US20140271270A1 - Magnetically coupled expander pump with axial flow path - Google Patents
Magnetically coupled expander pump with axial flow path Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140271270A1 US20140271270A1 US13/797,856 US201313797856A US2014271270A1 US 20140271270 A1 US20140271270 A1 US 20140271270A1 US 201313797856 A US201313797856 A US 201313797856A US 2014271270 A1 US2014271270 A1 US 2014271270A1
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- Prior art keywords
- pump
- expander
- fluid
- assembly according
- magnetic cylinder
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- 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
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- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 87
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000004696 Poly ether ether ketone Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920002530 polyetherether ketone Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002783 friction material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK 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
- E21B43/129—Adaptations of down-hole pump systems powered by fluid supplied from outside the borehole
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D1/00—Radial-flow pumps, e.g. centrifugal pumps; Helico-centrifugal pumps
- F04D1/04—Helico-centrifugal pumps
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D13/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04D13/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
- F04D13/04—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being fluid driven
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
- E21B17/18—Pipes provided with plural fluid passages
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
- E21B33/10—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole
- E21B33/12—Packers; Plugs
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B34/00—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells
- E21B34/06—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D1/00—Radial-flow pumps, e.g. centrifugal pumps; Helico-centrifugal pumps
- F04D1/06—Multi-stage pumps
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D13/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04D13/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
- F04D13/021—Units comprising pumps and their driving means containing a coupling
- F04D13/024—Units comprising pumps and their driving means containing a coupling a magnetic coupling
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D13/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04D13/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
- F04D13/06—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven
- F04D13/08—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven for submerged use
- F04D13/10—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven for submerged use adapted for use in mining bore holes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/04—Shafts or bearings, or assemblies thereof
- F04D29/041—Axial thrust balancing
- F04D29/0413—Axial thrust balancing hydrostatic; hydrodynamic thrust bearings
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
- F03G7/04—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using pressure differences or thermal differences occurring in nature
-
- 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
- F04B37/00—Pumps having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B35/00
- F04B37/02—Pumps having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B35/00 for evacuating by absorption or adsorption
-
- 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
- F04B37/00—Pumps having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B35/00
- F04B37/02—Pumps having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B35/00 for evacuating by absorption or adsorption
- F04B37/04—Selection of specific absorption or adsorption materials
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D13/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04D13/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
- F04D13/021—Units comprising pumps and their driving means containing a coupling
- F04D13/024—Units comprising pumps and their driving means containing a coupling a magnetic coupling
- F04D13/026—Details of the bearings
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/10—Geothermal energy
Definitions
- the following disclosure relates to a pump arrangement and in particular, to a magnetically coupled expander pump with an axial flow path.
- Magnetic couplings have been used in various applications related to pumping fluids, particularly when isolation of the pumped fluid is desired.
- Typical magnetic coupling arrangements include disc (“face-to-face”) magnetic drive arrangements, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,374 (Kricker et al.), and coaxial canister-type coupling arrangements with axially aligned drive shafts, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,333 (Okada et al.), which can be used to transfer torque to a completely isolated fluid path.
- the fluid flow is necessarily redirected in a perpendicular direction between inlet and outlet as it passes through the pump.
- a canister-type cylindrical magnetic coupling that is used to transfer torque from the expander, which is positioned vertically above the pump.
- the geothermal fluid in the well feeds the inlet of the pump in the center of the well, but the geothermal fluid is discharged at the outlet of the pump in an essentially perpendicular direction with respect to the inlet direction, subsequently flowing up the well in the outer annulus.
- an expander pump unit in which an expander is located surrounding the pump.
- a pressurized working fluid provided in the annulus surrounding a center pipe flows through an expansion turbine (hereinafter referred to as an expander), causing it to rotate around the center pipe.
- the torque generated by the expander is transferred to a rotating drive shaft, which is coupled to the pump, in the middle of the center pipe via the use of an open-ended magnetic coupling.
- the pump increases the pressure of a pumped fluid contained within the center pipe to move the pumped fluid axially through the pipe.
- the magnetic coupling described herein is comprised of outer and inner magnet-bearing cylinders, separated by a non-magnetic cylindrical wall that can be formed as a single unit or attached to the center pipe.
- the non-magnetic cylindrical wall provides separation of the two fluid streams.
