US20140147301A1 - Metalized polymer components for use in high temperature pumping applications - Google Patents
Metalized polymer components for use in high temperature pumping applications Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140147301A1 US20140147301A1 US13/687,862 US201213687862A US2014147301A1 US 20140147301 A1 US20140147301 A1 US 20140147301A1 US 201213687862 A US201213687862 A US 201213687862A US 2014147301 A1 US2014147301 A1 US 2014147301A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- seal
- coating layer
- metal coating
- substrate
- substrate surfaces
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 29
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 title claims description 9
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 60
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 60
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 42
- 239000011247 coating layer Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 41
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 229920002313 fluoropolymer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000004811 fluoropolymer Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 claims description 11
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000004544 sputter deposition Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000001771 vacuum deposition Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 abstract description 5
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 abstract description 5
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 229920001774 Perfluoroether Polymers 0.000 description 13
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 11
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 9
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 9
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 description 8
- 239000004810 polytetrafluoroethylene Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000001465 metallisation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000003208 petroleum Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010796 Steam-assisted gravity drainage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000307 polymer substrate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- -1 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910001069 Ti alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010779 crude oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006837 decompression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005137 deposition process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002360 explosive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000003475 lamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005012 migration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013508 migration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005548 perfluoropolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000003209 petroleum derivative Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920003051 synthetic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005061 synthetic rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/12—Methods or apparatus for controlling the flow of the obtained fluid to or in wells
- E21B43/121—Lifting well fluids
- E21B43/128—Adaptation of pump systems with down-hole electric drives
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B47/00—Pumps or pumping installations specially adapted for raising fluids from great depths, e.g. well pumps
- F04B47/06—Pumps or pumping installations specially adapted for raising fluids from great depths, e.g. well pumps having motor-pump units situated at great depth
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B53/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B23/00 or F04B39/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B53/16—Casings; Cylinders; Cylinder liners or heads; Fluid connections
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to the field of submersible pumping systems, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a seal section separation bag for use within a submersible pumping system.
- Submersible pumping systems are often deployed into wells to recover petroleum fluids from subterranean reservoirs.
- the submersible pumping system includes a number of components, including one or more fluid filled electric motors coupled to one or more high performance pumps.
- Each of the components and sub-components in a submersible pumping system must be engineered to withstand the inhospitable downhole environment, which includes wide ranges of temperature, pressure and corrosive well fluids.
- seal sections protect the electric motors and are typically positioned between the motor and the pump. In this position, the seal section provides several functions, including transmitting torque between the motor and pump, restricting the flow of wellbore fluids into the motor, protecting the motor from axial thrust imparted by the pump, and accommodating the expansion and contraction of motor lubricant as the motor moves through thermal cycles during operation.
- Many seal sections employ seal bags to accommodate the volumetric changes and movement of fluid in the seal section. Seal bags can also be configured to provide a positive barrier between clean lubricant and wellbore fluid.
- the present invention provides a seal section for use in a downhole submersible pumping system.
- the seal section includes a housing and a seal bag located within the housing.
- the seal bag comprises a substrate having a plurality of substrate surfaces and a metal coating layer on at least one of the plurality of substrate surfaces.
- the substrate can optionally be configured as a cylindrical form that includes an interior surface and an exterior surface.
- the substrate is seamless and fabricated from an extruded fluoropolymer.
- the metal coating layer preferably comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, stainless steel, nickel, chrome, silver and gold.
- FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a submersible pumping system constructed in accordance with a presently preferred embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first preferred embodiment of a seal section for use with the submersible pumping system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first alternative version of the seal bag of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second alternative version of the seal bag of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 5 is an exaggerated cross-sectional view of an o-ring seal from the seal section of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a mechanical seal that includes a metalized polymer bellows.
- FIG. 1 shows an elevational view of a pumping system 100 attached to production tubing 102 .
- the pumping system 100 and production tubing 102 are disposed in a wellbore 104 , which is drilled for the production of a fluid such as water or petroleum.
- a fluid such as water or petroleum.
- the term “petroleum” refers broadly to all mineral hydrocarbons, such as crude oil, gas and combinations of oil and gas.
- the production tubing 102 connects the pumping system 100 to a wellhead 106 located on the surface.
