200 connected to a pulsar device 18 (see FIG. 1).

  In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, the relief valve 202 is preferably an L-shaped valve provided in a power tube between the top of the downhole device 200 and the base of the power tube 204. It has been. When the downhole device 200 is pulled up to the ground surface (for example, when repair is required), the relief valve 202 can drain the power fluid from the power tube 204. The relief valve 202 allows repair personnel to pull up the dry string (pipe containing no fluid) instead of the wet string. Since the dry string can be pulled up, the outflow of the power fluid can be prevented on the ground surface. Preferably, the relief valve 202 is initially closed, and when twisted, the power tube 204 slides upward and pulls the power tube 204 out of the hole. When the power tube 204 is pulled up, it passes through the vents 206 and 208, which vent the power fluid and thus pull up the "dry" string. In one embodiment, repair personnel do not lift the wet string when removing the pipe.

  The annular region 210 is a region for passing the production fluid to the ground surface. The downhole device 200 is preferably attached by a pedestal joint 212 at the bottom of the downhole device 200. The pedestal joint 212 can also be attached to the top of the downhole device 200, whereby the downhole device 200 can be suspended from the pedestal joint 212. The annular region 210 includes a region between the power pipe 204 and the external pipe 214. When the downhole device 200 is attached to the pedestal joint 212, the production fluid remains in the annular region 210, or when the downhole device 200 is removed from the pedestal joint 212, the production fluid is released to the formation.

  The downhole device 200 preferably receives pressure from the pulsar device 18 on the upper plunger 216. When pressure is applied to the upper plunger 216, the upper plunger 216 moves downward and the connecting shaft 218 and plungers 222 and 234 move as well. Plunger 216 is preferably held in place by cylinder 220. The pressure applied on the upper plunger 216 is converted to drive the plunger 222. The plunger 222 is preferably for balancing pressure. When the downhole device 200 is stationary, the force generated in the upward direction is greater than the force generated in the downward direction, because the underground layer region 224 has a lower pressure than the downhole device 200, and This is because an upward imbalance occurs. Therefore, it is sufficient to move the plungers 216, 222 and 234 downward with only energy from the ground surface. The top of the plunger 222 is preferably exposed to the formation through the vent 226. Coupling 228 seals cylinder 220, which creates a pressure differential at the top of plunger 222. The top of the plunger 222 is exposed to the formation, while the bottom of the plunger 222 is exposed to the annular region 210 through the vent opening 230, thereby using the coupling 232 to isolate the fluid pressure upward. Create pressure. Coupling 232 is designed to prevent pressure from being homogenized within region 224 exposed to the underground. The top of the plunger 234 is exposed to the formation and the bottom of the plunger 234 is exposed to the production fluid and is used to move the production fluid out of the valve 236 and above the annular region 210. The production fluid preferably moves in and out of the production chamber 238. Valve 236 preferably includes a one-way check valve between chamber 238 and annular region 210, where production fluid is preferably capable of moving from chamber 238 to annular region 210. Valve 240 further includes a one-way check valve that prevents production fluid in chamber 238 from returning to the underground. As the downhole device 200 moves downward, downward pressure opens the valve 236, thereby delivering production fluid above the annular region 210. As the downhole device 200 moves in the return direction, an upward force opens the valve 240 after the fluid has been filtered through the filtration system 242 and receives the production fluid from the underground into the chamber 238.

  The filtration system 242 preferably includes a mesh screen filter attached to the bottom of the downhole device 200. The filtration system 242 is not clogged because the upper chamber of the downhole device 200 communicates with the underground layer. This communication allows fluid to enter and exit the downhole device 200. The downward pressure from the downhole device 200 creates an outward force of the fluid from the chamber 238, blowing away foreign material that may collect around the filter, and the flow of unfiltered fluid in the upper chambers 224 and 244. Is prevented from entering the downhole device 200.

Multiple Wells Referring to FIG. 3, one embodiment of the present invention includes a power pack 300 and a pulsar 312. Downhole devices 302 and 304 preferably operate with only one surface unit (ie, power pack 300 and pulsar 302), thereby further improving the efficiency of pulsar 312. In one configuration, when using the power pack 300, the pulser 312 can be used to pump more than one well. In this embodiment, the pistons 306 and 308 reciprocate back and forth, thereby collecting production fluid during the down stroke of both downhole devices 302 and 304. The production fluid is then used to cool the working fluid in the reservoir tank 314 and at the same time the production fluid is warmed to facilitate separation of oil and water in the production fluid before being sent to the tank 316.

Isolated Waste Zone Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5A-5B, another embodiment of the present invention includes a pulsar 402 and a downhole device 500, which is a zone in a well. It is possible to recover the production of fluid from the same while having the ability to discard unwanted fluid in the second zone in this well. In this embodiment, once the plunger 527 is bottomed, the pressure in the power tube 504 rises, opens the pressure relief valve 522, and is suitable for discarding unnecessary power fluid via the packer 508. Move into an isolated zone. When all unwanted fluid is discarded into the disposal zone 526, the power fluid piston 422 abuts against the end cap 426, causing a further increase in pressure and activating the sequence system to reverse the pulsar 420. Then draw more power fluid by opening valve 430 for the next cycle. The pulsar 402 has two levels of operating pressure, one pressure level for recovering the production fluid from the underground and the other pressure level for discarding unwanted fluid.

  FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention including a pulsar 402 and a power pack 400 for collecting groundwater or the like.

  Preferably, this embodiment uses two regions of a well by pumping production fluid from one zone of the underground layer and simultaneously discarding unwanted fluid into the second zone of the underground layer.

  The power pack 400 and pulsar 402 preferably include a motor 404. The motor 404 is preferably a standard weatherproof AC or DC power supply. The power pack 400 preferably includes a reservoir 406, which preferably includes a working fluid. The reservoir 406 can be made from any suitable material that can hold a working fluid. The reservoir 406 has a relatively low pressure. In addition, it can be made with an extra chamber through which the production fluid flows, thereby creating a heat exchanger for cooling the working fluid. In this embodiment, the motor 404 generates a force and transmits this force to the hydraulic pump 408. The operating pressure is pumped to unit 410 via hydraulic pump 408 and produces a high pressure when passing through high pressure hydraulic line 412. Line 412 can be made from any material that can handle high pressure. Line 412 supplies working fluid to hydraulic cylinder 414 (supported by end cap 416). The working fluid presses the hydraulic piston 418, and the hydraulic piston 418 reciprocates back and forth. The hydraulic piston 418 is preferably mounted with a precision tolerance clearance and is mounted on the connecting shaft 420. The hydraulic piston 418 moves toward the connecting shaft 420 and this connecting shaft 420 transmits force to the power fluid piston 422. This action creates pressure in the power fluid cylinder 424 and the power fluid cylinder 424 is held in place by the end cap 426 until the power fluid / waste fluid is released through the outlet 428.

  Preferably, when the pulsar 402 is moved back to the reset position toward the hydraulic cylinder 414, the one-way check valve 430 may cause the pulsar 402 to retreat (backstroke) if there is an unexpected loss of power fluid. Opened to move the power fluid in the power fluid cylinder 424. A vacuum is created by the power fluid gap, thereby opening the one-way check valve 430 so that the lowering process (downstroke) of the pulsar 402 moves completely (ie, bottomed) the distance the downhaul device 500 is designed. Power fluid is used for

  As the power fluid piston 422 reciprocates toward the end cap 426, the production fluid rises through the annular region and moves into the production tank 432. The power / waste fluid is separated from the production fluid, placed in the tank 434 and reused through line 436 to fill the power fluid cylinder 424 to begin the next cycle. In this embodiment, the power fluid / waste fluid is used to drive the downhole device 500. Preferably, the downhole device 500 sucks up the production fluid on the ground surface and discards unnecessary fluid in the disposal zone. This waste zone may be above or below the production zone. FIG. 5A shows an embodiment of the invention where the waste zone is below the production zone. FIG. 5B shows an embodiment of the invention in which the waste zone is above the production zone.