- the outer magnet-bearing cylinder is integrated with the expander.
- the inner magnet-bearing cylinder is connected to the pump shaft by rigid spokes around which fluid can pass.
- This arrangement is applicable to a system in which a pressurized working fluid is being used to drive a pump, and in which the allowable apparatus diameter may be limited. More specifically, the pumped stream flow path is maintained in an axial direction, such as in a section of straight pipe, particularly as may be found in a wellbore for geothermal or oil and gas production.
- an expander pump unit in which the pump is disposed in a pipe, and the pump is constructed to pump a first fluid.
- the pump unit includes an expander disposed in an annular space surrounding the pipe. The expander is driven by a second fluid flowing in the annular space.
- the expander pump unit further includes a magnetic coupling comprising an inner magnetic cylinder connected to the pump within the pipe and an outer magnetic cylinder connected to the expander surrounding the pipe.
- the inner magnetic cylinder has open ends in fluid communication with the pump.
- a pump unit in which the pump unit includes a pump disposed in a pipe, and the pump is constructed to pump a first fluid.
- the pump unit also includes a pump driver constructed to drive the pump.
- the pump unit further includes a magnetic coupling comprising an inner magnetic cylinder connected to the pump within the pipe, and an outer magnetic cylinder connected to the pump driver surrounding the pipe.
- the inner magnetic cylinder has open ends in fluid communication with the pump.
- FIG. 1 shows an example of a canister-type magnetic coupling described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US12/61165 (Fryrear et al.);
- FIG. 2 a shows a sectional view of an expander pump unit in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 b shows an exploded sectional view of a portion of the expander pump unit shown in FIG. 2 a ;
- FIG. 2 c shows an exploded sectional view of another portion of the expander pump unit shown in FIG. 2 a.
- FIG. 2 a an expander pump unit 100 is shown, which can be located below ground in a cased wellbore, such as may be used in a geothermal or oil and gas production well.
- a well casing 105 separates the surrounding geologic formation from fluid 101 contained within the well.
- the expander pump unit 100 includes a down-hole expander 120 coupled to a fluid pump 110 via a magnetic coupling 114 .
- the pump 110 is located within an inner pipe 107 and is connected to the magnetic coupling 114 via a pump shaft 112 and a plurality of spokes 117 around which the fluid 101 can freely flow.
- the expander 120 is located circumferentially around the inner pipe 107 and axially aligned with the magnetic coupling 114 .
- An outer pipe 106 is located concentrically surrounding the inner pipe 107 and the expander 120 , but extending to a lower end below the expander 120 and magnetic coupling 114 .
- a pressurized working fluid 102 flows in a downward direction in an annular space between the well casing 105 and the outer pipe 106 .
- the working fluid 102 is prevented from flowing down the well further by a packer 108 which seals the space between the inner pipe 107 and the well casing 105 at some distance below the lower end of the outer pipe 106 .
- the working fluid 102 Upon reaching the lower end of the outer pipe 106 , the working fluid 102 reverses direction and begins flowing upward in an annular space between the inner pipe 107 and the outer pipe 106 .
- the upward flowing working fluid 103 is directed into the expander 120 , which is located between the inner pipe 107 and outer pipe 106 .
- the upward flowing working fluid 103 flows through the expander 120 , its pressure is reduced as it provides rotating torque to the rotating expander 120 .
- the lower pressure working fluid 103 Upon exiting the expander 120 , the lower pressure working fluid 103 subsequently flows up the well between the outer pipe 106 and the inner pipe 107 .
- Attached to the rotating expander 120 is an outer magnetic cylinder 122 , which is magnetically coupled to an inner magnetic cylinder 115 .
- the two magnetic cylinders, 122 and 115 are separated by a non-magnetic section of the inner pipe 107 .
- the inner magnetic cylinder 115 also rotates, thereby transferring torque to the pump shaft 112 via the spokes 117 .
- the pump 110 can deliver produced fluids 101 upwardly from the producing formation to the surface.
- the produced fluids 101 flow through the rotating spokes 117 internal to the inner magnetic cylinder 115 before flowing into the pump 110 .
- As the produced fluid 101 flows into the pump 110 it is directed into the first of several pump impellers 111 which increase the pressure of the produced fluid 101 . Now at a higher pressure, the produced fluid 101 is able to flow to the surface inside the inner pipe 107 .