- the pumping system 100 is primarily designed to pump petroleum products, it will be understood that the present invention can also be used to move other fluids. It will also be understood that, although each of the components of the pumping system are primarily disclosed in a submersible application, some or all of these components can also be used in surface pumping operations.
- the pumping system 100 preferably includes some combination of a pump assembly 108 , a motor assembly 110 and a seal section 112 .
- the motor assembly 110 is preferably an electrical motor that receives power from a surface-mounted motor control unit (not shown). When energized, the motor assembly 110 drives a shaft that causes the pump assembly 108 to operate.
- the seal section 112 shields the motor assembly 110 from mechanical thrust produced by the pump assembly 108 and provides for the expansion of motor lubricants during operation.
- the seal section 112 also isolates the motor assembly 110 from the wellbore fluids passing through the pump assembly 108 . Although only one of each component is shown, it will be understood that more can be connected when appropriate. It may be desirable to use tandem-motor combinations, multiple seal sections, multiple pump assemblies or other downhole components not shown in FIG. 1 .
- the seal section 112 includes a housing 114 , a shaft 116 , a seal bag 118 , a support tube 120 and first and second bag plates 122 a, 122 b.
- the seal bag 118 is configured to prevent the contamination of clean motor lubricants with wellbore fluids.
- the shaft 116 transfers mechanical energy from the motor assembly 110 to the pump assembly 108 .
- the bag support tube 120 provides support for the seal bag 118 and shields the shaft 116 as its passes through the seal bag 118 .
- bag seal assembly will refer to the seal bag 118 , the bag support tube 120 and the first and second bag plates 122 a, 122 b.
- the seal section 112 may also include seal guides 124 , a plurality of ports 126 and one or more o-ring seals 128 .
- the o-ring seals 128 are located at various positions within the seal section 112 and limit the migration of contaminants and well fluids into the clean lubricant.
- the bag seal assembly is disclosed as contained within the seal section 112 . It will be understood, however, that the bag seal assembly could be installed elsewhere in the pumping system 100 . For example, it may be desirable to integrate the bag seal assembly within the motor assembly 110 or pump assembly 108 .
- the seal bag 118 preferably includes a substrate 130 , a first end 132 and a second end 134 .
- the substrate 130 is substantially configured as an elongated cylinder with an inner surface 136 and an outer surface 138 .
- the substrate 130 is fabricated from an elastomer or other polymer, such as, for example PTFE, PFA, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
- the seal bag 118 includes a metal coating layer 140 of chemically stable and inert metal or metal alloy.
- metals include titanium, stainless steel, nickel, chrome, silver and gold, and alloys for each of these metals.
- the metal coating layer 140 may be produced with combinations of multiple metals and metal alloys.
- the seal bag 118 is provided with a multilayered coating that includes two or more metal coating layers 140 . For these multilayered embodiments, it will be appreciated that each metal coating layer 140 may be prepared using different metals and metal alloys.
- the metal coating layer 140 is preferably applied to at least one of the exterior surface 138 ( FIG. 3 ) and the interior surface 136 ( FIG. 4 ) with a suitable metal deposition process.
- a suitable metal deposition process include vacuum metallization and sputtering. Both deposition processes are well-established in the art.
- the metal coating layer 140 has a thickness between about 1,000 and about 25,000 angstroms. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the thickness of the metal coating layer 140 is about 10,000 angstroms.
- the metalized seal bags 118 of the preferred embodiments significantly decrease the liquid and gas permeability through the underlying substrate 130 .
- the metal coating layer 140 is provided as a foil laminate over the substrate 130 .
- the foil metal coating layer 140 may be adhered to the substrate with adhesives, mechanical fasteners or chemical bonding.
- the substrate 130 is manufactured from PFA and includes a titanium or titanium alloy metal coating layer 140 on the exterior surface 138 that is approximately 10,000 angstroms thick.
- PFA is commercially available from a number of sources, including E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company and Daikin Industries. Like PTFE, PFA exhibits favorable resistance to corrosive chemicals and elevated temperatures. Unlike PTFE, however, PFA is melt-processable using conventional injection molding and screw extrusion mechanisms. The ability to extrude or mold PFA permits the construction of a seamless, unitary substrate 130 . Furthermore, seal bags 118 manufactured using PFA experience less stretching during the expansion and contraction cycle than comparable PTFE-based bags. These characteristics favor PFA as a substrate for metallization because it is easier to achieve a more uniform coating along the seamless bag, and metal coating layer 140 is less likely to separate, crack, flake or peel from the substrate due to stretching and contraction.
