US20180209413A1 - Hydraulic actuator with pressure-based piston position feedback - Google Patents
Hydraulic actuator with pressure-based piston position feedback Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180209413A1 US20180209413A1 US15/415,582 US201715415582A US2018209413A1 US 20180209413 A1 US20180209413 A1 US 20180209413A1 US 201715415582 A US201715415582 A US 201715415582A US 2018209413 A1 US2018209413 A1 US 2018209413A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- control valve
- pressure
- piston
- head end
- base end
- 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
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 88
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 27
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 24
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 12
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 12
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000001965 increasing effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003208 petroleum Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- -1 but not limited to Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010779 crude oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004146 energy storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000010349 pulsation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 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
- 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
- F04B47/08—Pumps or pumping installations specially adapted for raising fluids from great depths, e.g. well pumps having motor-pump units situated at great depth the motors being actuated by fluid
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/12—Methods or apparatus for controlling the flow of the obtained fluid to or in wells
- E21B43/121—Lifting well fluids
- E21B43/126—Adaptations of down-hole pump systems powered by drives outside the borehole, e.g. by a rotary or oscillating drive
-
- 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
- F04B11/00—Equalisation of pulses, e.g. by use of air vessels; Counteracting cavitation
- F04B11/0008—Equalisation of pulses, e.g. by use of air vessels; Counteracting cavitation using accumulators
-
- 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
- F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B49/002—Hydraulic systems to change the pump delivery
-
- 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
- F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B49/22—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00 by means of valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B53/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B23/00 or F04B39/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B53/10—Valves; Arrangement of valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B53/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B23/00 or F04B39/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B53/14—Pistons, piston-rods or piston-rod connections
- F04B53/144—Adaptation of piston-rods
-
- 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
-
- 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
- F04B9/00—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members
- F04B9/08—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid
- F04B9/10—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid the fluid being liquid
- F04B9/103—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid the fluid being liquid having only one pumping chamber
- F04B9/1035—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid the fluid being liquid having only one pumping chamber the movement of the pump piston in the two directions being obtained by two single-acting liquid motors each acting in one direction
Definitions
- the field of the disclosure relates generally to oil and gas downhole pump assemblies and, more specifically, to hydraulic actuators for use in oil and gas pumping operations.
- At least some known rod pumps are used in oil and gas wells, for example, to pump fluids from subterranean depths towards the surface.
- a pump assembly is placed within a well casing, well fluid enters the casing through perforations, and mechanical lift forces the fluids from subterranean depths towards the surface.
- at least some known rod pumps utilize a downhole pump with complicated geometry, which by reciprocating action of a rod string, lifts the well fluid towards the surface.
- one or more actuators may be used to facilitate the reciprocating action required for pumping fluid.
- such actuators rely on one or more electronic components for providing power and/or control.
- electronic components can be subject to reduced reliability, significantly reducing the operational life of the actuator and increasing costs and downtime for repairs and replacements.
- operators must rely on batteries with limited lifespans, expensive downhole generators, and/or long power supply lines to provide adequate power to the electronic components. Accordingly, a reliable actuator without the limitations associated with electronic power and control systems is desirable.
- a hydraulic actuator for a downhole pump includes a piston housing having a head end and a base end opposite the head end and a drive piston disposed within the piston housing.
- the drive piston is movable between a first piston position proximate to the head end and a second piston position proximate to the base end.
- the hydraulic actuator further includes a control valve positionable between a first control valve position and a second control valve position. In the first control valve position, the control valve is configured to direct fluid into the base end. In the second control valve position, the control valve is configured to direct fluid into said head end.
- the hydraulic actuator further includes a pressure-based position feedback system including a first pressure actuated valve coupled in fluid communication with the head end and a second pressure actuated valve coupled in fluid communication with the base end.
- the first pressure actuated valve is configured to facilitate transition of the control valve from the first control valve position to the second control valve position in response to a predetermined head end pressure.
- the second pressure actuated valve is configured to facilitate transition of the control valve from the second control valve position to the first control valve position in response to a predetermined base end pressure.
- a downhole pump system in a further aspect, includes a piston rod pump assembly and a hydraulic actuator coupled to the piston rod pump assembly.
- the hydraulic actuator includes a piston housing having a head end and a base end opposite the head end and a drive piston disposed within the piston housing.
- the drive piston is movable between a first piston position proximate to the head end and a second piston position proximate to the base end.