- Axial support for the pump shaft 112 is provided by a pump pressure balance chamber 113 , as shown in greater detail in FIG. 2 b.
- pressure balance chamber 113 is formed between a pump housing 140 and a disc 135 attached to an upper end of the pump shaft 112 .
- a labyrinth seal 141 is interposed between the shaft 112 and the pump housing 140 to control the flow of fluid 101 into the pump pressure balance chamber 113 .
- the disc 135 includes an upper seal 137 , which is constructed to seal against a sealing surface 138 attached to the pump housing 140 .
- the upper seal 137 is constructed, for example, from a low friction material that can also withstand high temperatures.
- One suitable material for the seal includes polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Of course, other suitable materials exist and are within the scope of the invention.
- a pump chamber valve 136 is comprised of the upper seal 137 and the sealing surface 138 .
- the pump chamber valve 136 is closed.
- the pump impellers 111 and pump shaft 112 experience a thrust in a downward direction, opposite the direction of produced fluid 101 flow.
- the pump pressure balance chamber 113 provides a means to offset the downward thrust so as to axially support the pump shaft 112 .
- a portion of the pressurized produced fluid 101 shown by small solid arrows in FIG. 2 b , flows past the pump chamber labyrinth seal 141 into the pump pressure balance chamber 113 .
- the pressure of fluid 101 in the pump pressure balance chamber 113 increases, exerting increased pressure between the pump housing 140 and the disc 135 tending to open the pump chamber valve 136 by moving the pump shaft 112 in an upward direction.
- Fluid 101 flowing from the pump pressure balance chamber 113 through the open pump chamber valve 136 subsequently proceeds to flow around the disc 135 into a hollow bore 139 formed in the pump shaft 112 , whereupon the fluid 101 flows to the relatively low pressure pump suction below the spokes 117 , as shown in FIG. 2 c.
- the pump chamber valve 136 tends to close, allowing the disc 135 and the pump shaft 112 to move axially downward.
- FIG. 2 c shows a detailed view of the expander 120 and magnetic coupling 114 .
- Inner magnetic cylinder 115 is shown with embedded inner magnets 116
- the outer magnetic cylinder 122 is shown with embedded outer magnets 123 .
- the outer magnetic cylinder 122 functions as the inner wall of the expander 120 .
- the expander is comprised of the outer magnetic cylinder 122 , the expander outer wall 124 , and a plurality of expander vanes 121 , which connect the outer magnetic cylinder 122 to the outer wall 124 .
- the expander vanes 121 convert the reduction of pressure in the working fluid stream 103 into rotating torque.
- An outer labyrinth seal 126 and an inner labyrinth seal 127 are attached, respectively, to the expander outer wall 124 and outer magnetic cylinder 122 to control the flow of working fluid 103 bypassing the expander 120 , as discussed in greater detail below.
- Fluid bearings 125 which can include foil bearings, are interposed between the expander outer wall 124 and the outer pipe 106 to radially support the expander 120 .
- Axial support for the expander 120 is provided by a retaining ring 129 , extending radially inwardly from the inner pipe 107 , and an expander pressure balance chamber 130 .
- the expander pressure balance chamber 130 is formed between labyrinth seal 126 , a lower sealing flange 134 extending from an upper edge 135 of the expander outer wall 124 , and an upper sealing flange 128 extending inwardly from the outer pipe 106 .
- the upper sealing flange 128 includes an upper seal 132 , which is constructed to seal against a lower sealing surface 133 attached to the lower sealing flange 134 .
- the upper seal 132 is constructed, for example, from a low friction material that can also withstand high temperatures.
- One suitable material for the seal includes polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Of course, other suitable materials exist and are within the scope of the invention.
- An expander chamber valve 131 is comprised of the upper seal 132 and the lower sealing surface 133 .
- the expander chamber valve 131 is open and the labyrinth seal 127 rests on ring 129 .
- impellers 121 experience a thrust in the direction of the working fluid 103 flow tending to urge the lower sealing flange 134 upward so as to close the expander chamber valve 131 .
- the expander pressure balance chamber 130 provides a means to offset the generated thrust.