- the o-ring seal 128 includes a ring-shaped body 146 that is preferably manufactured from a durable elastomer, synthetic rubber or fluoropolymer that exhibits favorable wear and permeability characteristics.
- Suitable elastomers include fluoropolymer elastomers and perfluoropolymer elastomers sold under the Kalrez and Chemraz brands by Greene, Tweed & Co. and the Perlast brand compound sold by Precision Polymer Engineering Ltd.
- o-ring seal 128 is depicted as having a circular cross-section, it will be appreciated that the o-ring seal 128 may have a different cross-section shape, such as, for example, rectangular, triangular, octagonal or oval.
- the o-ring seal 128 includes an exterior surface 142 and a metal coating layer 144 on the exterior surface 142 .
- the metal coating layer 144 is preferably prepared under the same techniques, using the same materials described above with reference to the metal coating layer 140 of the seal bag 118 .
- the metal coating layer 144 increases the durability and lowers the permeability of the o-ring seal 128 .
- the use of metalized o-ring seals 128 significantly decreases permeation of liquids and gasses across the o-ring seal 128 at elevated temperatures.
- the o-ring seals 128 have been described with reference to the seal section 112 and shaft 116 , it will be understood that the o-ring seals 128 will also find utility in other applications.
- the o-ring seals 128 can be used in other downhole and surface pumping components that include, for example, pothead connectors, motor assemblies, pump assemblies, sensor arrays, and logging tools.
- FIG. 5 shown therein is a cross-sectional view of a mechanical seal 152 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
- the mechanical seal 152 includes a rotating assembly 154 secured to a shaft 156 and a stationary face 158 that remains fixed relative to the shaft 156 .
- the rotating assembly 154 is spring-loaded and configured to axially expand and contract to stay in contact with the stationary face 158 in the event the shaft 156 is axially displaced.
- the bellows 148 is preferably constructed from a polymer substrate 160 and a metalized coating 162 .
- the polymer substrate 160 is fabricated from a polymer, such as, for example PTFE, PFA, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
- the metalized coating 162 is preferably made by deposition, sputtering, spraying or through use of foil lamination.
- Preferred metals include titanium, stainless steel, nickel, chrome, silver and gold, and alloys for each of these metals. It will be appreciated that the metalized coating 162 may be produced with combinations of multiple metals and metal alloys.
- the bellows 148 is provided with a multilayered coating that includes two or more metalized coating 162 .
- each metalized coating 162 may be prepared using different metals and metal alloys. With the metalized coating 162 , the bellows 148 is capable of withstanding higher temperatures and is less likely to rupture during explosive decompression.
Abstract
A seal section for use in a downhole submersible pumping system includes a housing and a seal bag located within the housing. The seal bag includes a substrate having a plurality of substrate surfaces and a metal coating layer on at least one of the plurality of substrate surfaces. The substrate can optionally be configured as a cylindrical form that includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. In particularly preferred embodiments, the substrate is seamless and fabricated from an extruded fluoropolymer. The metal coating layer preferably comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, stainless steel, nickel, chrome, silver and gold. The metalized seal bag exhibits increased durability and decreased permeability to liquids and gases at elevated temperatures.
Description
- This invention relates generally to the field of submersible pumping systems, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a seal section separation bag for use within a submersible pumping system.
- Submersible pumping systems are often deployed into wells to recover petroleum fluids from subterranean reservoirs. Typically, the submersible pumping system includes a number of components, including one or more fluid filled electric motors coupled to one or more high performance pumps. Each of the components and sub-components in a submersible pumping system must be engineered to withstand the inhospitable downhole environment, which includes wide ranges of temperature, pressure and corrosive well fluids.