- the hydraulic actuator further includes a control valve positionable between a first control valve position and a second control valve position. In the first control valve position, the control valve is configured to direct fluid into the base end. In the second control valve position, the control valve is configured to direct fluid into said head end.
- the hydraulic actuator further includes a pressure-based position feedback system including a first pressure actuated valve coupled in fluid communication with the head end and a second pressure actuated valve coupled in fluid communication with the base end.
- the first pressure actuated valve is configured to facilitate transition of the control valve from the first control valve position to the second control valve position in response to a predetermined head end pressure.
- the second pressure actuated valve is configured to facilitate transition of the control valve from the second control valve position to the first control valve position in response to a predetermined base end pressure.
- a method of controlling a hydraulic actuator includes a piston housing having a head end and a base end opposite the head end. Thy hydraulic actuator further includes a drive piston disposed within the piston housing and movable between a first piston position proximate to the head end and a second piston position proximate to the base end. The hydraulic actuator also includes a control valve positionable between a first control valve position and a second control valve position. The method includes determining, using a first pressure actuated valve coupled in fluid communication with the head end, a head end pressure exceeds a predetermined head end pressure threshold. The method further includes transitioning, in response to determining the head end pressure exceeds the predetermined head end pressure threshold, the control valve into the second control valve position.
- the method also includes determining, using a second pressure actuated valve coupled in fluid communication with the base end, a base end pressure exceeds a predetermined base end pressure threshold.
- the method further includes transitioning, in response to determining the base end pressure exceeds the predetermined base end pressure threshold, the control valve into the first control valve position.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic illustration of an exemplary downhole pump system
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary hydraulic actuator that may be used in the downhole pump system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the hydraulic actuator shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a hydraulic actuator, such as the hydraulic actuator of FIGS. 2 and 3 .
- Approximating language may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about”, “approximately”, and “substantially”, are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value.
- range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.
- actuator assemblies described herein facilitate extending pump operation in harsh oil and gas well environments.
- actuator assemblies described herein include a control valve configured to induce reciprocating motion of piston assemblies.
- the control valve alternately directs pressurized hydraulic fluid into a head end and base end of the piston assembly, inducing corresponding movement of a drive piston disposed within the piston assembly.
- the control valve is switched between two configurations, each configuration corresponding to a different fluid flow path, in response to feedback provided by a pressure-based position feedback system.
- the pressure-based position feedback system is configured to induce transition of the control valve in response to pressure at the base end and head end of the piston assembly exceeding a predetermined pressure threshold.
- a first predetermined pressure threshold corresponds to a pressure at the head end of the piston assembly when the drive piston is substantially in the first piston position and a second predetermined pressure threshold corresponds to a pressure at the base end of the piston assembly when the drive piston is substantially in the second piston position.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic illustration of an exemplary downhole pump system 100 .
- pump system 100 includes a well head 102 , production tubing 104 coupled to well head 102 , and a pump assembly 110 coupled to production tubing 104 and positioned within a well bore 106 .
- Well bore 106 is drilled through a surface 108 to facilitate the production of subterranean fluids such as, but not limited to, water and/or petroleum fluids.
- subterranean fluids such as, but not limited to, water and/or petroleum fluids.
- “petroleum fluids” may refer to mineral hydrocarbon substances such as crude oil, gas, and combinations thereof.
- Pump assembly 110 includes a piston rod pump assembly 112 and a hydraulic actuator 114 configured to actuate piston rod pump assembly 112 .
- Hydraulic actuator 114 generally includes a hydraulic power section 116 , a control section 118 , and a piston section 120 .
- a drive piston 122 disposed within piston section 120 is driven by hydraulic power section 116 subject to control by control section 118 .
- power section 116 provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to drive piston 122 while control assembly 118 dynamically redirects the pressurized hydraulic fluid provided by power section 116 to facilitate reciprocation of drive piston 122 .
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary hydraulic actuator 114 that may be used in downhole pump system 100 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
- FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of hydraulic actuator 114 .
- hydraulic actuator 114 includes power section 116 , control section 118 , and piston section 120 .
- Power section 116 includes an actuator motor 224 and an actuator pump 226 .
- Actuator pump 226 is coupled in fluid communication with control section 118 and, more specifically, a valve manifold 228 including a control valve 230 disposed within control section 118 .