- a portion of the high pressure working fluid 103 shown by small solid arrows in FIG. 2 c , flows between the outer labyrinth seal 126 and outer pipe 106 , through the fluid bearings 125 , towards the expander chamber valve 131 .
- the pressure of working fluid 103 in the expander pressure balance chamber 130 increases, exerting pressure on the upper sealing flange 128 and the lower sealing flange 134 tending to open the expander chamber valve 131 and thus moving the expander 120 in a downward direction opposite the direction of flow of working fluid 103 .
- Fluid flowing from the expander pressure balance chamber 130 through the open expander chamber valve 131 subsequently proceeds into the relatively lower pressure annular space formed between the outer pipe 106 and inner pipe 107 , above the expander 120 .
- the expander chamber valve 131 tends to close, allowing the expander 120 to move axially upward.
- torque is provided to the outer portion of the magnetic coupling by a second working fluid stream.
- Other installations, particularly above ground may instead provide a similar rotating torque to the outer magnetic cylinder by different mechanical means, such as a gear drive or a belt and pulley system. Such an arrangement would allow for true in-line pumping of a completely isolated fluid.
- a different type of pump may be selected.
- the embodiment herein discloses the use of a centrifugal pump.
- other pumps requiring rotating torque may be substituted, such as a twin-screw pump.
- the relative location of the various key parts may be altered.
- the expander may be axially offset from the outer magnetic cylinder instead of the integrated design disclosed herein, or the relative axial locations of the pump and the magnetic coupling may be reversed.
- the flow direction of the working fluid may be reversed if it becomes advantageous to flow the working fluid downward in the annular space between the inner pipe and outer pipe.
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- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
- The following disclosure relates to a pump arrangement and in particular, to a magnetically coupled expander pump with an axial flow path.
- Magnetic couplings have been used in various applications related to pumping fluids, particularly when isolation of the pumped fluid is desired. Typical magnetic coupling arrangements include disc (“face-to-face”) magnetic drive arrangements, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,374 (Kricker et al.), and coaxial canister-type coupling arrangements with axially aligned drive shafts, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,333 (Okada et al.), which can be used to transfer torque to a completely isolated fluid path. In such typical arrangements, the fluid flow is necessarily redirected in a perpendicular direction between inlet and outlet as it passes through the pump. However, there are some applications in which such a redirection of the fluid flow is not desirable.
- Some pumps with magnetic couplings are driven by a motor. However, it is possible for the driving torque to be provided by an expansion turbine. Such an arrangement is disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT/US12/61165 (Fryrear et al.), to be published, which is incorporated by reference herein. In that International patent application, a working fluid is fed into one annulus of a set of concentric pipes and allowed to build pressure as it flows down a geothermal power wellbore. Within the wellbore, heat is added to the working fluid, and the hot, high pressure fluid then flows through an expander before returning to the surface in a lower density condition. The expansion of the working fluid provides torque that is used to drive the geothermal fluid pump. Fryrear et al. describes at least one embodiment of a canister-type cylindrical magnetic coupling that is used to transfer torque from the expander, which is positioned vertically above the pump. The geothermal fluid in the well feeds the inlet of the pump in the center of the well, but the geothermal fluid is discharged at the outlet of the pump in an essentially perpendicular direction with respect to the inlet direction, subsequently flowing up the well in the outer annulus.
- A need exists for a magnetically coupled, expander-driven pump, wherein the pumped fluid is able to flow through the center of the magnetic coupling.
- In a first aspect of the present inventor's work, an expander pump unit is described in which an expander is located surrounding the pump. A pressurized working fluid provided in the annulus surrounding a center pipe flows through an expansion turbine (hereinafter referred to as an expander), causing it to rotate around the center pipe. The torque generated by the expander is transferred to a rotating drive shaft, which is coupled to the pump, in the middle of the center pipe via the use of an open-ended magnetic coupling. The pump increases the pressure of a pumped fluid contained within the center pipe to move the pumped fluid axially through the pipe.
- The magnetic coupling described herein is comprised of outer and inner magnet-bearing cylinders, separated by a non-magnetic cylindrical wall that can be formed as a single unit or attached to the center pipe. The non-magnetic cylindrical wall provides separation of the two fluid streams. The outer magnet-bearing cylinder is integrated with the expander. The inner magnet-bearing cylinder is connected to the pump shaft by rigid spokes around which fluid can pass.