- Components commonly referred to as “seal sections” protect the electric motors and are typically positioned between the motor and the pump. In this position, the seal section provides several functions, including transmitting torque between the motor and pump, restricting the flow of wellbore fluids into the motor, protecting the motor from axial thrust imparted by the pump, and accommodating the expansion and contraction of motor lubricant as the motor moves through thermal cycles during operation. Many seal sections employ seal bags to accommodate the volumetric changes and movement of fluid in the seal section. Seal bags can also be configured to provide a positive barrier between clean lubricant and wellbore fluid.
- As the use of downhole pumping systems extends to new applications, traditional bladder systems may fail under inhospitable downhole environments. For example, the use of downhole pumping systems in combination with steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) technology exposes bladder components to temperatures in excess of 500° F. To increase the resistance of the bladder to degradation under these increasingly hostile environments, manufacturers have employed durable polymers, including various forms of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), as the preferred material of construction. More recently, manufacturers have employed the use of perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) fluoropolymers. The use of PFA as the material of construction in seal bags is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,246,326 issued Aug. 21, 2012 and assigned to GE Oil & Gas ESP, Inc.
- Although PTFE and PFA provide suitable materials of construction of many pumping applications, at extreme temperatures and elevated pressure differentials, even these materials may exhibit some permeability to liquids and gases. Of particular concern is the potential for liquid water permeation through the seal bags at extreme temperatures. There is, therefore, a need for an improved seal bag, seal sections and submersible pumping systems that overcome the deficiencies of the prior art. It is to this and other needs that the present invention is directed.
- In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a seal section for use in a downhole submersible pumping system. The seal section includes a housing and a seal bag located within the housing. The seal bag comprises a substrate having a plurality of substrate surfaces and a metal coating layer on at least one of the plurality of substrate surfaces. The substrate can optionally be configured as a cylindrical form that includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. In particularly preferred embodiments, the substrate is seamless and fabricated from an extruded fluoropolymer. The metal coating layer preferably comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, stainless steel, nickel, chrome, silver and gold.
-
FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a submersible pumping system constructed in accordance with a presently preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first preferred embodiment of a seal section for use with the submersible pumping system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first alternative version of the seal bag ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second alternative version of the seal bag ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 5 is an exaggerated cross-sectional view of an o-ring seal from the seal section ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a mechanical seal that includes a metalized polymer bellows. - In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 1 shows an elevational view of apumping system 100 attached toproduction tubing 102. Thepumping system 100 andproduction tubing 102 are disposed in awellbore 104, which is drilled for the production of a fluid such as water or petroleum. As used herein, the term “petroleum” refers broadly to all mineral hydrocarbons, such as crude oil, gas and combinations of oil and gas. Theproduction tubing 102 connects thepumping system 100 to awellhead 106 located on the surface. Although thepumping system 100 is primarily designed to pump petroleum products, it will be understood that the present invention can also be used to move other fluids. It will also be understood that, although each of the components of the pumping system are primarily disclosed in a submersible application, some or all of these components can also be used in surface pumping operations. - The
pumping system 100 preferably includes some combination of apump assembly 108, amotor assembly 110 and aseal section 112. Themotor assembly 110 is preferably an electrical motor that receives power from a surface-mounted motor control unit (not shown). When energized, themotor assembly 110 drives a shaft that causes thepump assembly 108 to operate. Theseal section 112 shields themotor assembly 110 from mechanical thrust produced by thepump assembly 108 and provides for the expansion of motor lubricants during operation. Theseal section 112 also isolates themotor assembly 110 from the wellbore fluids passing through thepump assembly 108. Although only one of each component is shown, it will be understood that more can be connected when appropriate. It may be desirable to use tandem-motor combinations, multiple seal sections, multiple pump assemblies or other downhole components not shown inFIG. 