- Control section 118 further includes a first pressure actuated valve 232 and a second pressure actuated valve 234 coupled in fluid communication with control valve 230 through a first hydraulic control line 258 and a second hydraulic control line 260 , respectively.
- first pressure actuated valve 232 and second pressure actuated valve 234 are pilot-operated sequence valves.
- pressure actuated valves 232 and 234 are direct-acting sequence valves having an integral check valve to provide reverse flow from a sequence port (not shown) to an inlet port (not shown).
- Pressure actuated valves 232 and 234 supply a secondary circuit (e.g., hydraulic control lines 258 and 260 ) with fluid flow once the pressure at the inlet port has exceeded a predetermined pressure threshold.
- first pressure actuated valve 232 and a second pressure actuated valve 234 are any suitable valves configured to actuate in response to detecting a predetermined pressure.
- valve manifold 228 is a unitary valve manifold that includes first pressure actuated valve 232 and second pressure actuated valve 234 .
- valve manifold 228 may be manufactured using various techniques, including, without limitation, additive manufacturing.
- Hydraulic actuator 114 further includes piston section 120 including a piston housing 236 and drive piston 122 disposed within piston housing 236 .
- hydraulic actuator 114 includes a compensator bag or compensator 244 that functions as a fluid volume storage device for hydraulic actuator 114 as well as actuator pump 226 .
- Compensator 244 facilitates damping of pump pulsations transmitted through the fluid as well as energy storage, shock absorption, and other reservoir functions (e.g., fluid leakage make-up and fluid volume compensation due to temperature changes, etc.).
- hydraulic actuator 114 further includes an accumulator 242 to facilitate accounting for variations in fluid volume during operation of hydraulic actuator 114 , and in particular during a transition of control valve 230 .
- control valve 230 is configured to alternately direct fluid from actuator pump 226 , which is driven by actuator motor 224 , to head end 246 and base end 248 in response to the position of drive piston 122 . More specifically, control valve 230 is configured to operate in a first control valve position in which pressurized fluid provided by actuator pump 226 is directed into head end 246 and a second control valve position in which the pressurized fluid is directed into base end 248 .
- drive piston 122 As the pressurized fluid is provided into head end 246 , drive piston 122 is moved to second piston position 252 proximate to base end 248 . Similarly, as pressurized fluid is provided into base end 248 , drive piston 122 is moved to first piston position 250 proximate to head end 246 . Accordingly, as control valve 230 alternates between the first control valve position and the second control valve position, drive piston 122 reciprocates within piston housing 236 .
- Control valve 230 switches between the first control valve position and the second control valve position in response to positional feedback provided by first pressure actuated valve 232 and second pressure actuated valve 234 .
- First pressure actuated valve 232 is coupled in fluid communication with head end 246 of piston housing 236 and second pressure actuated valve 234 is coupled in fluid communication with base end 248 .
- first pressure actuated valve 232 is coupled in fluid communication with a head end hydraulic line 238 for providing hydraulic fluid from actuator pump 226 to head end 246 of piston housing 236
- second pressure actuated valve 234 is coupled in fluid communication with a base end hydraulic line 240 for providing hydraulic fluid from actuator pump 226 to base end 248 of piston housing 236 .
- first pressure actuated valve 232 and second pressure actuated valve 234 are otherwise coupled in fluid communication to each of head end 246 and base end 248 to detect hydraulic fluid pressure corresponding to each of head end 246 and base end 248 , respectively.
- first pressure actuated valve 232 and second pressure actuated valve 234 are coupled in fluid communication with head end 246 and base end 248 , respectively, through pressure taps installed in head end 246 and base end 248 of piston housing 236 .
- first pressure actuated valve 232 and second pressure actuated valve 234 are configured to actuate in response to experiencing a predetermined fluid pressure.
- first pressure actuated valve 232 is configured to actuate in response to a head end pressure exceeding a predetermined head end pressure threshold
- second pressure actuated valve 234 is configured to actuate in response to a base end pressure exceeding a predetermined based end pressure threshold.
- first pressure actuated valve 232 is coupled in fluid communication with head end 246 by head end hydraulic line 238 and actuates in response to a pressure within head end hydraulic line 238 corresponding to a head end pressure exceeding the predetermined head end pressure threshold.
- second pressure actuated valve 234 is coupled in fluid communication with base end 248 by base end hydraulic line 240 and actuates in response to a pressure within base end hydraulic line 240 corresponding to a base end pressure exceeding the predetermined base end pressure threshold.