- This arrangement is applicable to a system in which a pressurized working fluid is being used to drive a pump, and in which the allowable apparatus diameter may be limited. More specifically, the pumped stream flow path is maintained in an axial direction, such as in a section of straight pipe, particularly as may be found in a wellbore for geothermal or oil and gas production.
- In a second aspect of the present inventor's work, an expander pump unit is described, in which the pump is disposed in a pipe, and the pump is constructed to pump a first fluid. The pump unit includes an expander disposed in an annular space surrounding the pipe. The expander is driven by a second fluid flowing in the annular space. The expander pump unit further includes a magnetic coupling comprising an inner magnetic cylinder connected to the pump within the pipe and an outer magnetic cylinder connected to the expander surrounding the pipe. The inner magnetic cylinder has open ends in fluid communication with the pump.
- In a third aspect of the present inventor's work, a pump unit is described, in which the pump unit includes a pump disposed in a pipe, and the pump is constructed to pump a first fluid. The pump unit also includes a pump driver constructed to drive the pump. The pump unit further includes a magnetic coupling comprising an inner magnetic cylinder connected to the pump within the pipe, and an outer magnetic cylinder connected to the pump driver surrounding the pipe. The inner magnetic cylinder has open ends in fluid communication with the pump.
- The structures, articles, and methods claimed and/or described herein may be better understood by considering the non-limiting example embodiments presented below, in conjunction with the attached drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 shows an example of a canister-type magnetic coupling described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US12/61165 (Fryrear et al.); -
FIG. 2 a shows a sectional view of an expander pump unit in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 b shows an exploded sectional view of a portion of the expander pump unit shown inFIG. 2 a; and -
FIG. 2 c shows an exploded sectional view of another portion of the expander pump unit shown inFIG. 2 a. - In
FIG. 2 a anexpander pump unit 100 is shown, which can be located below ground in a cased wellbore, such as may be used in a geothermal or oil and gas production well. A wellcasing 105 separates the surrounding geologic formation fromfluid 101 contained within the well. - The
expander pump unit 100 includes a down-hole expander 120 coupled to afluid pump 110 via amagnetic coupling 114. Thepump 110 is located within aninner pipe 107 and is connected to themagnetic coupling 114 via apump shaft 112 and a plurality ofspokes 117 around which thefluid 101 can freely flow. Theexpander 120 is located circumferentially around theinner pipe 107 and axially aligned with themagnetic coupling 114. Anouter pipe 106 is located concentrically surrounding theinner pipe 107 and theexpander 120, but extending to a lower end below theexpander 120 andmagnetic coupling 114. - A pressurized working
fluid 102 flows in a downward direction in an annular space between thewell casing 105 and theouter pipe 106. The workingfluid 102 is prevented from flowing down the well further by apacker 108 which seals the space between theinner pipe 107 and thewell casing 105 at some distance below the lower end of theouter pipe 106. Upon reaching the lower end of theouter pipe 106, the workingfluid 102 reverses direction and begins flowing upward in an annular space between theinner pipe 107 and theouter pipe 106. - The upward flowing working
fluid 103 is directed into theexpander 120, which is located between theinner pipe 107 andouter pipe 106. As the upward flowing workingfluid 103 flows through theexpander 120, its pressure is reduced as it provides rotating torque to the rotatingexpander 120. Upon exiting theexpander 120, the lowerpressure working fluid 103 subsequently flows up the well between theouter pipe 106 and theinner pipe 107. - Attached to the rotating
expander 120 is an outermagnetic cylinder 122, which is magnetically coupled to an innermagnetic cylinder 115. The two magnetic cylinders, 122 and 115, are separated by a non-magnetic section of theinner pipe 107. As the outermagnetic cylinder 122 rotates with theexpander 120, the innermagnetic cylinder 115 also rotates, thereby transferring torque to thepump shaft 112 via thespokes 117. - When arranged in a well, the
pump 110 can deliver producedfluids 101 upwardly from the producing formation to the surface. The producedfluids 101 flow through therotating spokes 117 internal to the innermagnetic cylinder 115 before flowing into thepump 110. As the produced fluid 101 flows into thepump 110 it is directed into the first ofseveral pump impellers 111 which increase the pressure of the producedfluid 101. Now at a higher pressure, the producedfluid 101 is able to flow to the surface inside theinner pipe 107. - Axial support for the