1 . - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , shown therein is a cross-sectional view of theseal section 112. Theseal section 112 includes ahousing 114, ashaft 116, aseal bag 118, asupport tube 120 and first andsecond bag plates seal bag 118 is configured to prevent the contamination of clean motor lubricants with wellbore fluids. Theshaft 116 transfers mechanical energy from themotor assembly 110 to thepump assembly 108. Thebag support tube 120 provides support for theseal bag 118 and shields theshaft 116 as its passes through theseal bag 118. For the purposes of the instant disclosure, the terms “bag seal assembly” will refer to theseal bag 118, thebag support tube 120 and the first andsecond bag plates seal section 112 may also includeseal guides 124, a plurality ofports 126 and one or more o-ring seals 128. The o-ring seals 128 are located at various positions within theseal section 112 and limit the migration of contaminants and well fluids into the clean lubricant. - For purposes of illustration, the bag seal assembly is disclosed as contained within the
seal section 112. It will be understood, however, that the bag seal assembly could be installed elsewhere in thepumping system 100. For example, it may be desirable to integrate the bag seal assembly within themotor assembly 110 orpump assembly 108. - Referring now also to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , shown therein is a side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theseal bag 118. Theseal bag 118 preferably includes asubstrate 130, afirst end 132 and asecond end 134. In preferred embodiments, thesubstrate 130 is substantially configured as an elongated cylinder with aninner surface 136 and anouter surface 138. - In preferred embodiments, the
substrate 130 is fabricated from an elastomer or other polymer, such as, for example PTFE, PFA, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Unlike prior art bladders, theseal bag 118 includes ametal coating layer 140 of chemically stable and inert metal or metal alloy. Presently preferred metals include titanium, stainless steel, nickel, chrome, silver and gold, and alloys for each of these metals. It will be appreciated that themetal coating layer 140 may be produced with combinations of multiple metals and metal alloys. In alternate preferred embodiments, theseal bag 118 is provided with a multilayered coating that includes two or more metal coating layers 140. For these multilayered embodiments, it will be appreciated that eachmetal coating layer 140 may be prepared using different metals and metal alloys. - The
metal coating layer 140 is preferably applied to at least one of the exterior surface 138 (FIG. 3 ) and the interior surface 136 (FIG. 4 ) with a suitable metal deposition process. Presently preferred metallization processes include vacuum metallization and sputtering. Both deposition processes are well-established in the art. In preferred embodiments, themetal coating layer 140 has a thickness between about 1,000 and about 25,000 angstroms. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the thickness of themetal coating layer 140 is about 10,000 angstroms. The metalizedseal bags 118 of the preferred embodiments significantly decrease the liquid and gas permeability through theunderlying substrate 130. - Alternatively, the
metal coating layer 140 is provided as a foil laminate over thesubstrate 130. In this alternate embodiment, the foilmetal coating layer 140 may be adhered to the substrate with adhesives, mechanical fasteners or chemical bonding. - In a particularly preferred embodiment, the
substrate 130 is manufactured from PFA and includes a titanium or titanium alloymetal coating layer 140 on theexterior surface 138 that is approximately 10,000 angstroms thick. PFA is commercially available from a number of sources, including E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company and Daikin Industries. Like PTFE, PFA exhibits favorable resistance to corrosive chemicals and elevated temperatures. Unlike PTFE, however, PFA is melt-processable using conventional injection molding and screw extrusion mechanisms. The ability to extrude or mold PFA permits the construction of a seamless,unitary substrate 130. Furthermore, sealbags 118 manufactured using PFA experience less stretching during the expansion and contraction cycle than comparable PTFE-based bags. These characteristics favor PFA as a substrate for metallization because it is easier to achieve a more uniform coating along the seamless bag, andmetal coating layer 140 is less likely to separate, crack, flake or peel from the substrate due to stretching and contraction. - Turning now to
FIG. 5 , shown therein is a close-up, cross-sectional view of one of the o-ring seals 128. The o-ring seal 128 includes a ring-shapedbody 146 that is preferably manufactured from a durable elastomer, synthetic rubber or fluoropolymer that exhibits favorable wear and permeability characteristics. Suitable elastomers include fluoropolymer elastomers and perfluoropolymer elastomers sold under the Kalrez and Chemraz brands by Greene, Tweed & Co. and the Perlast brand compound sold by Precision Polymer Engineering Ltd. Although the o-ring seal 128 is depicted as having a circular cross-section, it will be appreciated that the o-ring seal 128 may have a different cross-section shape, such as, for example, rectangular, triangular, octagonal or oval. - The o-