- control valve 230 directs fluid provided by actuator pump 226 into base end 248 and drive piston 122 moves towards head end 246 .
- drive piston 122 moves towards head end 246
- pressure within head end hydraulic line 238 increases until the predetermined head end pressure threshold is exceeded.
- first pressure actuated valve 232 actuates, causing pressurized fluid to flow to control valve 230 via hydraulic control line 258 to translate control valve 230 into the second control valve position.
- the predetermined head end pressure threshold is selected such that first pressure control valve 232 actuates when drive piston 122 is located substantially in first piston position 250 , thereby providing positional feedback corresponding to the position of drive piston 122 within piston housing 236 .
- control valve 230 directs fluid provided by actuator pump 226 into head end 246 and drive piston 122 moves towards base end 248 .
- pressure within base end hydraulic line 240 increases until the predetermined base end pressure threshold is exceeded.
- second pressure actuated valve 234 actuates, causing pressurized fluid to flow to control valve 230 via hydraulic control line 260 to translate control valve 230 into the first control valve position.
- the predetermined base end pressure threshold is selected such that second pressure actuated valve 234 actuates when drive piston 122 is located substantially in second piston position 252 .
- the foregoing process of control valve 230 redirecting fluid alternately into head end 246 and base end 248 may be repeated to facilitate reciprocating motion of drive piston 122 .
- control valve 230 is a two-position, detented, four-way directional valve.
- control valve 230 may be a three-position, detented, four-way valve or any other valve configuration that enables pump system 100 to function as described herein.
- control valve 230 includes an internal mechanical detent that facilitates holding the valve in position until a minimum pilot fluid pressure is applied to a pilot port (not shown) of control valve 230 .
- control valve 230 is switched between the first control valve position and the second control valve position by applying the minimum pilot fluid pressure to one of the pilot ports, where control valve 230 remains in that position, with no pilot fluid pressure applied, until a new pilot fluid pressure signal is temporarily applied to the opposite pilot port.
- control valve 230 is configured to remain in either the first control valve position or the second control valve position until either first pressure actuated valve 232 or second pressure actuated valve 234 is actuated, respectively. Accordingly, control valve 230 continues to direct fluid into head end 246 and base end 248 until drive piston 122 is substantially in second piston position 234 and first piston position 232 , respectively.
- hydraulic actuator 114 includes features configured to reduce forces of components as drive piston 122 reciprocates within piston housing 236 .
- Drive piston 122 is configured to dead end in head end 246 and base end 248 of piston housing 236 , and as such, hydraulic actuator 114 includes deceleration features configured to facilitate decelerating drive piston 122 to facilitate increasing its longevity.
- piston housing 236 defines a plurality of longitudinal grooves 266 proximate to head end 246 and base end 248 such that as drive piston 122 approaches head end 246 and base end 248 , a pressure differential across drive piston 122 is reduced due to leakage of the fluid through grooves 266 , causing deceleration of drive piston 122 .
- piston housing 236 includes other deceleration features including, without limitation, springs and bumpers disposed in head end 246 and base end 248 to facilitate deceleration of drive piston 122 and/or hydraulic cushioning features including a tapered piston bore and similar tapered features on drive piston 122 .
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method 400 for controlling a hydraulic actuator, such as hydraulic actuator 114 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ).
- hydraulic actuator 114 generally includes piston housing 236 having head end 246 and base end 248 opposite head end 246 , drive piston 122 disposed within piston housing 236 and movable between first piston position 250 proximate to head end 246 and second piston position 252 proximate to base end 248 .
- Hydraulic actuator 114 further includes control valve 230 positionable between a first control valve position and a second control valve position.
- Control valve 230 is positionable between the first control valve position and the second control valve position based, at least in part, on positional feedback provided by first pressure actuated valve 232 and second pressure actuated valve 234 . More specifically, first pressure actuated valve 232 is configured to actuate in response to a fluid pressure within head end 246 exceeding a predetermined head end pressure threshold and, upon actuation, to cause control valve 230 to translate into the second control valve position. Similarly, second pressure actuated valve 234 is configured to actuate in response to a fluid pressure within base end 248 exceeding a predetermined base end pressure threshold and, upon actuation, to cause control valve 230 to translate into the first control valve position. In the exemplary embodiment, each of first pressure actuated valve 232 and second pressure actuated valve 234 are pilot-operated pressure sequence valves.