pump shaft 112 is provided by a pumppressure balance chamber 113, as shown in greater detail inFIG. 2 b. - As shown in
FIG. 2 bpressure balance chamber 113 is formed between apump housing 140 and adisc 135 attached to an upper end of thepump shaft 112. Alabyrinth seal 141 is interposed between theshaft 112 and thepump housing 140 to control the flow offluid 101 into the pumppressure balance chamber 113. Thedisc 135 includes anupper seal 137, which is constructed to seal against a sealingsurface 138 attached to thepump housing 140. Theupper seal 137 is constructed, for example, from a low friction material that can also withstand high temperatures. One suitable material for the seal includes polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Of course, other suitable materials exist and are within the scope of the invention. Apump chamber valve 136 is comprised of theupper seal 137 and the sealingsurface 138. - At startup and when the
pump 110 is not operating, thepump chamber valve 136 is closed. During operation of thepump 110, thepump impellers 111 andpump shaft 112 experience a thrust in a downward direction, opposite the direction of produced fluid 101 flow. The pumppressure balance chamber 113 provides a means to offset the downward thrust so as to axially support thepump shaft 112. A portion of the pressurized producedfluid 101, shown by small solid arrows inFIG. 2 b, flows past the pumpchamber labyrinth seal 141 into the pumppressure balance chamber 113. The pressure offluid 101 in the pumppressure balance chamber 113 increases, exerting increased pressure between thepump housing 140 and thedisc 135 tending to open thepump chamber valve 136 by moving thepump shaft 112 in an upward direction.Fluid 101 flowing from the pumppressure balance chamber 113 through the openpump chamber valve 136 subsequently proceeds to flow around thedisc 135 into ahollow bore 139 formed in thepump shaft 112, whereupon the fluid 101 flows to the relatively low pressure pump suction below thespokes 117, as shown inFIG. 2 c. - Also, during operation, as pressure in the pump
pressure balance chamber 113 decreases, thepump chamber valve 136 tends to close, allowing thedisc 135 and thepump shaft 112 to move axially downward. -
FIG. 2 c shows a detailed view of theexpander 120 andmagnetic coupling 114. Innermagnetic cylinder 115 is shown with embeddedinner magnets 116, and the outermagnetic cylinder 122 is shown with embeddedouter magnets 123. The outermagnetic cylinder 122 functions as the inner wall of theexpander 120. The expander is comprised of the outermagnetic cylinder 122, the expanderouter wall 124, and a plurality ofexpander vanes 121, which connect the outermagnetic cylinder 122 to theouter wall 124. Theexpander vanes 121 convert the reduction of pressure in the workingfluid stream 103 into rotating torque. - An
outer labyrinth seal 126 and aninner labyrinth seal 127 are attached, respectively, to the expanderouter wall 124 and outermagnetic cylinder 122 to control the flow of workingfluid 103 bypassing theexpander 120, as discussed in greater detail below.Fluid bearings 125, which can include foil bearings, are interposed between the expanderouter wall 124 and theouter pipe 106 to radially support theexpander 120. Axial support for theexpander 120 is provided by a retainingring 129, extending radially inwardly from theinner pipe 107, and an expanderpressure balance chamber 130. - The expander
pressure balance chamber 130 is formed betweenlabyrinth seal 126, alower sealing flange 134 extending from anupper edge 135 of the expanderouter wall 124, and anupper sealing flange 128 extending inwardly from theouter pipe 106. Theupper sealing flange 128 includes anupper seal 132, which is constructed to seal against alower sealing surface 133 attached to thelower sealing flange 134. Theupper seal 132 is constructed, for example, from a low friction material that can also withstand high temperatures. One suitable material for the seal includes polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Of course, other suitable materials exist and are within the scope of the invention. - An
expander chamber valve 131 is comprised of theupper seal 132 and thelower sealing surface 133. - At startup and when the expander is not operating, the
expander chamber valve 131 is open and thelabyrinth seal 127 rests onring 129. During operation of theexpander 120,impellers 121 experience a thrust in the direction of the workingfluid 103 flow tending to urge thelower sealing flange 134 upward so as to close theexpander chamber valve 131. The expanderpressure balance chamber 130 provides a means to offset the generated thrust. A portion of the highpressure working fluid 103, shown by small solid arrows inFIG. 2 c, flows between theouter labyrinth seal 126 andouter pipe 106, through thefluid bearings 125, towards theexpander chamber valve 131. The pressure of workingfluid 103 in the expanderpressure balance chamber 130 increases, exerting pressure on theupper sealing flange 128 and thelower sealing flange 134 tending to open theexpander chamber valve 131 and thus moving theexpander 120 in a downward direction opposite the direction of flow of workingfluid 103. Fluid flowing from the expanderpressure balance chamber 130 through the openexpander chamber valve 131 subsequently proceeds into the relatively lower pressure annular space formed between theouter pipe 106 andinner pipe 107, above theexpander 120. - Also, during operation, as pressure in the expander