ring seal 128 includes anexterior surface 142 and ametal coating layer 144 on theexterior surface 142. Themetal coating layer 144 is preferably prepared under the same techniques, using the same materials described above with reference to themetal coating layer 140 of theseal bag 118. Themetal coating layer 144 increases the durability and lowers the permeability of the o-ring seal 128. The use of metalized o-ring seals 128 significantly decreases permeation of liquids and gasses across the o-ring seal 128 at elevated temperatures. - Although the o-
ring seals 128 have been described with reference to theseal section 112 andshaft 116, it will be understood that the o-ring seals 128 will also find utility in other applications. For example, the o-ring seals 128 can be used in other downhole and surface pumping components that include, for example, pothead connectors, motor assemblies, pump assemblies, sensor arrays, and logging tools. - It will be further understood that the novel use of metalized polymers will find application in other downhole components, including, for example, mechanical seal bellows and pothead connectors. By way of illustration, an alternative embodiment includes the use of a metalized bellows 150 within a
mechanical seal 152. Turning now toFIG. 5 , shown therein is a cross-sectional view of amechanical seal 152 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Themechanical seal 152 includes arotating assembly 154 secured to ashaft 156 and astationary face 158 that remains fixed relative to theshaft 156. Therotating assembly 154 is spring-loaded and configured to axially expand and contract to stay in contact with thestationary face 158 in the event theshaft 156 is axially displaced. - The bellows 148 is preferably constructed from a
polymer substrate 160 and a metalizedcoating 162. In preferred embodiments, thepolymer substrate 160 is fabricated from a polymer, such as, for example PTFE, PFA, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The metalizedcoating 162 is preferably made by deposition, sputtering, spraying or through use of foil lamination. Preferred metals include titanium, stainless steel, nickel, chrome, silver and gold, and alloys for each of these metals. It will be appreciated that the metalizedcoating 162 may be produced with combinations of multiple metals and metal alloys. In alternate preferred embodiments, the bellows 148 is provided with a multilayered coating that includes two or moremetalized coating 162. For these multilayered embodiments, it will be appreciated that each metalized coating 162 may be prepared using different metals and metal alloys. With the metalizedcoating 162, the bellows 148 is capable of withstanding higher temperatures and is less likely to rupture during explosive decompression. - It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and functions of various embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangement of parts within the principles of the present invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the teachings of the present invention can be applied to other systems without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
Claims (27)
1. A seal section for use in a downhole submersible pumping system, the seal section comprising:
a housing;
a shaft extending through the housing; and
a seal bag located within the housing, wherein the seal bag comprises:
a substrate having a plurality of substrate surfaces; and
a metal coating layer on at least one of the plurality of substrate surfaces.
2. The seal section of claim 1 , wherein the substrate is substantially cylindrical and wherein the plurality of substrate surfaces includes an interior surface and an exterior surface.
3. The seal section of claim 2 , wherein the substrate is seamless and fabricated from an extruded fluoropolymer.
4. The seal section of claim 3 , wherein the metal coating layer comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, stainless steel, nickel, chrome, silver and gold.
5. The seal section of claim 3 , wherein the metal coating layer comprises at least two metals selected from the group consisting of titanium, stainless steel, nickel, chrome, silver and gold.
6. The seal section of claim 3 , wherein the metal coating layer is deposited on the at least one of the plurality of substrate surfaces using a method selected from the group consisting of vacuum deposition and sputtering.
7. The seal section of claim 6 , wherein the metal coating layer is deposited on the at least one of the plurality of substrate surfaces in a thickness ranging from about 1,000 angstroms to about 25,000 angstroms.
8. The seal section of claim 7 , wherein the metal coating layer is deposited on the at least one of the plurality of substrate surfaces in a thickness of about 10,000 angstroms.
9. The seal section of claim 1 , wherein the metal coating layer is deposited on each of the plurality of substrate surfaces.
10. A seal section for use in a downhole submersible pumping system, the seal section comprising:
a housing; and
a shaft extending through the housing;
a seal bag located within the housing; and
at least one o-ring seal, wherein the at least one o-ring seal is manufactured from an elastomer, and wherein the at least one o-ring seal comprises:
an outer surface; and
a metal coating layer on the outer surface.
11. The seal section of claim 10 , wherein the metal coating layer comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, stainless steel, nickel, chrome, silver and gold.
12. The seal section of claim 11 , wherein the metal coating layer comprises at least two metals selected from the group consisting of titanium, stainless steel, nickel, chrome, silver and gold.