- Method 400 includes determining 402 , using first pressure actuated valve 232 , that a head end pressure within head end 246 exceeds a predetermined head end pressure threshold.
- first pressure actuated valve 232 is coupled in fluid communication with head end 246 by a head end hydraulic line 238 and is configured to respond to pressure within head end 246 through head end hydraulic line 238 .
- pressure within head end hydraulic line 238 varies. More specifically, as drive piston 122 moves towards head end 246 , pressure within head end 246 , and by extension head end hydraulic line 238 , increases until first pressure actuated valve 232 actuates in response to the pressure within head end 246 exceeding the predetermined head end pressure threshold.
- the predetermined head end pressure threshold corresponds to a head end pressure when drive piston 122 is substantially in first piston position 250 .
- Method 400 further includes transitioning 404 , in response to determining the head end pressure exceeds the predetermined head end pressure threshold, control valve 230 into the first control valve position.
- control valve 230 In the first control valve position, control valve 230 is configured to direct fluid into head end 246 of piston housing 236 .
- first pressure actuated valve 232 is coupled in fluid communication with control valve 230 via hydraulic control line 258 such that when first pressure actuated valve 232 is actuated when the head end pressure exceeds the predetermined head end pressure threshold, first pressure actuated valve 232 facilitates transition of control valve 230 into the second control valve position.
- Method 400 also includes determining 406 , using second pressure actuated valve 234 , that a base end pressure within base end 248 exceeds a predetermined base end pressure threshold.
- second pressure actuated valve 234 is coupled in fluid communication with base end 248 by a base end hydraulic line 240 and is configured to respond to pressure within base end 248 through base end hydraulic line 240 .
- pressure within base end hydraulic line 240 varies. More specifically, as drive piston 122 moves towards base end 248 , pressure within base end 248 , and by extension base end hydraulic line 240 , increases until second pressure actuated valve 232 actuates in response to the pressure within base end 248 exceeding the predetermined base end pressure threshold.
- the predetermined base end pressure threshold corresponds to a base end pressure when drive piston 122 is substantially in second piston position 252 .
- Method 400 further includes transitioning 408 , in response to determining the base end pressure exceeds the predetermined base end pressure threshold, control valve 230 into the second control valve position.
- control valve 230 In the second control valve position, control valve 230 is configured to direct fluid into base end 248 of piston housing 236 .
- second pressure actuated valve 234 is coupled in fluid communication with control valve 230 via hydraulic control line 260 such that when second pressure actuated valve 234 is actuated when the second fluid pressure exceeds the predetermined base end pressure threshold, second pressure actuated valve 234 facilitates transition of control valve 230 into the second control valve position.
- control valve 230 is configured to latch into the first control valve position upon transitioning. As indicated in FIG. 4 , after the step of transitioning 408 control valve 230 into the second control valve position, steps 402 - 408 may repeat, thereby resulting in a reciprocating action of drive piston 122 .
- control valve 230 is configured to latch into the first and second control valve positions upon transitioning.
- control valve 230 is a detent valve configured to stay in either the first or second control valve position until drive piston 122 completes its stroke and the pressure thresholds at each end are exceeded, which triggers control valve 230 to unlatch to move to a different position.
- the actuator assemblies described herein facilitate extending pump operation in harsh oil and gas well environments. Specifically, the actuator assemblies described herein facilitate reciprocation of a drive piston based on a pressure-based position feedback system.
- the pressure-based position feedback system is configured to translate a control valve to alternately direct fluid into a head end and a base end of a piston housing. As the drive piston reaches either the head end or the base end, the position feedback system switches the control valve to direct fluid into the piston housing to facilitate movement of the drive piston in the opposite direction.
- An exemplary technical effect of the methods, systems, and assembly described herein includes at least one of: (a) improving reliability of actuator assemblies as compared to electronically controlled actuator assemblies; (b) improving the operational life of actuator assemblies; (c) improving the service life of downhole pump systems including actuator assemblies; and (d) reducing downhole pump operating costs.
- Exemplary embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for actuator assemblies are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of systems and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein.
- the methods, systems, and apparatus may also be used in combination with other pumping systems outside of the oil and gas industry. Rather, the exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other applications, equipment, and systems that may benefit from improved reciprocating actuator assemblies.
Abstract
Description
- The field of the disclosure relates generally to oil and gas downhole pump assemblies and, more specifically, to hydraulic actuators for use in oil and gas pumping operations.