pressure balance chamber 130 decreases, theexpander chamber valve 131 tends to close, allowing theexpander 120 to move axially upward. - One skilled in the art will recognize that aspects of the present invention may be applied in numerous different applications, whether downhole or above ground. For example, in an embodiment disclosed herein, torque is provided to the outer portion of the magnetic coupling by a second working fluid stream. Other installations, particularly above ground, may instead provide a similar rotating torque to the outer magnetic cylinder by different mechanical means, such as a gear drive or a belt and pulley system. Such an arrangement would allow for true in-line pumping of a completely isolated fluid.
- In other embodiments, a different type of pump may be selected. The embodiment herein discloses the use of a centrifugal pump. However, other pumps requiring rotating torque may be substituted, such as a twin-screw pump.
- One skilled in the art may also recognize that the relative location of the various key parts may be altered. For example, the expander may be axially offset from the outer magnetic cylinder instead of the integrated design disclosed herein, or the relative axial locations of the pump and the magnetic coupling may be reversed. Also, in another embodiment, the flow direction of the working fluid may be reversed if it becomes advantageous to flow the working fluid downward in the annular space between the inner pipe and outer pipe.
- While the present disclosure has been described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/797,856 US20140271270A1 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2013-03-12 | Magnetically coupled expander pump with axial flow path |
PCT/US2014/023310 WO2014164720A1 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2014-03-11 | Magnetically coupled expander pump with axial flow path |
US14/828,812 US9243481B1 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2015-08-18 | Magnetically coupled expander pump with axial flow path |
PCT/US2016/047093 WO2017031080A1 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2016-08-15 | Magnetically coupled expander pump with axial flow path |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/797,856 US20140271270A1 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2013-03-12 | Magnetically coupled expander pump with axial flow path |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2014/023310 Continuation WO2014164720A1 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2014-03-11 | Magnetically coupled expander pump with axial flow path |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20140271270A1 true US20140271270A1 (en) | 2014-09-18 |
Family
ID=51527760
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/797,856 Abandoned US20140271270A1 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2013-03-12 | Magnetically coupled expander pump with axial flow path |
US14/828,812 Active - Reinstated US9243481B1 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2015-08-18 | Magnetically coupled expander pump with axial flow path |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/828,812 Active - Reinstated US9243481B1 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2015-08-18 | Magnetically coupled expander pump with axial flow path |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US20140271270A1 (en) |
WO (2) | WO2014164720A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
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US20150027781A1 (en) * | 2013-07-29 | 2015-01-29 | Reelwell, A. S. | Mud lift pump for dual drill string |
EP3088656A1 (en) * | 2015-03-18 | 2016-11-02 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Downhole compressor |
US10385860B2 (en) * | 2013-05-24 | 2019-08-20 | Ksb Aktiengesellschaft | Pump arrangement for driving an impeller using an inner rotor which interacts with an outer rotor and the outer rotor having a radially outer circumferential projection |
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US20140271270A1 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2014-09-18 | Geotek Energy, Llc | Magnetically coupled expander pump with axial flow path |
CN106089614B (en) * | 2016-06-14 | 2018-12-11 | 华南理工大学 | A kind of temperature difference driving turbine |
US11739765B1 (en) * | 2022-02-24 | 2023-08-29 | Narciso De Jesus Aguilar | Flow booster cell |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2017031080A1 (en) | 2017-02-23 |
US9243481B1 (en) | 2016-01-26 |
WO2014164720A1 (en) | 2014-10-09 |
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