13. The seal section of claim 10 , wherein the metal coating layer is deposited on the at least one of the plurality of surfaces using a method selected from the group consisting of vacuum deposition and sputtering.
14. The seal section of claim 10 , wherein the metal coating layer is deposited on the at least one of the plurality of surfaces in a thickness ranging from about 1,000 angstroms to about 25,000 angstroms.
15. A seal bag for use in a pumping system, the seal bag comprising:
a substrate having a plurality of substrate surfaces; and
a metal coating layer on at least one of the plurality of substrate surfaces.
16. The seal bag of claim 15 , wherein the substrate is substantially cylindrical and wherein the plurality of substrate surfaces includes an interior surface and an exterior surface.
17. The seal bag of claim 16 , wherein the substrate is seamless and fabricated from an extruded fluoropolymer.
18. The seal bag of claim 17 , wherein the metal coating layer comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, stainless steel, nickel, chrome, silver and gold.
19. The seal bag of claim 17 , wherein the metal coating layer comprises at least two metals selected from the group consisting of titanium, stainless steel, nickel, chrome, silver and gold.
20. The seal bag of claim 15 , wherein the metal coating layer is deposited on the at least one of the plurality of substrate surfaces in a thickness ranging from about 1,000 angstroms to about 25,000 angstroms.
21. An o-ring seal comprising:
a ring-shaped body manufactured from an elastomer;
an exterior surface on the ring-shaped body; and
a metal coating layer on the exterior surface.
22. The o-ring seal of claim 21 , wherein the ring-shaped body is fabricated from an extruded fluoropolymer.
23. The o-ring seal of claim 21 , wherein the metal coating layer comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, stainless steel, nickel, chrome, silver and gold.
24. The o-ring seal of claim 21 , wherein the metal coating layer is deposited on the at least one of the plurality of substrate surfaces in a thickness ranging from about 1,000 angstroms to about 25,000 angstroms.
25. A downhole pumping system comprising:
a motor;
a pump connected to the motor; and
one or more metalized polymer components selected from the group consisting of seal bags, mechanical seal bellows, o-ring seals and pothead connectors, wherein each of the one or more metalized polymer components comprises:
a substrate having a plurality of substrate surfaces; and
a metal coating layer on at least one of the plurality of substrate surfaces.
26. The downhole pumping system of claim 25 , wherein the metal coating layer comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, stainless steel, nickel, chrome, silver and gold.
27. The downhole pumping system of claim 26 , wherein the metal coating layer is deposited on the at least one of the plurality of substrate surfaces in a thickness ranging from about 1,000 angstroms to about 25,000 angstroms.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/687,862 US20140147301A1 (en) | 2012-11-28 | 2012-11-28 | Metalized polymer components for use in high temperature pumping applications |
PCT/US2013/071896 WO2014085398A2 (en) | 2012-11-28 | 2013-11-26 | Metalized polymer components for use in high temperature pumping applications |
CA2892678A CA2892678A1 (en) | 2012-11-28 | 2013-11-26 | Metalized polymer components for use in high temperature pumping applications |
US14/135,366 US9470216B2 (en) | 2012-11-28 | 2013-12-19 | Method for reducing permeability of downhole motor protector bags |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/687,862 US20140147301A1 (en) | 2012-11-28 | 2012-11-28 | Metalized polymer components for use in high temperature pumping applications |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/135,366 Continuation-In-Part US9470216B2 (en) | 2012-11-28 | 2013-12-19 | Method for reducing permeability of downhole motor protector bags |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140147301A1 true US20140147301A1 (en) | 2014-05-29 |
Family
ID=49726892
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/687,862 Abandoned US20140147301A1 (en) | 2012-11-28 | 2012-11-28 | Metalized polymer components for use in high temperature pumping applications |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20140147301A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2892678A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014085398A2 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150340131A1 (en) * | 2014-05-26 | 2015-11-26 | Eduardo Ferreira Loures | Armadillo Equipment |
WO2017096103A1 (en) * | 2015-12-04 | 2017-06-08 | General Electric Company | Seal assembly for a submersible pumping system and an associated method thereof |