- At least some known rod pumps are used in oil and gas wells, for example, to pump fluids from subterranean depths towards the surface. In operation, a pump assembly is placed within a well casing, well fluid enters the casing through perforations, and mechanical lift forces the fluids from subterranean depths towards the surface. For example, at least some known rod pumps utilize a downhole pump with complicated geometry, which by reciprocating action of a rod string, lifts the well fluid towards the surface.
- In some known oil and gas well pump systems, one or more actuators may be used to facilitate the reciprocating action required for pumping fluid. In certain known systems, such actuators rely on one or more electronic components for providing power and/or control. However, due to the harsh conditions inherent in downhole pumping operations, electronic components can be subject to reduced reliability, significantly reducing the operational life of the actuator and increasing costs and downtime for repairs and replacements. Moreover, operators must rely on batteries with limited lifespans, expensive downhole generators, and/or long power supply lines to provide adequate power to the electronic components. Accordingly, a reliable actuator without the limitations associated with electronic power and control systems is desirable.
- In one aspect, a hydraulic actuator for a downhole pump is provided. The hydraulic actuator includes a piston housing having a head end and a base end opposite the head end and a drive piston disposed within the piston housing. The drive piston is movable between a first piston position proximate to the head end and a second piston position proximate to the base end. The hydraulic actuator further includes a control valve positionable between a first control valve position and a second control valve position. In the first control valve position, the control valve is configured to direct fluid into the base end. In the second control valve position, the control valve is configured to direct fluid into said head end. The hydraulic actuator further includes a pressure-based position feedback system including a first pressure actuated valve coupled in fluid communication with the head end and a second pressure actuated valve coupled in fluid communication with the base end. The first pressure actuated valve is configured to facilitate transition of the control valve from the first control valve position to the second control valve position in response to a predetermined head end pressure. The second pressure actuated valve is configured to facilitate transition of the control valve from the second control valve position to the first control valve position in response to a predetermined base end pressure.
- In a further aspect, a downhole pump system is provided. The downhole pump system includes a piston rod pump assembly and a hydraulic actuator coupled to the piston rod pump assembly. The hydraulic actuator includes a piston housing having a head end and a base end opposite the head end and a drive piston disposed within the piston housing. The drive piston is movable between a first piston position proximate to the head end and a second piston position proximate to the base end. The hydraulic actuator further includes a control valve positionable between a first control valve position and a second control valve position. In the first control valve position, the control valve is configured to direct fluid into the base end. In the second control valve position, the control valve is configured to direct fluid into said head end. The hydraulic actuator further includes a pressure-based position feedback system including a first pressure actuated valve coupled in fluid communication with the head end and a second pressure actuated valve coupled in fluid communication with the base end. The first pressure actuated valve is configured to facilitate transition of the control valve from the first control valve position to the second control valve position in response to a predetermined head end pressure. The second pressure actuated valve is configured to facilitate transition of the control valve from the second control valve position to the first control valve position in response to a predetermined base end pressure.
- In another aspect, a method of controlling a hydraulic actuator is provided. The hydraulic actuator includes a piston housing having a head end and a base end opposite the head end. Thy hydraulic actuator further includes a drive piston disposed within the piston housing and movable between a first piston position proximate to the head end and a second piston position proximate to the base end. The hydraulic actuator also includes a control valve positionable between a first control valve position and a second control valve position. The method includes determining, using a first pressure actuated valve coupled in fluid communication with the head end, a head end pressure exceeds a predetermined head end pressure threshold. The method further includes transitioning, in response to determining the head end pressure exceeds the predetermined head end pressure threshold, the control valve into the second control valve position. The method also includes determining, using a second pressure actuated valve coupled in fluid communication with the base end, a base end pressure exceeds a predetermined base end pressure threshold. The method further includes transitioning, in response to determining the base end pressure exceeds the predetermined base end pressure threshold, the control valve into the first control valve position.
- These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic illustration of an exemplary downhole pump system; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary hydraulic actuator that may be used in the downhole pump system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the hydraulic actuator shown inFIG. 2 ; and -
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a hydraulic actuator, such as the hydraulic actuator ofFIGS. 2 and 3 . - Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings provided herein are meant to illustrate features of embodiments of the disclosure. These features are believed to be applicable in a wide variety of systems comprising one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As such, the drawings are not meant to include all conventional features known by those of ordinary skill in the art to be required for the practice of the embodiments disclosed herein.