  By adjusting the reciprocating set point for pistons 418 and 422, the process volume of waste fluid removed from tank 434 can be adjusted relative to the amount of production fluid entering tank 434, thereby Results in optimal production / disposal rates. This adjustment allows more waste fluid to be discarded into the waste zone as the tank 434 approaches its capacity limit. Alternatively, the rate of fluid disposal can be reduced as the tank 434 approaches an empty state. Those skilled in the art will be able to conceive many ways to set such reciprocating set points (electronic sensors and / or connecting shaft 420, piston 418 and / or 422 and cap 416 and Including physical modifications to 426). In one embodiment, preferably an electronic circuit is provided, which adjusts the reciprocating set point based on the fluid level in tank 434 and / or tank 432 or based on other measurements or user specified criteria. .

  5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment of the present invention comprising a dual-purpose production / disposal downhole device 500 that operates in conjunction with the pulsar and power pack of FIG. Preferably, the downhole device 500 pumps production fluid from one zone of the underground into the tank 432 and discards unwanted fluid in another zone of the underground with the same stroke of the pulsar 402.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, production fluid is moved to the ground through an annular region 502, which is the region between the power pipe 504 and the production pipe 506. The power pipe 504 preferably comprises about 0.5-5 inch piping (more preferably about 0.75-3 inch piping (most preferably about 1 inch piping)) and the production pipe 506 is preferably About 0-5 inch pipes (more preferably about 2-4 inch pipes (most preferably about 2 inches 7/8 pipes)). Preferably, the downhole device 500 is provided in a hole with a packer 508. Standard equipment can be used to separate the production and waste zones. Preferably, the downhole device 500 is installed with a pipe capable of moving a fluid under a desired pressure.

  Preferably, the waste / power fluid chamber 520 is a closed system that transmits pressure from the ground surface to the top of the plunger 510 (closed system). Preferably, the top coupling 512 maintains a pressure separation. The bottom of the plunger 510 is exposed in the annular region 502. The production fluid in the annular region 502 provides a pushing force on the plungers 510 and 514.

  The area under the plunger 514 separates the pressure and fluid between the plungers 514 and 527 at the coupling 516. Vent 518 contains power fluid / waste fluid and functions as a connecting rod to plungers 510, 514 and 527. A high pressure relief valve (pressurizer safety valve) 522 is provided at the bottom of the vent 518 for waste fluid / power fluid disposal and opens as long as the pressure in the downhole device 500 does not exceed normal operating production pressure. If this is exceeded, the high pressure relief valve 522 is opened and excess waste fluid is moved through the packer 508 to the waste area.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the waste / power fluid exerts a downward pressure on plunger 510, causing plungers 510, 514 and 521 to move downward. This down pressure moves the production fluid through check valve 524 and into annular region 502. When the plungers 510, 514 and 527 reach the bottom of the desired distance, the plungers 510, 514 and 527 are bottomed out and within the downhole device 500 until the push down pressure from the waste / power fluid exceeds the production operating pressure. Pressure increases. At that point, the high pressure relief valve 522 opens and wastes unwanted fluid into the disposal area 526 through the packer 508. The sequence system is activated by opening the high pressure relief valve 522 and the power fluid piston 422 (FIG. 4) moves toward the fluid piston 418, thereby moving the plungers 510, 514 and 527 upward. The one-way check valve 528 takes in production fluid each time the downhole device 500 reciprocates. On the opposite side of the pipe is a check valve 524 for the outlet, which raises the production fluid to the annular region 502. A screen filter 530 is attached to the valve system 528, and the screen filter 530 can prevent foreign matter from entering the downhole device 500. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the downhole device 500 can be installed in a waste area 526 above or below the production zone 532.

  FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention comprising a power pack 600 and a pulser 602 that preferably mixes power and production fluids and releases the fluid through relief valves 604 and 606. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the pulsar 602.

  This embodiment of the present invention includes a surface power pack 600 and a pulsar 602 that can mix production and power fluids. Preferably, the power pack 600 includes an electric motor for the power supply 616, which may be solar power, wind energy or manually applicable generating DC motor or AC motor. Alternatively, the power pack 600 can operate with only solar or wind energy power. Preferably, this motor is mounted on a hydraulic tank 618 and connected to a hydraulic pump 620. Hydraulic power line 622 is coupled to sequence system 626 and is used to transmit force to chamber C to reciprocate pistons 628, 610 and 614 in pulsar 602. Preferably, pulsar 602 comprises three separate chambers (A, B and C) of fluid, one of which (chamber C) being in a system in which the working fluid is completely closed. preferable. Preferably, the working fluid is moved from the tank 618 via the hydraulic pump 620 to move the piston 628 toward the chamber B, and the piston 614 moves the fluid placed in the chamber B below the pipe 814. Next, the fluid pushes up the plunger 810 (see FIG. 8) and pushes the production fluid in the chamber 811 of the downhole device 800 through the valve 804 into the vent pipe 808 and up to the pipe 608. Once the chamber 811 is closed, the plunger 810 abuts the coupling 812, causing a pressure increase on the B side, the sequence system 626 drives the piston 628, and connects the connecting shaft 624 and pistons 610, 614 and 628 to chamber A. This causes the production fluid to be sent to the A side, and excess fluid to be sent out of chamber B via valve 606 by opening cone valve 702 located on piston 614.

  After excess fluid is released through valve 606 and plungers 806 and 810 bottom out, the next increase in pressure occurs, sequence system 626 reverses direction, and connecting shaft 624 then moves toward pipe 814. The cone valve 702 is closed. Preferably, the cone valve 702 is closed using a stop, seat, latch, or combination thereof provided on the piston 614. Optionally, the cone valve 702 may be closed using a stop, seat, latch, or combination thereof disposed within chamber B. The pressure generated by moving the piston 614 toward the pipe 814 causes liquid to drop into the pipe 814, causing the plungers 806 and 810 to move upward, and these plungers 806 and 810 cause the fluid in the chamber 811 to flow through the vent tube 808. To the pipe 608 through the valve 804. When excess fluid enters chamber A from pipe 608, cone valve 700 opens and discharges excess fluid out of valve 604. When all excess fluid is released through valve 604 and chamber 811 is closed, the next increase in pressure occurs and sequence system 626 changes the direction of piston 628. Next, the piston 628 pushes the piston 610 toward the pipe 608 and closes the cone valve 700. Preferably, cone valve 700 is closed using a stop, seat, latch, or combination thereof provided on piston 610. Optionally, the cone valve 700 may be closed using a stop, seat, latch, or combination thereof disposed within the chamber B. This cycle is repeated by the reciprocation of the pulser 602. This process continues as the same fluid is used to drive the downhole device 800 and has the ability to release excess fluid on the upstroke of each cycle.

  With reference to FIGS. 6-8, this embodiment of the present invention can be used for shallow wells and can use rigid or flexible lines to move pressure and product. Furthermore, this embodiment can be installed as a portable or permanent device. In one embodiment of the present invention, pulsar 602 is preferably about 3-20 inches in diameter (more preferably about 5-15 inches in diameter (most preferably about 7-10 inches in diameter)). Preferably, the pistons 610 and 614 are arranged with a fine tolerance clearance in the pulsar 602, so that the diameter of the pistons 610 and 614 is close to the diameter of the pulsar 602. Cone valves 700 and 702 are preferably about 0-4 inches in diameter (more preferably about 1-3 inches in diameter). Thus, preferably excess fluid is forced out of cone valves 700 and 702 (which are attached to larger diameter pistons 610 and 614) having a relatively small diameter. If the downhaul device 800 is installed with a flexible line, a small cable is attached to the downhaul device 800, and the two lines are mated together and the tension required during removal of the downhaul device 800. Give strength.

  FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the present invention comprising a downhole device 800 that can collect fluid both on the forward and return strokes.

  FIG. 8 is a continuation of the pump assembly shown in FIGS. FIG. 8 shows the lower part of this assembly. The unit 800 of this embodiment can produce fluid in each of the forward and backward strokes (see A and B sides). When the A side pipe 608 receives pressure from the fluid at the surface, the fluid closes the check valve 804 and the plungers 806 and 810 move downward to push the fluid out of the chamber 820 and through the valve 816 to the B side pipe 814. Furthermore, the fluid is pushed out of the chamber 826, and at the same time, the chamber 811 is filled through the A-side valve 828.

  As plungers 806 and 810 bottom out, an increase in pressure occurs in the chamber, driving sequence system 626, which sends working fluid into chamber C, causing coupling shaft 624 and pistons 610, 614 and 628 to move. Move toward B side, push fluid down pipe 814 and move plungers 810 and 806 up until plunger 810 abuts coupling 812. As the piston 614 moves toward the pipe 814, the cone valve 700 attached to the piston 610 opens, allowing excess fluid in chamber A to escape through the valve 604. When all excess fluid is released through valve 604 and chamber 811 is closed, a pressure increase occurs on the B side, the sequencing system 626 is driven, moving the piston 628 towards the A side and closing the cone valve 700 , The fluid is moved down the pipe 608. This fluid moves plungers 806 and 810 downward, moving fluid in chamber 820 above pipe B 814 on the B side. When fluid is moved down on the A side and moved up on the B side, the cone valve 702 attached to the piston 614 opens and excess fluid is released through the valve 606. When the plungers 806 and 810 are bottomed and all excess fluid is released through the valve 606, a pressure increase occurs on the A side, actuating the sequence system 626, which drives the plunger to drive the B side Move towards.

  This embodiment creates two production areas, chambers 820 and 811. When downward pressure depresses the plunger 806, the valve 816 sends the fluid in the chamber 820 above the B side pipe 814. As upward pressure raises plunger 806, chamber 820 fills production fluid through valve 818. As downward pressure lowers the plunger 810, the chamber 811 fills the production fluid via the valve 828. When the upward pressure raises the plunger 810, the production fluid in the chamber 811 rises in the vent pipe 808 and moves through the valve 804 and into the A-side pipe 608. At the same time, chamber 820 is filled with production fluid via valve 818. The production fluid mixes with the production / power fluid on the A side so that it can escape through the plunger 806. This process is repeated in cycles and continues to reciprocate, thereby producing a product. As plungers 806 and 810 move, a vacuum is created, which opens production chamber 820 and draws additional production fluid. In this same stalk, the bottom of the plunger 806 moves the accumulated fluid out of the check valve 816 and raises it through the power / production line 814. This process enables efficient pumping and improves the performance of recovering fluid with variable capacity.

Limit wells Embodiments of the present invention make limit wells practical again. Critical wells are wells that are withdrawn from production due to the high energy requirements and high maintenance costs. The marginal well can be profitable again by using the pulser of the embodiment of the present invention.

Shallow Well Embodiments of the present invention can also recover fluid from a shallow well. Preferably, flexible lines and hydraulic reels are used in remote locations where power is not available. In one embodiment, a small power pack can be mounted on a skid with a reel, which allows the pulsar device to be installed in a very short time without using a pulley.

Bent well The pulsar of the present invention can pump even a bent well, and does not wear piping arranged in the hole from the ground surface to the downhole device.

Angular Drilling One embodiment of the present invention can be used in a well that has been drilled offset from the underground. Embodiments of the present invention can pump over large areas, and can pump in vertical downholes or downholes of any angle. Currently, the need for horizontal excavation is high and the energy cost is high, so that embodiments of the present invention can be installed vertically or at an angle to the horizontal, which provides a significant advantage in the market.

Efficient pumping Further embodiments of the present invention can pump both the forward and return strokes in a downhole device, which increases efficiency and is ideal for applications using solar and wind energy. Provide design.