US9709043B2 (en) | 2014-10-09 | 2017-07-18 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Crushed seal arrangement for motor electrical connection of submersible well pump |
WO2018064074A1 (en) * | 2016-09-27 | 2018-04-05 | Summit Esp, Llc | Gas resistant pothead system and method for electric submersible motors |
US10190589B2 (en) | 2016-12-09 | 2019-01-29 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Pothead cable seal for electric submersible motors |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110194956A1 (en) * | 2007-11-06 | 2011-08-11 | Wood Group Esp, Inc. | Mechanism for sealing pfa seal bags |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5252365A (en) * | 1992-01-28 | 1993-10-12 | White Engineering Corporation | Method for stabilization and lubrication of elastomers |
US6100616A (en) * | 1997-10-16 | 2000-08-08 | Camco International, Inc. | Electric submergible motor protector |
WO2005043012A2 (en) * | 2003-10-28 | 2005-05-12 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Ion-beam assisted deposition of inorganic coatings for elastomeric seal wear resistance improvement |
-
2012
- 2012-11-28 US US13/687,862 patent/US20140147301A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2013
- 2013-11-26 CA CA2892678A patent/CA2892678A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-11-26 WO PCT/US2013/071896 patent/WO2014085398A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110194956A1 (en) * | 2007-11-06 | 2011-08-11 | Wood Group Esp, Inc. | Mechanism for sealing pfa seal bags |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150340131A1 (en) * | 2014-05-26 | 2015-11-26 | Eduardo Ferreira Loures | Armadillo Equipment |
US9709043B2 (en) | 2014-10-09 | 2017-07-18 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Crushed seal arrangement for motor electrical connection of submersible well pump |
WO2017096103A1 (en) * | 2015-12-04 | 2017-06-08 | General Electric Company | Seal assembly for a submersible pumping system and an associated method thereof |
WO2018064074A1 (en) * | 2016-09-27 | 2018-04-05 | Summit Esp, Llc | Gas resistant pothead system and method for electric submersible motors |
CN109643868A (en) * | 2016-09-27 | 2019-04-16 | 哈利伯顿能源服务公司 | The end of resistance to gas system and method for submersible electric motor |
US10297947B2 (en) | 2016-09-27 | 2019-05-21 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Gas resistant pothead system and method for electric submersible motors |
GB2569457A (en) * | 2016-09-27 | 2019-06-19 | Halliburton Energy Services Inc | Gas resistant pothead system and method for electric submersible motors |
US10819064B2 (en) | 2016-09-27 | 2020-10-27 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Gas resistant pothead system and method for electric submersible motors |
US10190589B2 (en) | 2016-12-09 | 2019-01-29 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Pothead cable seal for electric submersible motors |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2014085398A3 (en) | 2015-05-14 |
WO2014085398A2 (en) | 2014-06-05 |
CA2892678A1 (en) | 2014-06-05 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8246326B2 (en) | Mechanism for sealing PFA seal bags | |
US20140147301A1 (en) | Metalized polymer components for use in high temperature pumping applications | |
US9470216B2 (en) | Method for reducing permeability of downhole motor protector bags | |
CA2934441C (en) | Seal configuration for esp systems | |
US20150132158A1 (en) | Electric submersible motor oil expansion compensator | |
US9400053B2 (en) | Mechanical seal with PFA bellows | |
US9593693B2 (en) | Seal section with parallel bag sections | |
US20160076550A1 (en) | Redundant ESP Seal Section Chambers | |
US8419387B1 (en) | Bag seal mounting plate with breather tube | |
CA2935713C (en) | Method for reducing permeability of downhole motor protector bags | |
US10253883B2 (en) | Redundant shaft seals in ESP seal section | |
CA2738354C (en) | Mechanism for sealing pfa seal bags | |
US11111752B2 (en) | Water and gas barrier for hydraulic systems | |
US8690551B1 (en) | Modular seal bladder for high temperature applications | |
US8985971B2 (en) | PFA motor protection bag | |
CA3068250C (en) | Volumetric compensator for electric submersible pump | |
US20170074406A1 (en) | Modular Seal Section with External Ports to Configure Chambers in Series or Parallel Configuration |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GE OIL & GAS ESP, INC., OKLAHOMA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:REEVES, BRIAN;WANG, CHENGBAO;HOWELL, STEVEN ALAN;REEL/FRAME:029370/0236 Effective date: 20121126 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |