MXPA00002960A - Multi-well computerized control of fluid pumping - Google Patents

Multi-well computerized control of fluid pumping

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Publication number
MXPA00002960A
MXPA00002960A MXPA/A/2000/002960A MXPA00002960A MXPA00002960A MX PA00002960 A MXPA00002960 A MX PA00002960A MX PA00002960 A MXPA00002960 A MX PA00002960A MX PA00002960 A MXPA00002960 A MX PA00002960A
Authority
MX
Mexico
Prior art keywords
fluid
pump
sensor
valve
line
Prior art date
Application number
MXPA/A/2000/002960A
Other languages
Spanish (es)
Inventor
Edward A Corlew
Henry B Steen Iii
John W Smith
Original Assignee
Edward A Corlew
John W Smith
Henry B Steen Iii
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Edward A Corlew, John W Smith, Henry B Steen Iii filed Critical Edward A Corlew
Publication of MXPA00002960A publication Critical patent/MXPA00002960A/en

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Abstract

The invention discloses a system for controlling one or more borehole pumps to enable pumping-on-demand. The system uses a computerized controller which, in combination with sensors, monitors and controls the activity of the pump, thereby controlling fluid in the borehole. The system is continually in one of three modes, the monitoring mode, the pump mode, and the recovery mode. Within each cycle of modes, the system performs multiple checks on the apparatus involved. The data obtained during the check is stored in appropriate databases as well as checked against predetermined norms. In the event of a malfunction within the apparatus, or other supervised and/or monitored functions, the system can activate a notification system, such as a centralized monitoring facility. A pump is disclosed with a fluid sensor to detect the presence of fluid and transmit this presence to the computerized monitoring system. A slug sensor notifies the computer of the beginning and end of a predetermined quantity of fluid. An exterior housing with a lightning protector can be placed over the borehole to contain the monitoring computer and associated read outs. At least one shunt valve is affixed along the propellant and return lines inline to accomodate accumulation of fluid. A receiver/separator tank has a separator member to separate the gas from the fluid.

Description

COMPUTED CONTROL OF FLUID PUMPING IN MULTIPLE WELLS Field of the Invention The invention described relates to the computerized control of a pumping system that allows automatic monitoring and removal on subsequent fluid demand.
Brief Description of the Prior Art There are many different pumps available for pumping oil and water. The method that is used more widely to pump oil is by using a rocker (rocker pump) that connects to rods and pipes. The method that uses air to drive fluids to the surface are aerial pumps, centrifugal compressed air pumps, and air pumps that require sufficient pressure to overcome the hydrostatic head of the fluid in the hole. The rocker arms are relatively expensive, bulky, and due to the weight of the unit, a crane or hoist is necessary when it is installed, removed, and the unit serviced. Usually, these units are energized by electric motors, and the efficiency of lifting oil through this unit in the field is very low, usually less than one percent.
The aerial system is simple in its use, but depends on the relative densities of the fluid and / or air-fluid mixture and for deeper wells, the pressure and volume required of air are quite large. In addition, the air in this system usually emulsifies the oil. A typical air system is described in U.S. Patent No. 759,706. United States Patent Number 4,092,087 to Anthony et al. Also discusses a very complicated air operated pump, where gas or compressed air in the range of 25-350 PSI is used with a large float to cause the pump force the fluid up a tube. Obviously, this complicated construction is quite expensive. The air pumps have been designed so that the fluid passes through a globe valve that is located in the lower part of the pump tank. U.S. Patent No. 919,416 to Boulicault and Japanese Patent Number 5681299 to Nakayama discuss this system with an air tube that connects to the top of the tank and a fluid discharge tube that extends toward the bottom of the tank. After the tank is filled with the fluid flowing through the lower globe valve, air pressure is applied to the air tube, which closes the lower valve and forces the contents of the fluid up the discharge tube . If the fluid level is several hundred feet or more above the pump, considerable air pressure is needed to overcome the hydrostatic level of the fluid to close the lower valve, and an even greater pressure is required to force the fluid to the surface. U.S. Patent No. 3,647,319 to McLean et al. Employs a similar method with the addition of a balloon valve in the fluid discharge tube to prevent fluid in the discharge line from returning to the pump tank . This unit requires a rather large air pressure to lift the fluid from the deepest wells. In column 3 of their patent, they state that the complete discharge will occur from any depth within a range of 0 to 300 feet. At a depth of 1,000 feet below the top of the fluid, a pressure of approximately 460 PSI and a large volume of air will be required to discharge the water from that hole. Although some progress has been made in the apparatus to pump oil or water from a hole, the systems generally operate on a fixed-duration basis, pumping whether or not there is oil or water present. This places increased wear on the appliance, and also uses valuable energy. The prior art systems require that a pump actuator visit the site to verify that the system is working properly. further, the prior art systems have not provided the safety measures that are important to protect our environment. The present disclosure provides a computerized system that controls and monitors the pumping and storage apparatus of multiple wells, to provide pumping on demand. Pump capacities also provide safety features to help prevent oil leakage or theft, while using minimal operating energy.
COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The invention describes a system for controlling one or more bore pumps to enable pumping on demand. The system uses a computerized controller which, in combination with the sensors, monitors and controls the activity of the pump, controlling by means of the same the fluid in the hole. The system is continuously in one of three modes. Most of the time, the system is in Mode One, the monitoring mode, during which the system is waiting for the fluid to be detected, or for some other appropriate initiator to occur. Once the system detects the initiator, such as a fluid, the controller will initiate Mode Two, the start of the pump cycle. Mode Two, the pump mode, begins with the application of propellant gas and ends when the fluid mass on the surface is detected, which signals the controller to complete the application of the propellant gas. At this time, the controller enters a system recovery period, or Mode Three. This recovery period allows time for the pressure of the propellant gas to be recharged, so that the pressure of the pump chamber is equalized with the pressure of the hole, so that the chamber is recharged with the fluid from the hole, and time for The lower hole sensor is stabilized, if used. Within each cycle of modes, the system performs multiple checks on the device involved. The data obtained during the verification is stored in appropriate databases and also verified against previously determined standards. In the event of a malfunction within the apparatus, or other supervised and / or monitored functions, the system may activate a notification system, such as a centralized monitoring facility. The pump that is described for use within the system comprises a pumping chamber and a U-shaped chamber near one end of the pumping chamber. A valve system extends from the pumping chamber into the U-shaped chamber. The valve system is a hollow polygon having at least one valve seat containing a passageway of the valve. A check sphere blocks the passage of the valve during the pump mode and allows fluid to flow into the pump chamber during the monitoring mode. The U-shaped chamber contains fluid inlets to allow fluid to enter the U-shaped chamber and flow through the valve passage inside the pumping chamber. A propellant line is adhered to the pump chamber to provide access for the propellant to enter the chamber and push the fluid out through a fluid return line. The fluid return line extends into the chamber at one end and exits the hole towards a fluid reservoir, such as a storage tank. A fluid sensor inside the chamber detects the presence of fluid inside the pump chamber. A mass sensor can be located either near the pump or at a remote location, to detect the beginning and end of a previously determined amount of fluid. An outer housing can be placed over the hole to contain the monitoring computer and the associated readings. A lightning protector, consisting of a ground electrode adjacent to a vertical electric service conductor. A pair of wires to ground, one attached to one end of the electrode and at the other end to the outer housing and the second attached to one end of the housing and in the other to the computer and a Faraday shield. At least one bypass valve is attached together with the propellant and the return lines in line. The bypass valve has a body containing a recessed receiving area, a propeller line channel, a fluid return line channel, and a connection passage between the channels. An energized cylinder, with input and output connectors, extends inside the body adjacent to the reception area. A series of connecting hoses is connected to the cylinder inlets and outlets to connect the multiple bypass valves. A valve plate, which is connected to the receiving area, has an open port and adheres to the energized cylinder to pivot the port in and out of alignment with the connection passage, in response to cylinder movement. A cylinder activation member activates the movement of the cylinder in response to contact with the fluid in the hole. A receiver / separator tank has a base with multiple connectors, a fluid housing in contact with the base, a separator lid, an electronic housing close to the separator lid and an upper part of the housing. A fluid outlet tube is connected to one of the multiple connectors to transport the fluid that was collected in the base. A gas pipe extends into the housing and exits the base to remove the gas separated from the fluid. A safety line, which has a pressure relief valve in the housing base, extends into the housing next to the gas pipe. A propellant supply line extends into the tank to be connected, through a 3-way valve, to the supply line leading to the pump. A liquid return line carries fluid from the hole inside the housing, so that it is separated from any gas contained in the fluid. The separator at the end of the liquid return line is separated from the separator cover and has a T connector with angled outlets. The angled outlets direct the fluid at an angle so that it falls to the base where it is removed. At least one sensor inside the tank communicates with the controller. The sensor is placed inside the tank at different heights. The 3-way valve has a supply line connector, a propellant line connector and a discharge line connector. A mobile member alternates the connection between the propellant line and the discharge line, to connect the propellant line with the supply line in a first position and the line of the propellant with the discharge line in a second position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The advantages of the present description will become apparent when read with the specification and the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a cutaway side view of the system in the pumping mode; Figure 2 is a cut-away side view of the pump system described, before entering the pumping mode; Figure 3 is a cut-away side view of the pump system of Figure 1 in a hole; Figure 4 is a cut-away side view of an alternative pump embodiment; Figure 5 is a cut-away side view of an additional pump embodiment; Figure 6 is a cut-away side view of a pump system cover for use with the system described; Figure 7 is a schematic of the computerized system of the present invention; Figure 8 is a flow diagram of an exemplary software stream; Figure 9 is a cut-away side view of the bypass valve of the present invention; Figure 10 is a top view of the bypass valve of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a sectional side view of the exterior of the bypass valve; Figure 12 is a cut-away front view of the bypass valve; Figure 13 is a front view of the exterior of the fluid / gas separator tank; Figure 14 is a side view of the internal part of the fluid / gas separator tank; Figure 15 is a further side view of the internal part of the separator / receiver tank; Figure 16 is an internal view of the lower part of the base of the separator / receiver tank; Figure 17 is a cut-away side view of the base of the separator / receiver cover; Figure 18 is a top view of the internal part of the separator / receiver tank; Figure 19 is a top view of a fluid baffle that is used at the point of entry of the ports of both the gas phase outlet and the gas phase pressure relief; Figure 20 is a top view of the separator / receiver tank lid showing the advance of the pipe for the pipes entering the control valve compartment; Figure 21 is a cut-away view of the separator / receiver tank, showing the fluid level sensors; Figure 22 is a cut-away side view of a 3-way valve that is used in the recovery mode; and Figure 23 is a cutaway side view of a 3-way valve in pumping mode.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 5 The demand pumping described herein provides an improved level of production of approximately 20 percent, while providing energy savings. Because the pump operates only when fluid is present, additional savings are achieved through of reduced maintenance while accommodating • automatically natural changes in fluid flow. In the prior art systems, a pump actuator would have to make any ignition regulation changes that were required, based, in many cases, on calculations of the "best guess". Many pumps, such as the one described in U.S. Patent Number 4,842,487 to Buckman et al., Which is hereby incorporated by reference ^ B as if cited in its entirety, addresses the need for compact pumps for use in holes and similar. None of these pumps, however, provide the elements to control the pumping cycle other than a basic "on / off" using the level switches. In the present invention, the computerized controller that is described for used with bore pumps, which includes the '487 pump, improves pump control to increase production rates and lower maintenance costs. Additionally, the use of the computerized controller system may allow remote monitoring capability, as well as the collection of data relevant to the production of the well and the performance of the pump. For clarification, the following terms and definitions are used within the application. p? Pumping Pressure (psi): This is the sustained pressure of propellant gas that is applied to the fluid surface in the Propellant Line when a pump cycle is in progress. This pressure results in the displacement of the surfaces of the gas / fluid interface in both the Propellant Line and the Fluid Return Line. Its value can not exceed the Maximum Standard Pumping Pressure (SPP Max) and should not be less than the Minimum Standard Pumping Pressure (SPP Min). The pumping pressure is established as 90 percent of the establishment of the pressure control device and securely below the firing devices of the opening pressure device. This last SPP Min should not be set at less than the pressure that would develop such short lengths (1) that it would be inefficient and would result in excessive pump cycles such as to pump at an acceptable speed. In general, the Max SPP should not exceed 225 psi (Pressure Control Establishment = 250 psi). In addition, the SPP Min most likely should not be less than 50 psi. Within the above limits, the PI must be found by solving the following relationship that is subject to correction through experimental confirmation. It would be expected that in dynamic pump mode, specific factors of the fluid such as viscosity, surface tension and temperature, as well as the duct on the uniformity of the pipe and the velocity of the fluid face, would have to be considered to move the solution exactly for NPP. NPP (psi) = 0.433 x D x L where 0.433 is a constant for the units that were selected, D is the density of the fluid in the valves of the column: Pure water 1.00; Saline solution 1.01 to 1.2, typically 1.1; Petroleum 0.85 to 1.1, typically 0.9: 1 is the length of the column above the pressure point that was measured in feet. * o This is the gas pressure within the Line of Return of the Fluid. This pressure may result from the residual pressure that was used to empty the receiver within the line / flow tank battery system and / or may result from the capture of header gas from the deck and the recycling processes. In the first case, the P0 should go almost to zero (0) as the mass of the fluid is released towards the tank's battery. In the latter case, this residual pressure must be compensated by the head gas of the cover and the inlet pressure to the propeller compressor. The computerized controller is programmed to operate in three modes, monitor, pump and recovery. In the monitor mode, the system waits for an initiator, in the form of one or more variable inputs derived from the sensor, to indicate that a volume of fluid is present in the pump system to allow efficient pumping to the surfaces. If the fluid level has not reached the sensor, the system simply continues its monitoring activities. If the fluid is detected, the system is placed in the pump mode. Operating simultaneously in the background during the monitoring mode, there is a watchdog subroutine. The watchdog timer serves as a backup to the pump in the on-demand system, activating the pump mode based on a previously set or adaptive time interval rather than the demand initiated by the sensor. The pump mode is initiated, therefore, when there is sufficient fluid present or when the watchman's period is exceeded. The watchman's subroutine is provided to ensure a sustained production of fluid from a well, even in the absence of an initiation stagnation from a variable input derived from the sensor to the computerized controller. This function provides continuous initiation of the pump modes if, for example, a sensor has a malfunction. The periods of time between the last initiations of the pump mode are retained in a specific memory of the controller, allowing by the same. that the watchdog period is self-programmable, or adaptable, to the last, and supposedly best, data. This capacity for adaptability continues, even when the pump modes are initiated by the watchdog timer rather than by pumping on demand. This capacity for continuous adaptability allows the system to retain the highest possible production efficiency and efficiency, even without the input from all the sensors. This adaptability, in part, results from the feedback of the lower fluid level sensor 1110 in the separator / receiver tank 1000 and is described in more detail in Figure 21. When a programmable number of pump cycles occur without the sensor If the lower fluid level has indicated the fluid, the period of the watchdog timer will lengthen the time between the pump cycles. The occurrence of pumping cycles without sufficient fluid may indicate, depending on the other inputs of the sensor, that there was less fluid in the pump than is appropriate for optimal initiation of the pump mode. Conversely, the period of the watchdog timer can be shortened, again under program control, if the upper fluid level sensor 1130, which is located in the buffer / receiver tank 1000, indicates that the fluid occurs during or immediately after the pump mode. In this case, depending on the other sensor inputs, there may be an indication that there was more fluid in the pump system than is appropriate for optimal initiation of the pump mode. After the recovery mode, the sensor is monitored by the controller to verify the presence of fluid. Although the descriptions herein describe the use of the downhole sensor, other elements may be used to detect the presence of the fluid. Therefore, it is not intended that the reference to a specific sensor limits the scope of the invention, since the critical character is in the detection of the level of the fluid, not necessarily in the method to detect the level. Additionally, the sensor is used herein as a generic term and may include thermal resistors, Y-sensor connectors (which are described hereinafter), level detection, light sensor for reading the dispersion of the background, optical fibers, ultrasound, and so on. Two of the low cost ways to detect the presence of fluid in the sensor is through any voltage or pressure change. In the voltage change sensor 20 of Figure 1, there is a change in a voltage that developed between two terminals of a semiconductor resistor that is driving a regulated constant current. This voltage change results from a change in the resistance of this resistance due to a discernible temperature change associated with its operation in the environment of the gas phase of the well hole compared to its temperature in the phase environment of fluid. It is critical that the magnitude of this regulated constant current be coordinated with the sensor's dissipation capacity, since the lack of coordination of current and dissipation can cause the sensor to overheat. Although this coordination will be subject to the type of sensor being used, the need to correlate the two will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Numerous methods and sensors can be used to indicate the presence of fluid and to initiate a pump mode, some of which have been explained so far. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the pressure is used to detect the presence of fluid in the hole. This mode provides an alternative to the low voltage sensor. The Y-sensor assembly 60 uses two capillary tubes 62 and 64 that extend into the hole at approximately the depth of the chamber 14. This is achieved much more simply by joining the Y-60 sensor assembly with the external part of the fluid return line 12 to a specified depth near the inlet within the collection chamber 14. Alternatively, as illustrated, the Y-sensor 60 may extend through the propellant line 26 inside the chamber 14. These two capillary tubes 62 and 64 converge by the use of a Y-connector 66 with a single open-down port 68. The down-port 68 is open to receive the fluid as it rises. in the hole. The first capillary tube 62 is connected, on the surface, with a high pressure gas source of the same type that was used for the pump propellant.; requiring a flow of less than 0.1 cubic feet per hour. The second capillary tube 64 is connected to the surface to a differential pressure transducer with a full scale pressure capacity equal to, or greater than, the maximum available propellant pressure. The reference port of the differential pressure transducer is connected to the wellhead ring for pressure compensation purposes. When the down port 68 is open, that is, it is not immersed in the fluid, the pressure applied to the differential pressure transducer, like the capillary tube 64, essentially equals the pressure of the ring. The electrical signal output of the transducer, under these conditions, would indicate zero pressure differential. As the fluid submerges the port 68 downward, the pressure that is required to overcome the hydrostatic head of the immersion fluid and continue the flow of the high pressure gas through the submerged port 68 increases. Therefore, as the fluid rises within the hole, the free flow of gas through the capillary tube 62 is blocked. As the gas flow continues at essentially the same velocity, eventually enough pressure develops within the capillary tube 62 for forcing a gas bubble through the downward port 68. This increase in gas pressure is conveyed via the second capillary tube 64 to the detection port of a differential pressure transducer, which is located near the controller 120 (Figure 6). The controller 120 can calculate the fluid level (h) on the down port 68 by reading the signal that was developed in this way by the transducer, in accordance with the following relationship: h = P (PSD Rho xg where : Rho is the specific gravity of the fluid that has been detected, g is the force in pounds, due to gravity, that is exerted on a surface of one square inch due to the column of pure water that is one foot high; is the height in feet of the fluid that has been detected above the immersion port.
This method not only detects the presence of the fluid in a hole, but also quantifies the height of the fluid above the port downwards 68. The use of the sensor assembly in and 60 locates the expensive equipment, i.e., the pressure transducer differential, above ground in a protected environment, exposing the plastic Y-connector 66 and the capillary tubes 62 and 64 to the environment of the hole. An additional advantage is received by removing any electrical conductive components or electrically within the hole environment. The elimination of electrical components dramatically reduces the chances of the system being damaged by lightning strikes. The system remains in the pump mode until the mass sensor 28 that was used with the specific system configuration initiates the completion of the pump mode. Alternatively, the pump mode may continue for a predetermined period of time, although programmable, however, this is not the optimal mode since it reduces the efficiency of the pumping system. Once the pump mode has been completed, the recovery mode is entered. The recovery mode is the time during which the sensor 20, if employed, and the compressor 40 is restored and recovered. Also during the recovery mode, the propellant gas line 26 is allowed to equalize with the hole pressure. The recovery mode, which is described in more detail later herein, is in a previously determined, although programmable, timed interval, which is based on the recovery and recovery times required by the equipment currently in use. The pump 10, which is illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 3, is an example of a pump that can be used with the present invention. The pump 10 has a fluid discharge tube 12 which serves as a conduit for transporting the fluid from the collection chamber 14 to a storage tank on the surface. The lower portion of the pump 10 has multiple inlets 18 positioned along the entire periphery of the inlet area 16, which can be of any convenient manufacturing configuration. As the fluid rises within the hole, fluid enters the inlet area 16 through the inlets 18. Although the inlets 18, which are illustrated herein, are on the sides of the pump 10, the inlets They can also be placed along the bottom of the pump or in any other place. The elevation of the inlets facilitates the separation of fluids from unwanted solids, such as sand, mud and salt crusts. It should be noted that the entries can be placed in a location better adapted to the conditions found in the hole and / or the type of fluid being pumped. As shown through the Arrows in Figure 2, the hydrostatic pressure forces the fluid to rise from the inlet area 16, through the open end of the valve passage 22 to the collection chamber 14. The 5 passage is provided. of the valve 22 with the valve seats 24 which, while allowing flow up through the ports 32, provides a receiving area for the verification spheres 30 once the fluid flow ceases upwards. As the fluid rises through the passage of the valve 22, the check spheres 30 are lifted from their seats by a very small pressure differential, allowing the fluid to flow into the collection chamber 14. The fluid continues, in response to the hydrostatic pressure of the hole fluid , pair rise inside the collection chamber 14. Once the chamber 14 is filled, the fluid continues to rise in the line of the propellant 26 until the fluid comes into contact with the lower-bore fluid sensor 20 or the Y-sensor 60. The line of the ^ fc propellant 26 transports the pressurized propellant gas towards the gas / fluid interface of the fluid that was pumped, before entering the collection chamber 14. Due to the connection between the 1090 propellent control valve 1090 during the recovery and monitoring modes, the gas that is initially present inside the collection chamber and the line of the propellant 26, can be displaced in a simple manner by the inlet fluid. This allows the equilibrium of the pressure between the gas within the ring and the chamber 14, allowing by the same that the fluid freely enters the collection chamber 14. Once the fluid has risen to immerse the down-hole sensor 20 , a signal is sent to the controller 120 that the fluid has been raised to a suitable level and, in combination with other sensor inputs, initiates the pump mode. The placement of the sensor within the propellant line 26 provides the additional advantage of cleaning the sensor as the propellant passes through the line of the propellant 26. Although the computerized controller 120 is pre-adjusted to monitor a multitude of necessary criteria in each well 104, the specific voltage developed by the fluid sensor 20 corresponding to the preferred fluid level for initiating a pump mode, must be individually programmed for optimal control. Likewise, the specific voltage corresponding to a lower fluid level than that for a pump mode to start is also started individually. This provides the highest reliability of the control function, overcoming variables such as the fluid temperature of the hole and other thermal kinetic properties of the fluids to be pumped, the length of the signal cable of the sensor, the properties of the material and the sensor tolerance. This procedure is referred to herein as the wet sensor calibration method and the dry sensor, the practice of which is described in more detail below. When the system is using a downhole sensor, the sensor 20 must be programmed to "learn" the appropriate responses. After the mechanical installation of the downhole pump system is completed, including the lines of propellant piping and fluid 26 and 12, closure of the head of the cover on the surface is ensured. The fluid level sensor assembly 20 and the signal cable 34 is fed into an access port in the head lock and down into the line of the propellant 26. The assembly of the signal cable 34 and the sensor 20 they should be made of materials that provide adequate strength and strength for the naturally occurring hole fluids, as well as possible treatment chemicals. In addition, the signal cable 24 with suitable electrical properties must be provided to allow the sensor 20 to communicate with the controller. With the other end of the cable signal 24 connected to the controller 120, the "wet" light 180 of the sensor of Figure 6 shines. This indicates that the controller 120 is ready to be programmed to recognize a wet state. The sensor 20 is allowed to advance a distance measured downwardly within the line of the propellant 26, until it is immersed in the fluid, the level of which has previously been established. To accept the signal from the sensor 20 as being a valid wet signal, the operator button 188 is pressed and held until the wet light 180 of the sensor is turned off. Subsequently, the dry light 182 shines, indicating that the controller 120 is capable of being programmed to recognize a dry state of the sensor. At this point, the sensor 20 is raised approximately 25 feet above the fluid level that was previously determined in the collection chamber 14 and / or the propellant line 26. A pressurized bushing is secured around the signal cable 34, in the access port, in order to confine the propellant pressure inside the line of the propellant 26. Then a pump mode is manually initiated. After completion of the pump and recovery modes, the programming of the controller 120 can be completed. The dry light 182 continues to glow, indicating that the controller 120 is ready to be programmed for the dry value of the sensor. The sensor 120 has already been conditioned by immersing it within the typical fluid to be pumped, as well as the typical conditions that occur within the pump and recovery modes. To accept the signal from the sensor 20 as being a valid dry signal, the operator button 188 is pressed again and held until the dry light 182 of the sensor goes off. Using the above data, the system calculates an intermediate point value between the values of the wet sensor and the dry sensor that were experienced and stores this value, more or less either, as a threshold for the valid detection of the fluid. This programming method provides greater reliability of the controller operation and virtually eliminates false responses to the fluid sensing sensor input. Some sensors do not require wet / dry mounts and the need to establish these mounts will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In monitor mode, indicator lights 180 and 182 indicate the status of sensor 20 as wet or dry, respectively. These two indicator lights turn off during the recovery mode, at which time a larger current is supplied briefly to the sensor 20 by the controller, to accelerate the recovery of the sensor from the effects of the fluid immersion and the gas flow propeller. This briefly increased current provides a stable signal for detecting the fastest fluid level once the recovery mode is completed. At the same time, starting with the recovery mode, the gas pressure inside the collection chamber 14 is allowed to equilibrate through the 3-way control valve (Figures 22 and 23). The pressure in the ring allows the fluid to enter and recharge the collection chamber 14, the propellant line 26 and the fluid line 12. Only after the recovery mode is completed and the monitor mode is introduced, The signal level of the sensor 20 will be considered as valid for the indication of the fluid level. It should be noted that the housing 50 can be additionally provided with the interface inputs of the controller, such as a keyboard, touch-sensitive screen, infrared rays, radio frequency, and so on. The controller interface allows the user to make the necessary changes to the program in the field. By immediately decreasing the current to the sensor 20, a more accurate response curve is provided in case the fluid flows back into the hole faster than what was previously programmed into the system. The speed of the current change is preferably a previously established value that can not be defined by the user. During the pump mode, the gas pressure is preferably applied by means of the three-way valve 1090 through the propellant line 26, to force the fluid out of the chamber 14 and upstream of the fluid line 12 The pressure also forces the verification spheres 30 to rest on the valve 24 rests, thereby blocking the ports 32. By blocking the ports 32, the fluid inside the collection chamber 14 is prevented from leaving the through the passage of the valve 22, as well as preventing additional fluid from entering the collection chamber 14. As the propellant moves through the propellant line 26, it displaces the fluid that was collected in the collection chamber 14 outside through the only passage available, the fluid discharge tube 12. Although the system as described refers to the transfer of a mass of a fluid, by altering the diameter of the To pipe, by increasing the volume of the propellant, the fluid can be transferred in a column rather than in a mass. Additional control of the volume of fluid that was brought to the surface can be obtained by varying the size of the collection chamber 14 and the length of the pump mode. The pressure to move the mass of the fluid can be provided by a compressor energized either by electricity or by gas. Alternatively, the hole gas pressure can be used as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,006,046, which is incorporated herein as being cited in its entirety. The compressor, or gas source, is monitored by the controller 120 to allow the single source to supply the compressed gas to the multiple wells. The operation of the compressor 40 is monitored by the controller 120, any malfunctioning being immediately reported to a central reporting facility. The performance of the compressor 40 can be characterized by a recovery profile within a predetermined period of time. The operating range of the compressor 40 is previously established at a predetermined pressure to minimize wear, tear, and energy consumption. By providing communication between the compressor 40 and the controller 120 within the housing 50, the pressure of the propellant storage tank (not shown) can be monitored and manipulated to coordinate with the demands of the pumping cycle. The operating pressure range of the compressor 40 can be modified only over a specific band and is still provided with safety controls, which include an electromechanical pressure switch and a relief valve or relief valve. In the event that a receiver / separator tank 1000 is not used, as described hereinafter, a mass sensor is required. In Figure 3, the mass sensor 28 is not located inside the hole. When the controller 120 receives the signal that the mass has reached the surface, or after a programmed delay, the system automatically terminates the pump cycle. In the event that the controller 28 has a malfunction, the controller 120 will continue to apply the propellant gas pressure in the pump cycle for the duration of the maximum pump cycle time. The sensor 28 can be a fluid sensor either mechanical or non-mechanical with an analog or digital output. If the fluid sensor produces an analog signal, the system 120 should be programmed with a threshold detection value. If the fluid sensor produces a digital signal, then it will be necessary to program the system 120 as to which the digital level is previously sent from an activated fluid sensor. To optimize the efficiency of the system, the pumping mode can be terminated once the mass is detected, allowing the residual pressure to push the mass into the storage tank 42. Therefore, the sensor 48 must be located at a distance enough of the pump 10 to allow the residual pressure to push the mass the final distance to the storage tank 42. The exact distance of the mass sensor 48 from the storage tank depends on the configuration of the system, i.e. the material that it is pumped, the flow velocity of the fluid inside the hole, the depth of the pump, and so on. In the case of a sensor failure, the watchdog setting regulates the pump modes on a timed basis until the sensor can be repaired. After the pump mode, the system is in the recovery mode in which the propellant line 26 and the chamber 14 are allowed to equilibrate to the hole pressure. As has been established so far, the recovery mode is on a timed basis and, once this previously established time expires, the system will again monitor the downhole sensor by the presence of fluid. The sensor 20 may include elements to measure the differential pressure through the pump, consolidating all the monitoring systems in one device, which is easy to access. Alternatively, the sensor 20 can be used to monitor, or summarize, the hydrostatic pressure, which indicates the fluid pressure in the pump and / or the fluid height. The storage tank 42 may be equipped with a one way valve at the fluid outlet to prevent return flow. Optimally, however, a fluid / gas phase separator, the receiver / separator 100 which is described in conjunction with Figures 13-21, is placed between the storage tank 42 and the fluid discharge tube 12. The receiver / separator 1000 contains high and low level sensors, thereby eliminating the need for the sensor 28. In the alternative pump configuration 400, which is illustrated in Figure 4, the base 404 of the collection chamber has been modified 406. The passage of the valve 402 has been modified to extend beyond the base frame 408 and the curved base 404. This configuration improves the flow up of the fluid, as well as prevents the accumulation in the corners. The input chamber 412 in this mode is removable to allow the alternate input chambers to be used with the same pump. This allows the same pump to be used with inlet spacing to accommodate the different conditions of the hole and the fluid being pumped. In the pump 400, the inlet chamber 412 has the inlets 414 separated in the upper part of the chamber 412, rather than along the length of the chamber 412. The inlet chamber 412 is attached to the pump 400 a through the use of a threaded ring 416 which is fixed to the base of the pump 408. It is provided to the inlet chamber 412 with a corresponding receiving screw ring 418. Other joining methods can be used and these will be apparent to those skilled in the art., as it will be the placement of the alternative entrance. Alternatively, in Figure 5, the base of the chamber 452 is curved, however the collection chamber 454 remains at the same level as the frame of the base 456. The fluid flows into the hole from a certain level, or levels, which are known in oil wells as useful area (s). The fluid continues to flow into the hole until the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid inside the hole is essentially equal to the pressure exerted by the fluid that is flowing into the hole. At this point, due to the hydrostatic pressure that results from the presence of fluid within the hole, the flow of fluid from the utility area is minimized, only the residual pressure due to the gas or fluid present in the (s) area (s) of utility • Surrounding can cause some additional elevation in the 5 fluid level of the hole. Although this residual pressure can be caused by natural causes, for example trapped or dissolved gas or due to the application of secondary or tertiary recovery methods, the effects are very difficult to predict. In the systems of the prior art, which are adjusted to be activated on a basis • timed, the fluid can remain at this level for a substantial period of time, depending on how exactly the time was adjusted. In the present system, the fluid is pumped on demand, that is, when a parameter of control has reached a particular value. For example, if the goal is to maximize the production of a fluid of value, the fluid should be maintained at a level in the hole equal to, or less than, the level of the production utility area (s). By allowing the fluid to rise higher than this level, it will give invariably results in a lower reload speed towards the hole and, consequently, a lower fluid production rate. The down-hole fluid sensor 20, which is placed at the level of the lowest production utility zone, would be a way to start the cycles of pumping so that the fluid level is maintained at this level, thus maximizing well production. The prior art systems, by pumping the fluid out for a previously established period of time, frequently over-pump, bringing the fluid level below the utility zone (s). Once the fluid level is brought below the lower utility zone, the cohesion of the fluid can be broken, requiring the well to prime itself again. This delays the flow of fluid into the hole until the fluid has had time to re-establish cohesion. The system described is adjusted to stop the pumping before removing the fluid below the utility area, thereby avoiding any break in the cohesion. This can be achieved either by adjusting the height of the pump or programming a sensor in the utility area (s). In some areas, especially in winter, the paraffin contained in the fluid will separate in the stagnant fluid. Because the paraffin tends to adhere to the metal, this separation causes the metal pumps and associated metal parts to become clogged. In the system described, by preventing the fluid from stagnating, the paraffin is not given the opportunity to separate and the issue of adhesion to the equipment is avoided. Sandy and granular stains cause a different problem with stagnant fluid in conjunction with prior art systems. The sand can settle inside the hole, eventually clogging the useful area, slowing the flow of the fluid and causing wear on the equipment. Using pumping on demand, sand is not allowed to accumulate on the utility area. As the fluid enters the hole from the utility area (s), the mud and sand can be transported along with the fluid. When the fluid is raised to an appropriate level for a pump mode to start, the entire contents - fluid, sand and mud - are emptied from the propellant line 26, the collection chamber 10 and the fluid return line 12 By completely emptying the pumping system, the accumulation of sand and mud inside the hole is effectively prevented. In addition, by providing an almost constant flow of fluid into the hole, depending on the geological make-up and the porosity of the production formation, new channels are frequently opened, allowing for increased fluid flow. In Figure 6, an exemplary housing 50 is illustrated. In addition to the wet detection lights 180, dry 182 and mass 184 and the adjustment knob 188, other lights and LED readings are provided to monitor the system. A program 192 operating light is provided to indicate the presence of power and that the program is operating. The "Status OK" light 194 indicates that, although some placements can be set aside from the previously established standards, the system is on and functioning and will continue to pump. The system is programmed to provide maximum output and, therefore, will work even if fixations, such as compressor pressure, deviate from the preset standards by a programmed amount. Because all electronics are connected to controller 120, the controller is aware of any deviations, and will report deviations without shutting down the system. The system should, however, be programmed to shut down completely in the case of specific deviations, which threaten the operation. Any deviation, which can be corrected either manually or through the network, is reported for correction. A pump mode light 190 indicates that the system is in pump mode. Due to the silent operation of the system, it is difficult to determine if the system is pumping without an indicator, such as a light or sound. The user interface button 186 allows the user to manually initiate and terminate the pumping cycle. A power-on light 192 indicates that the system is receiving power and that the processor program is working, in the case of a power loss, the system does not lose any of the programmed parameters. An error light 196 is used to indicate a problem with any of the programs or system parameters. Each time the system is energized, the error light goes on while the diagnostic program is running. If the system check does not detect any problem, the error light goes off. If, however, there is a problem within the system, the error light 196 remains on, depending on the type of error, the system will operate or shut down completely. If, for some reason, a parameter in the memory has been corrupted, the error light remains on together with the "Status OK" light 194, at which point the system will preferably work for a short period of time to reduce the time dead of production. The lights and reading bars described herein are for example only and other indicators may be used, depending on the fluid being pumped, the location of the housing, and so on. New parameters can be programmed using an integrated circuit (I.C.) system programmer that contains error parameters. The I.C. of the processor is replaced with an I.C. of the error program, the power is turned on and the error parameters are entered. The system checks to verify that the program is working properly and, if not, activates the error light. When the parameters are stored correctly, the I.C. and the I.C. original. It may take some time for the initial parameters to be established, however, it takes only a few minutes for the subsequent controllers to program. This is relevant for situations where multiple individual controllers 120 are initially being installed in a production site with the common parameters. Substantial time savings can be obtained by "cloning" the programmable integrated circuits for this type of installation. The wet and dry level values of the downhole fluid sensor are stored in the controller 120 after installation. These values can be subsequently deleted by means of engaging the user button 186 and cycling the energy to the system. After applying the power to the system with the user button engaged, the dry indicator light 180 of the sensor will begin to flash for several seconds. The error light 196 will also flash in synchronism with the wet sensor indicator 180 as long as the user button 186 is engaged. This indicates that the value of the wet level is close to being re-established. After several seconds, the wet sensor indicator 180 will stop flashing and the dry sensor indicator 182 will begin to flash. Again, if the button of the user 186 is engaged, the error light 196 will flash in synchronism with the dry sensor indicator 182, which indicates that the value of the dry level is close to being reset. If the user does not want the dry level value to be re-established, he simply disengages the user button 186 and waits for the time to expire. The same applies to the value of the humerus in which the button of the user 186 is disengaged while the indicator of the wet level 180 is flashing until the dry indicator 182 starts to flash. Alternatively, the controller 120 may be programmed to allow the user to set only the value of the dry sensor level in the hole and allow the controller 120 to calculate the value of the humerus sensor or vice versa. It is preferable that as much information be displayed visually as possible externally, to avoid repeated opening of the exemplary housing 50, thereby maintaining security. The housing 50 comprises an upper dome 200 and a stationary base 204. The upper dome 200 of the stationary base 204 can be removed to allow access to the controller 120 and any data or switches displayed visually internally. In units that do not have a network, it is necessary to visually display the data in the unit in the LED window 210. The data can be displayed visually in preset reports that are based on either timed or call-based bases. The button panel 208, if accessible from the outside, should have the ability to be secured to prevent unauthorized access.
Alternatively, only the button of the user 186 can be accessed from the internal part of the housing 50. Protecting the controller 120 and other equipment from lightning is a critical issue. Simply using a Faraday shield still subjects the system to lightning strikes and has allowed sensors that are 1000 feet below the surface to be damaged. Therefore, a ground-type electrode 700 is brought into the ground adjacent to an electric service lifter pole 702, the electrode 700 serves as a combination ground and air terminal and is applicable whether the service is high, if it is underground. A ground wire 704 of solid copper AWG # 6, or its equivalent, is taken from the electrode 700 to the wellhead of the well 204 where it is hooked onto the tab ear 206. The wire 704 can be buried just below of the surface of the ground. A second solid copper ground wire AWG # 6 is hooked onto the flange ear 208 and passed to the grounding conductor of the internal equipment and the internal Faraday shield (not shown). This places all metal articles that do not carry current attached to a common ground terminal, thereby eliminating virtually any potential for difference. This configuration attracts the lightning bolts to collide with the preferred air / ground terminal 700, allowing the current to be safely carried to the ground via the ground conductor 704, the flange ear 206 of the cover and the tire cover. well 204. Any elevation in the potential incident to a lightning strike would also be felt by the grounding conductor of the equipment and all metal articles that do not carry current that are joined in this way, thus providing the most protection possible to the associated electronic equipment. A temperature sensor is included, preferably either within the housing 50 or close to the housing 50, to monitor the ambient temperature. It could be harmful for the equipment to pump at temperatures lower than a minimum ambient temperature referred to as safe to pump. In prior art systems, the pump would shut off manually when temperatures fell below a safe operating point. This shutdown would remain until it started again manually, creating substantial production downtime. The system described continuously detects the ambient temperature and stops pumping when the ambient temperature drops to a preset temperature. Once the temperature rises above the preset value, then the system restarts automatically. In this way, in the borderline climate, during the day when temperatures are higher, the system will restart and operate until the temperature drops. In this way, production loss is reduced and safety is promoted. Also, an extended pump mode time is implted when the ambient temperatures approach the minimum temperature for pumping. This managt strategy ensures that the last fluid residue in the pump system components will be retained above the ground and thus facilitates the earlier resumption of the full operation after the return of safe ambient temperatures. The pump system 104 that is described can be found only for use with a single well or put in the network for multiple wells. The computer controller system 100 as illustrated in Figure 7, consists of the master controller 102 which operates the pumping process and the data collection for each well controller 120 with which the unit is connected. In very large systems, the master controller 102 can communicate with a monitoring center 110. Communication between the individual 120 well controller, the master controller 102 and the monitoring center 110, can be any method known in the art, such as radio, cellular, satellite or power line. A comparison between the cost of the equipment for running the system and the installation cost of the communication links 106 would generally be the determination as to the number of wells connected to each master controller 102. In some cases, the economy may be more advantageous if each well 104 has a controller 120. Other locations and / or grounds can allow multiple controllers 120 to be connected to a single master controller 102. In smaller organizations, the master controller unit 102 can be the only computer and be provided with the software to supply the reports that are required. The controllers 102 can download information to the monitoring center 110, from database to database, on a previously scheduled schedule or process the information, downloading only the previously scheduled reports. The computers used in the present system must have sufficient capacity to manipulate the information in a format that the user desires. The inclusion of one or more computers within the systems that are described is for the specific examples. Any of the elements described herein can be combined with other described elements, such as the controller that is used in the system that pumps the fluid directly to the storage tank can be incorporated into the receiver / separator tank controller. The combination of features will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in view of the description herein. In some cases, such as in summarizing the power after a power outage, more than one of the well 120 processors can be brought online simultaneously. Although the master controller 102 can process more than one controller 120 simultaneously, any shared mechanical apparatus, such as the compressor 40, can serve only one hole at a time. Therefore, each well controller 120 is assigned a priority number to designate the pump priority for that controller within the system. Priority numbers can be based on any preset criteria. In cases where the system is initially installed as a network, the individual controller 120 can be eliminated with the sensors inside the pump and the receiving tank, reporting the readings directly to the master controller 102. The process, however, already whether the monitoring is done as the individual controller 120 or the master controller 102, it remains the same. It is preferable that all materials are non-corrosive due to prolonged exposure to the environment. The compatibility with power sources, either 115 or 230 volts, allows the system to be used throughout the world without alteration. All systems must be lightning resistant and well grounded with surge protection, preferably as established in advance, to prevent, or at least minimize, storm damage. In cases where the fluid that is pumped from several pumps can go into a single receiving tank, each activation registers the fluid that is being pumped. If the pump is activated and the tank does not register the fluid reception, a problem is indicated after one cycle. The well can be turned off immediately, or wells 104, involved in the problem, preventing a possible breakage of the line from becoming a problem. The sensors in the storage tank also allow the master controller 102 to keep informed of the fluid that was pumped and determine the most effective collection times for the fluid conveyor to collect the fluid from the storage tank 42. The administration of the levels of the fluid in this storage tank is important because it should not be allowed to overflow; otherwise, the fluid that was produced is lost, environmental damage results, and the agencies of jurisdiction will probably impose fines and punishments. This is applicable for all fluids that are being pumped, be it oil or salt water. The system illustrated here incorporates many parameters, most of which are preset at the factory and three user assemblies (wet, dry and fluid sensor sensing threshold). The controller 120 or master controller 102 is programmed to monitor and verify the wells 102, the fluid level of the storage tank 42 and the compressor 40 and stores this monitored information in the appropriate database. Figure 8 is a flow diagram of an example sequence for the system described. As is well known, there are different languages, as well as databases, which allows the desired results to be achieved. It is, however, the sequence of steps, cross-checking and results, which are critical and any program that meets these criteria can be used. Storage tank 42 and auxiliary systems are preferably placed underground to minimize environmental impact and to improve aesthetics. Due to the size of the compact equipment, low sound level and cleanliness, the system is more easily accepted in both urban and rural areas than the prior art systems. It is important that safety features are incorporated into the system to minimize any ecological damage. One of the safety features that is incorporated, includes a level sensor (not shown) in the storage tank 42 for immediate notification of a possible leak of fluid theft of the contents of the tank. Because the level sensor of the storage tank can resolve the addition of fluid that causes each pumping cycle, the reduction or cessation of the addition of fluid would cause a notification of a possible leak somewhere in the pumping system. With the possibility that this could be a leak in the fluid line 12 between the well head 104 and the storage tank 42, the system can be programmed to stop any additional activity until an operator can verify that no damage will occur. environmental By constantly monitoring the fluid level, the controller 120 knows how much fluid is being pumped each time. If the amount of fluid being pumped remains the same while the time between deactivation and activation decreases below the pre-programmed tolerances, the controller 120 notifies either the master controller 102 or the monitoring station 110 of a probable leak. of the discharge tube 12. Additionally, if the amount of fluid pumped falls below the previously programmed levels, the master controller 102 notifies the monitoring center 110 that there is a problem within the system. In this way, if a sensor is inoperable, the system can continue pumping the fluid over a timed schedule. A comparison is also monitored of the number of times the system enters the pump mode, with the number of times the sensor requires the initiation of the pump cycle. In the event that two numbers do not coincide, the system must notify the monitoring center 110. The above are examples of the notification and monitoring capabilities of the system described. Other events can also be monitored and the notification sequence can be altered, depending on the configuration and the number of computers within the system. In the preferred mode, access to the software is on all three levels, all of which are in code and accessible only by a keyword. The first level is a "read-only" program and allows employees to monitor the system, the second level provides limited access and allows the alteration of the selected criteria that do not affect the data records and dominate the characteristics of the program. An example of access to the second level would be altering the maximum pump time length, the minimum pump temperature, and so on. Access to the third level is used to alter a field parameter. In order to protect the integrity of the system, preferably access to the third level can be obtained only for a short period of time. By allowing access to the third level for short periods of time, it is more difficult for unauthorized parties to gain access. The high level of security within the system helps prevent unauthorized access of crackers within the system. To ensure that the system operates optimally, critical values are preloaded into non-volatile random access memory (ram) and can be altered only through the network interface. Examples would be the minimum pressure and temperature for pumping and the temperature range for extended cycle pumping. The information that is critical to the optimal operation of the system and the information that can be varied will be obvious to someone skilled in the art in light of this description. 5 The software collects data continuously from the pumping cycles, including the number of cycles within a given period of time and the amount of fluid that occurred during a period of time, allowing for the same optimization of the cycle pumping. Temperature, which affects the flow of the fluid, is also monitored and taken into account in the pumping cycles. This further increases the advantage of pumping on demand by changing the pumping cycle to correspond to the increased or decreased fluid flow. Reports can be program to be generated automatically, based on the parameters previously determined. Automatic generation is also advantageous because the reporting times can be adjusted to generate the same report at the same time every day, eliminating another variable by the same. You can establish additional criteria in the reports, such as temperatures, filling times, etcetera. Due to the "pump-on-demand" feature and the ability to accurately track pumping cycles, the computer controller system 100 can determine exactly the production levels in a given well 104 of what is possible by the vast majority of the technology currently used in the field. By connecting to a number of wells 104 in a given field, the system can track the production of each well and collect the production information to report it to the owners, investors, and so on. The computer controller system 100 thus becomes an excellent, unique tool in the "administration" of leases. The system also eliminates the need for "pump actuators" to go to the field on a regular basis to manually verify the operation of the wells and / or maintain the equipment. Many wells will have an improved initial flow, a factor that generally can not be obtained in the systems of the prior art. A problem that occurs in many pumping situations is the accumulation of fluid inside the hole during an electrical overvoltage or other periods of pump suspension. The amount of fluid that accumulates during this electrical overvoltage results in a much longer column length that develops in the fluid discharge line 12 when it is pumped the next time. This in turn requires a higher propellant pressure than is routinely used with the pumping system. In order to eliminate this problem, the bypass valves 900, which are illustrated in Figures 9-12, are installed approximately every two hundred (200) feet in length, and in between, the propellant line 932 and the return line of fluid 940. Valve 900 consists of a fluid passage 926 which connects the line of propellant 932 to the fluid return line 940. The opening and closing of passage 926 is controlled by a valve plate 904 which is activated by a pneumatic air cylinder 924. The valve plate 904 is connected to the air cylinder 924 by means of a rod 928, a nut 929, a fork 916 and a fork pin 914. The plate of the valve 904 rotates about a pivot pin 910 which is connected to the valve body 902. The pivot pin 910 prevents the valve plate 904 from sliding within the recessed area 930. In order to prevent fluid from leaking into the recessed area 930, it is place a ring at 0 908 between the valve plate 904 and the valve body 902. In Figure 9 the valve plate 904 is illustrated in the open position, the closed position being such that the contact area 906 covers the passage 926. The piston within the cylinder 924 is caused to move by the resulting forces that were applied to both the upper and lower parts of this piston. The pressure of the bore is transported to the lower surface of this piston by means of the inlet filter 920. This pressure can arise from the gas within the bore or from the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid, as it submerges the cylinder 924, or from the combination of these two sources. At the same time, a programmable pressure is applied to the upper surface of the piston. When the resulting hydrostatic pressure • of the fluid rising in the hole above the location of a particular cylinder 924 exceeds the program pressure by a sufficient amount to overcome the friction of the total valve mechanism, then the piston moves upwards. The rod 928, the nut 929, the fork 916 and the fork pin 914 are all connected to this piston and as it moves upward, the valve plate 904 pivots about the pivot pin 910. In operation, the immersion of the cylinder 924 by a specified amount of the fluid in the hole results in the plate the valve 904 turn on the clockwise, aligning its open port with the passages 926 in the valve body 902. The transverse connection in this bypass valve 900, which is located between the propellant line 932 and the fluid return line 940, provides for the establishment of a column developed during the pump mode that the propellant pressure available in a routine way can discharge a column of fluid from the pumping system. Conversely, when the fluid level of the hole has been reduced sufficiently, so that the pressure of the program that was applied to the upper surface of the cylinder piston, can overcome the pressure of the reduced hole that is felt on the lower surface of this piston, plus the friction of the mechanism of the total valve, causes the plate of the valve 904 to turn in direction counter to the clock hands of the passages 926 in the valve body 902. In this way, when the fluid within the hole ascends to a level where the pressure activates the cylinder 924 through the filter 920, the plate of the Valve 904 moves to the open position. The fluid within the hole, at this point, has been raised within the line of the propellant 932. Once opened, the fluid within the line of the propellant 932 is transferred to the return line 940 through the bypass valve 900. The placement of the bypass valves 900 along the propellant and return lines 932 and 940, respectively, reduces the pressure that is required to pump the fluid out of the hole by reducing the volume of the fluid that is going to transfer. Once the pressure is released (the fluid is lowered below cylinder level 924), the valve plate 904 is automatically transferred from the open to the closed position. In order to maintain the bypass valve 900 in the work order, it should be protected from the surrounding fluid. The body 902 is preferably tightly sealed and the recessed area 930 is molded into the body 902. The recessed area 930 needs to have sufficient width to allow movement of the valve plate 904, however any open space beyond the movement area based on manufacturing preferences. The bypass valves 900 are connected to each other through a flexible hose (not shown), which is attached to the threaded connector 922. Although the hose is attached to, and receives the pressure of the program from the main compressor, the full pressure from the compressor is too high for the bypass valve system 900. Therefore, a regulator is required to reduce the pressure to a level that can be used by the bypass valve system 900. When the multiple valves bypass 900 are placed inside the hole, the program pressure is brought into contact with the first valve and, if the hydrostatic pressure inside the tank is sufficient at this level to open the valve plate 904, the fluid is pumped through the first valve 900. If, however, the hydrostatic pressure is not sufficient, which indicates that not enough fluid has been raised above the cylinder 924, the pressure inside the hose and moves to the next valve 900. Once the air pressure has reached a valve that has enough hydrostatic pressure to activate the 900 valve, the valve plate 904 opens and the fluid is pumped. The process is repeated until the fluid level has dropped to the point where the pump 10 can resume normal pumping. The hose is connected to the underside of the valve through the use of a threaded connector, adhesive and / or other methods that will keep the connection securely in harsh environments. In some cases, there is a gas leak inside the hole. In accordance with EPA regulations, this gas can not be released into the atmosphere. In the system described, the gas that is emitted from the hole can be returned to the hole, or it can be reclaimed by placing it inside a separate container or a gas conduit, using the fluid / gas separator described . In order to separate the fluid and the gas, once the fluid has reached the surface, it is placed inside the receiver / separator tank 1000 before placing it inside the storage tanks. The receiver / separator tank 1000 consists of a tank cover 1002, which is sealed to prevent water, dirt, etc., from damaging the electronics within the housing of the electronics 1004. The cover of the receiver / separator 1006 divides the housing of the receiver. receiver / separator 1050 of electronics housing 1004 and inlet cover 1008 retains the inlet pipes in the appropriate positions. In Figures 14-21, the inner part of the receiver / spacer housing 1050 is illustrated. Figure 16 illustrates the internal part of the base of the receiver / spacer 1008 showing the entry placement of the inlet pipes. The fluid outlet 1060 enters the tank 1050 and remains at the same level as the base 1008, as can be clearly seen in Figure 17. The fluid outlet 1060 collects the fluid from the floor of the base 1008 and transfers the fluid from the housing of the receiver / separator 1050 to the storage tank 42 of the fluid. The gas conduit 1058 extends close to the cover of the receiver / separator 1006 and is fitted with a fluid baffle 1062, which is illustrated in more detail in Figure 19. A safety line 1056 runs through the receiver housing / separator 1050 to approximately the same level as gas conduit 1058 and adjusted with fluid valve 1064. Safety line 1056 is further adjusted with a pressure relief valve 1020 that allows the escape of the accumulated pressure within the housing of the receiver / separator 1050. This is a safety precaution in the event that, for some reason, the gas can not exit through the conduit 1058. The supply line 1054 extends upwardly through the housing of the receiver / separator 1050 and connected to the 3-way control valve 1090, "in port". The valve 1909 can be placed in any upper part of the separating cap 1006 or, as an alternative, near or attached to the receiver / separator 1000. In Figure 22 an example of the 3-way control valve 1090 is illustrated, as if it would have been placed during the recovery and monitoring modes and in Figure 23 during the pumping mode. The valve 1090 comprises a body 1094 which contains a movable valve coil 1096 that moves vertically within the body 1094. The inner portion of the coil 1096 contains two channels, a recovery channel 1104 and the pump channel 1102. During the recovery and monitoring modes, the valve 1090 allows, through the channel 1104, the connection between the line of the propellant 1072 and the relief line 1052, which blocks the access between the supply line 1054 and the line of the propellant 1072 Once the actuator 1098 is energized, during the pump mode, the propellant gas is transported within the propellant supply line 1054, through the channel 1102, to the propellant line 1072. The actuator 1098 can be energized by electricity and / or air pressure. The most convenient method will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In pump mode, the coil 1096 within the body of the valve 1094 moves downward against a spring 1092. This allows the pumping channel 1102 to terminate the connection between the line of the propellant 1072 and the supply line 1054. Once the mode of pump is complete, valve 1090 is de-energized and coil 1096 is pushed upward by spring 1092. Upward movement blocks supply line 1054 and is connected, through the use of recovery channel 1104, to the propellant line 1072 with the relief line of the propellent 1052. The relief line 1052 preferably ends in a relief silencer 1045 (Figure 14) which can be used when compressed air is used as the propellant gas and gas recovery is not a problem. The 3-way valve illustrated in Figures 22 and 23 is an example of a configuration that is applicable to the system described. Other valves that provide the same connection operation and support the environment can be replaced. The relief line 1052 extends from the 3-way valve and passes through the housing to exit the propellant relief muffler 1045. It should be noted that when environmental and / or safety regulations prohibit the release of gas into the air. , you can replace the muffler 1045 with a connection that will take you to an appropriate containment container. In Figure 15 the propellant line 1072 and the fluid return line 1070 are illustrated. The propellant line 1972 extends from the 3-way valve 1090, through the receiver / separator tank 1050 to be connected to the bomb. The fluid return line 1070 extends from the pump to approach the top of the tank 1050, where it is connected to a spiral diffuser 1080 through the use of a T-connector 1082. The elbows 1086 are connected to the ends of the cross bar 1084, preferably at an angle which optimizes the separation of the gas and fluid phases. By using the spiral diffuser 1080, the fluid is separated from the gas. If the elbow 1086 is pointed straight down, the fluid / gas combination simply empties down to the bottom of the receiver / separator tank 1050, resulting in poor phase separation. If the elbow 1086 is pointed straight up, again any separation is prevented. Although the angle is not critical, the greater the angular velocity, the more complete the separation between the fluid and the gas will be. As the fluid and gas are separated, the lighter gas phase is directed into the gas conduit 1058 and the fluid that was collected at the base of the receiver / separator 1008 is discharged through the fluid outlet 1060. The proper use of a coordinated pressure discharger, or relief valve, which is installed at the gas outlet 1058, the pressure of the waste gas retained in the receiver / separator can be used to discharge the fluid content into a tank of liquid. remote storage 42. The need to connect the fluid outlet 1060 with a fluid transfer pump, depends on the height between the receiver / separator tank 1000 and the storage tank 42, and will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Figures 20 and 21 illustrate the sensors of the upper and lower receiver / separator 1110 and 1130. As illustrated, the lower fluid level sensor 1110 is a float switch with an external housing that protects the switch, although others may be used sensors that may or may not require protective housing. The lower fluid level sensor 1110 is attached to the cover 1006 of the receiver / separator through the use of a stationary pipe 1112, which leads the electronic terminals 1114 from the sensor 1110 to the controller 120 (not shown). The upper fluid level sensor 1130 is an example of an alternative design for a sensor that can also be used as the lower fluid level sensor 1110. The upper fluid level sensor 1130 is fixed to the cover 1006 by a pipeline rigid 1132. Pipe 1132 and sensor 1130 are adjustable in height within the receiver / separator 1000, to allow the adjustability of the sensor 1130 based on the volume of the fluid. The pipe 1132 is secured in position through the use of the bushing 1134 which, when it loosens, allows the sensor 1130 to rise or fall. The inner part of the pipe 1132 carries the terminals from the sensor 1130 which notifies the controller 120 of the presence of fluid at the upper permissible level. The two sensors 1110 and 1130 provide the information to the controller that allows the modification and maintenance of an efficient pumping cycle. The lower fluid level sensor 1110 also serves as a mass sensor, the replacement sensor 28, to notify the controller 120 of the detection of a mass and thus the end of a pumping cycle. In order to prevent the controller 120 from executing after a false signal or a confusion of the fluid level sensor (s), a validation routine is employed. This provides a more accurate and consistent controller response and saves wear and tear on other system components. Figure 21 also illustrates the connection of the supply line 1054, the relief line 1052, and the propellant line 1072 with the cover 1006 through the use of the bushes 1064, 1062 and 1074, respectively. It is also possible to incorporate the pump system on demand, in combination with the receiver / separator in gas wells. Water is often introduced into the gas holes once the depth of the hole has extended below the upper level of groundwater. Once the water enters the hole, the pressure exerted by the water prevents the gas from entering the hole. The current gas pumping technology uses a computer controller to tabulate the amount of gas that is being pumped. By combining the gas pumping technology with the system described, the advantages of pumping and monitoring on demand in a gas well environment can be provided. The system described can also be used to pump, control and monitor water in other locations, such as embankments and waste sites, in compliance with federal requirements. In situations of water flooding, or even standard monitoring of embankments, the system described will respond to varied flows. In recovery areas, knowing the amount of fluid in the tank on a day-to-day basis will allow effective planning of water flood activity that is improving tertiary recovery. Currently, the tanks are physically graduated using tape and the plumb system, taking one to two months to find the average. The computer controller can be modified to apply this method of control in the removal of contaminated fluids, hazardous waste and well water projects. A detection device that detects the type of fluids can be incorporated by measuring the chemical compositions or gas emissions, inside the pump, entering data to the controller to start pumping the contaminated fluids or the target fluids. Although the above system has been described in conjunction with the pump described in the copending applications, other pumps may also be used, such as those described in the '487 patent or which may be modified to correspond to a computer . Because other modifications and changes that are varied to conform to particular operating and environmental requirements will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered to be limited to the example that was chosen for the purposes of the description, and It covers all changes and modifications, which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims (15)

1. A pump to remove fluid from holes that is based on the fluid reaching a predetermined level, which has: a. a first sealed pump chamber having a first end and a second end; b. a U-shaped camera that has a base; c. a valve system, the valve system extending from the second end of the first chamber into the U-shaped chamber; d. fluid inlets, the fluid inlet being in the chamber in a U-shape to allow fluid to enter the U-shaped chamber; and. propeller line, the propellant line entering the first chamber near the first end; F. a fluid return line, a first end of the fluid return line extending within the first chamber through the first end; g. a fluid sensor, the fluid sensor that detects the presence of fluid inside the pump chamber.
2. The pump according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a mass sensor, the mass sensor that detects the start and end of a predetermined amount of fluid.
3. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the U-shaped chamber is removably attached to the elongated chamber. The pump according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a compressor which is connected to a second end of the propellant line and which sends the propellant into the line of the propellant to transport the fluid from the pump through the pump. the fluid return line. The pump according to claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises a storage tank for receiving and storing the fluid, the storage tank receiving the fluid through the fluid return line. The pump according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises at least one monitoring computer, the monitoring computer having a program for reading and evaluating the data obtained from the sensors and controlling the activation of the pump and a compressor, in response to these data, where the computer adapts the activation and deactivation time of the pump and the compressor that is based on the sensor data, in accordance with the preset variables. The pump according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises an external housing, the end housing being placed over the hole and containing the monitoring computer and the readings that were derived from the sensor data. The pump according to claim 7, characterized in that it also comprises input elements, these input elements allowing a user to change at least one of the variables within the program. The pump according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises a lightning protector, the lightning protector comprising a ground electrode adjacent to a vertical electrical service conductor, a first wire to ground, the first wire being fixed to ground to a first end of the electrode and to a second end of the external housing; a second wire to ground, the second wire being grounded to the first end of the outer housing and to a second end of the monitoring computer and a Faraday shield. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the valve system allows the fluid to flow from the chamber in a U-shape inside the pump chamber during a filling mode and prevents fluid from leaving the chamber of the pump during a pumping mode. The pump according to claim 10, wherein the valve system comprises separate, parallel walls having at least one valve seat containing the walls, each of the valve seats having an open port for enabling the fluid flow and at least one sphere of verification, the check sphere blocking the flow of fluid inside the pump chamber during pumping mode. The pump according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises at least one bypass valve, the valve being placed in line with, and providing the fluid contact between, the propellant supply line and the return line of the fluid, the valve that has: a. a body of the valve, the valve body having a recessed receiving area, an inlet end and an outlet end, b. a channel of the propeller line, the propellant channel being in line with the propellant supply line, c. a fluid return line channel, the fluid return line channel being in line with the fluid return line, d. a connection passage within the recessed receiving area that fluidly connects the channel of the propellant line and the channel of the fluid return line, e. an energized cylinder extending within the body adjacent to the recessed receiving area and having an input connector and an output connector, f. a series of connecting hoses, connecting the connecting hoses to the cylinder inlet connector at a first end and the outlet connector at a second end, g. a plate of the valve, the valve plate being within and pivotally connected to the recessed receiving area, the plate having a port and being fixed to the energized cylinder to pivot the port in and out of alignment with the connection passage in response to the movement of the energized cylinder, h. an activating member of the cylinder that activates the movement of the cylinder, in response to contacting the fluid in the hole, wherein the fluid within the hole rises beyond the pumping capacities of the pump, the activation member of the cylinder activates the cylinder, the cylinder causes the valve plate to move the port in alignment with the passage, enabling the fluid to pass from the propellant line to the fluid return line, until the pressure drops inside. of the hole, allowing by the same that the cylinder returns to the port of the valve plate out of alignment with the passage, to block the entrance of the fluid inside the passage. 13. The method for pumping fluid from holes that is based on the fluid reaching a predetermined level using a monitoring computer, the monitoring computer being programmed to read and • evaluate the data obtained from the sensors and 5 controlling the pump and the compressor, which comprises the steps of: a. read the data that was received from a plurality of sensors; b. activate and deactivate a pump; 10 c. activate and deactivate a compressor; ^ d. control the activation time of the pump and the compressor, based on the signals received from the sensors, which indicate that a sufficient fluid level has been reached within the hole; 15 e. activate a secondary program if the sensors have not indicated, within a predetermined period of time, that the fluid level is sufficient for pumping; g. on the computer, store and evaluate the data 20 that were received from the sensors; h. activate a detection system if sensor data is not received. 1
4. The method according to the claim 13, where the fluid is pumped from the hole before 25 the level of the fluid becomes equal to the pressure exerted by the inlet fluid. The method according to claim, wherein the computerized controller is programmed to operate in a monitoring mode, a pump mode and a recovery mode and wherein, in the monitoring mode, the system waits for an initiator, in the shape of one or more variable inputs that are derived from the sensor, to indicate that a volume of fluid is present in the pumping system to allow efficient pumping to the surface and, during the monitoring mode, to determine the passage of time required set between activations of pump mode and activate pump mode when a period of time has been exceeded. The method according to claim 13, wherein the time periods between the pumping are stored in a computer database, and the establishment of the required line is adaptively modified based on the mode cycles. of previous pumps, modifying the period of time by means of detecting the number of times the pump cycles occur without the fluid being indicated by a lower fluid level sensor that lengthens the time in an adaptive manner between the pump cycles When the pump cycles occur without the fluid being indicated by a lower fluid level sensor, they exceed a set value.
MXPA/A/2000/002960A 1997-09-24 2000-03-24 Multi-well computerized control of fluid pumping MXPA00002960A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US60/059,931 1997-09-24

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MXPA00002960A true MXPA00002960A (en) 2002-03-26

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