Filtration System One embodiment of the present invention includes a unique filtration system that prevents sand and other small foreign objects from accumulating in the downhole device. One of the major problems with pump filtration systems in conventional downhole pump technology is that when a small grid-like filter is installed in the downhole pump, foreign matter tends to clog the filter, and fluid can flow into the pump. It will prevent it from flowing into. If a large grid is placed in the downhole device, this filter will allow sand and small foreign objects to enter the pump and cause wear in the downhole device. Preferably, this embodiment of the present invention reverses the filter in each cycle of the pump, so that a smaller grid of filters can be installed without clogging. Furthermore, this embodiment filters out the sand, thereby extending the life of the plunger and barrel in the downhole device (since new wells are particularly sandy).

Adjusting the amount Once the power pack, pulsar and downhaul device of the present invention are installed and pumped, it is possible to adjust its output without a timer and without stopping the system. A surface variable hydraulic pump allows the owner / operator to adjust the system according to the well output.

Aesthetics Embodiments of the present invention can be installed underground and can be hidden from the ground. Surface power packs and pulsars can be placed on the ground surface or below the ground surface to preserve the appearance of the terrain.

  Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Other variations or modifications of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and all such variations, modifications and equivalents are intended to be covered within the scope of the appended claims. The entire disclosures of all cited references, applications, patents and publications set forth above are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims (20)

A method of moving production fluid from a well having access to a production zone and access to a disposal zone,
Isolating the production zone and the waste zone;
Moving production fluid from the production zone to the production system during the stroke of the plunger;
Moving waste fluid to the waste zone during the same stroke as the step of moving production fluid from the production zone to the production system;
Including methods.   The method of claim 1, wherein the step of isolating the production zone and the waste zone is done by a packer.   The method of claim 1, further comprising systematically backflowing the production fluid.   4. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of backflow uses a screen filter.   The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting the rate of waste and the rate of production.   6. The method of claim 5, wherein the adjusting step is based on the amount of waste fluid in the tank. An apparatus for moving production fluid from a well having access to a production zone and access to a waste zone,
A packer that isolates the production zone from the waste zone;
A plunger, wherein the plunger moves production fluid from the production zone to the production system during the stroke of the plunger, and moves waste fluid to the waste zone during the same stroke. A device characterized by.   8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a screen filter for backflowing the production fluid. A method of moving fluid from a well,
Placing the downhole device at least partially within the well;
Moving the plunger of the downhole device in a first direction to move production fluid from the production zone into the production system;
Moving the plunger of the downhole device in a second direction to move production fluid from the production zone into the production system;
A method comprising the steps of:   The method according to claim 9, wherein the plunger of the downhole device reciprocates, and the production fluid is produced in each stroke of the downhole device. A system for moving fluid from a well,
Downhole equipment partially located in the well;
A plunger disposed in the downhole device;
The plunger is moved in a first direction, thereby moving the production fluid from the production zone into the production system;
The system wherein the plunger is moved in a second direction, thereby moving production fluid from the production zone into the production system.   The method according to claim 11, wherein the plunger reciprocates to produce the production fluid in each stroke of the downhole device. A method of moving fluid from a well,
Disposing at least partially in the well a downhole device comprising one or more plungers and pipes;
Using a power fluid to move the one or more plungers in the downhole device;
Moving the production fluid to the surface of the well;
Placing a valve on or near the downhole device, the valve being releasably driven at or near the surface of the well, thereby A method of releasing the motive fluid contained in the pipe when removing the pipe from the well so that the motive fluid is released through the valve when removing the pipe through the well.   The method of claim 13, wherein the valve is an L-shaped valve.   The method of claim 13, wherein the pipe removed from the well is a dry pipe.   14. The method of claim 13, wherein the downhole device is disposed in the well using a pedestal joint at the bottom of the downhole device. An apparatus for moving fluid from a well,
A downhole device at least partially within the well, including one or more plungers and pipes;
A power fluid that moves the one or more plungers in the downhole device;
Production fluid moved to the surface of the well;
A valve installed at or near the downhole device;
And the valve releases the power fluid contained within the pipe when removing the pipe from the well.   The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the valve is an L-shaped valve.   The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the pipe removed from the well is a dry pipe.   The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a pedestal joint attached to a bottom of the downhole apparatus.

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