- In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings.
- The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
- “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not.
- Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about”, “approximately”, and “substantially”, are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.
- The actuator assemblies and associated methods described herein facilitate extending pump operation in harsh oil and gas well environments. Specifically, actuator assemblies described herein include a control valve configured to induce reciprocating motion of piston assemblies. To do so, the control valve alternately directs pressurized hydraulic fluid into a head end and base end of the piston assembly, inducing corresponding movement of a drive piston disposed within the piston assembly. The control valve is switched between two configurations, each configuration corresponding to a different fluid flow path, in response to feedback provided by a pressure-based position feedback system. The pressure-based position feedback system is configured to induce transition of the control valve in response to pressure at the base end and head end of the piston assembly exceeding a predetermined pressure threshold. In the exemplary embodiment, a first predetermined pressure threshold corresponds to a pressure at the head end of the piston assembly when the drive piston is substantially in the first piston position and a second predetermined pressure threshold corresponds to a pressure at the base end of the piston assembly when the drive piston is substantially in the second piston position.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic illustration of an exemplarydownhole pump system 100. In the exemplary embodiment,pump system 100 includes a wellhead 102,production tubing 104 coupled to wellhead 102, and apump assembly 110 coupled toproduction tubing 104 and positioned within awell bore 106. Wellbore 106 is drilled through asurface 108 to facilitate the production of subterranean fluids such as, but not limited to, water and/or petroleum fluids. As used herein, “petroleum fluids” may refer to mineral hydrocarbon substances such as crude oil, gas, and combinations thereof. -
Pump assembly 110 includes a pistonrod pump assembly 112 and ahydraulic actuator 114 configured to actuate pistonrod pump assembly 112.Hydraulic actuator 114 generally includes ahydraulic power section 116, acontrol section 118, and apiston section 120. During operation, adrive piston 122 disposed withinpiston section 120 is driven byhydraulic power section 116 subject to control bycontrol section 118. More specifically,power section 116 provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to drivepiston 122 whilecontrol assembly 118 dynamically redirects the pressurized hydraulic fluid provided bypower section 116 to facilitate reciprocation ofdrive piston 122. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplaryhydraulic actuator 114 that may be used in downhole pump system 100 (shown inFIG. 1 ).FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration ofhydraulic actuator 114. In the exemplary embodiment,hydraulic actuator 114 includespower section 116,control section 118, andpiston section 120.Power section 116 includes anactuator motor 224 and anactuator pump 226.Actuator pump 226 is coupled in fluid communication withcontrol section 118 and, more specifically, avalve manifold 228 including acontrol valve 230 disposed withincontrol section 118.Control section 118 further includes a first pressure actuatedvalve 232 and a second pressure actuatedvalve 234 coupled in fluid communication withcontrol valve 230 through a firsthydraulic control line 258 and a secondhydraulic control line 260, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, first pressure actuatedvalve 232 and second pressure actuatedvalve 234 are pilot-operated sequence valves. For example, pressure actuatedvalves valves hydraulic control lines 258 and 260) with fluid flow once the pressure at the inlet port has exceeded a predetermined pressure threshold. In alternative embodiments, first pressure actuatedvalve 232 and a second pressure actuatedvalve 234 are any suitable valves configured to actuate in response to detecting a predetermined pressure. - In certain embodiments,
valve manifold 228 is a unitary valve manifold that includes first pressure actuatedvalve 232 and second pressure actuatedvalve 234. In such embodiments,valve manifold 228 may be manufactured using various techniques, including, without limitation, additive manufacturing.Hydraulic actuator 114 further includespiston section 120 including apiston housing 236 and drivepiston 122 disposed withinpiston housing 236. In addition,hydraulic actuator 114 includes a compensator bag orcompensator 244 that functions as a fluid volume storage device forhydraulic actuator 114 as well asactuator pump 226.Compensator 244 facilitates damping of pump pulsations transmitted through the fluid as well as energy storage, shock absorption, and other reservoir functions (e.g., fluid leakage make-up and fluid volume compensation due to temperature changes, etc.). In alternative embodiments,hydraulic actuator 114 further includes anaccumulator 242 to facilitate accounting for variations in fluid volume during operation ofhydraulic actuator 114, and in particular during a transition ofcontrol valve 230. - During operation, with reference to
FIG. 3 ,drive piston 122 reciprocates between afirst piston position 250 proximate to ahead end 246 ofpiston housing 236 andsecond piston position 252 proximate to abase end 248 ofpiston housing 236. To facilitate reciprocation ofdrive piston 122,control valve 230 is configured to alternately direct fluid fromactuator pump 226, which is driven byactuator motor 224, to head end 246 andbase end 248 in response to the position ofdrive piston 122. More specifically,control valve 230 is configured to operate in a first control valve position in which pressurized fluid provided byactuator pump 226 is directed intohead end 246 and a second control valve position in which the pressurized fluid is directed intobase end 248. As the pressurized fluid is provided intohead end 246,drive piston 122 is moved tosecond piston position 252 proximate tobase end 248. Similarly, as pressurized fluid is provided intobase end 248,drive piston 122 is moved tofirst piston position 250 proximate tohead end 246. Accordingly, ascontrol valve 230 alternates between the first control valve position and the second control valve position,drive piston 122 reciprocates withinpiston housing 236. -
Control valve 230 switches between the first control valve position and the second control valve position in response to positional feedback provided by first pressure actuatedvalve 232 and second pressure actuatedvalve 234. First pressure actuatedvalve 232 is coupled in fluid communication withhead end 246 ofpiston housing 236 and second pressure actuatedvalve 234 is coupled in fluid communication withbase end 248. In the exemplary embodiment, first pressure actuatedvalve 232 is coupled in fluid communication with a head endhydraulic line 238 for providing hydraulic fluid fromactuator pump 226 tohead end 246 ofpiston housing 236, and second pressure actuatedvalve 234 is coupled in fluid communication with a base endhydraulic line 240 for providing hydraulic fluid fromactuator pump 226 tobase end 248 ofpiston housing 236. In alternative embodiments, first pressure actuatedvalve 232 and second pressure actuatedvalve 234 are otherwise coupled in fluid communication to each ofhead end 246 andbase end 248 to detect hydraulic fluid pressure corresponding to each ofhead end 246 andbase end 248, respectively. For example, in certain embodiments, first pressure actuatedvalve 232 and second pressure actuatedvalve 234 are coupled in fluid communication withhead end 246 andbase end 248, respectively, through pressure taps installed inhead end 246 andbase end 248 ofpiston housing 236. - Each of first pressure actuated
valve 232 and second pressure actuatedvalve 234 are configured to actuate in response to experiencing a predetermined fluid pressure. In the exemplary embodiment, first pressure actuatedvalve 232 is configured to actuate in response to a head end pressure exceeding a predetermined head end pressure threshold, and second pressure actuatedvalve 234 is configured to actuate in response to a base end pressure exceeding a predetermined based end pressure threshold. More specifically, first pressure actuatedvalve 232 is coupled in fluid communication withhead end 246 by head endhydraulic line 238 and actuates in response to a pressure within head endhydraulic line 238 corresponding to a head end pressure exceeding the predetermined head end pressure threshold. For example, asdrive piston 122 is moved to first piston position 250 (i.e.,drive piston 122 dead ends against head end 246), a pressure in the hydraulic fluid is increased, or spikes, to a pressure exceeding the predetermined head end pressure threshold. Similarly, second pressure actuatedvalve 234 is coupled in fluid communication withbase end 248 by base endhydraulic line 240 and actuates in response to a pressure within base endhydraulic line 240 corresponding to a base end pressure exceeding the predetermined base end pressure threshold. - During operation, when
control valve 230 is in the first control valve position,control valve 230 directs fluid provided byactuator pump 226 intobase end 248 and drivepiston 122 moves towardshead end 246. Asdrive piston 122 moves towardshead end 246, pressure within head endhydraulic line 238 increases until the predetermined head end pressure threshold is exceeded. When the predetermined head end pressure threshold is exceeded, first pressure actuatedvalve 232 actuates, causing pressurized fluid to flow to controlvalve 230 viahydraulic control line 258 to translatecontrol valve 230 into the second control valve position. In the exemplary embodiment, the predetermined head end pressure threshold is selected such that firstpressure control valve 232 actuates whendrive piston 122 is located substantially infirst piston position 250, thereby providing positional feedback corresponding to the position ofdrive piston 122 withinpiston housing 236. In the second control valve position,control valve 230 directs fluid provided byactuator pump 226 intohead end 246 and drivepiston 122 moves towardsbase end 248. Asdrive piston 122 moves towardsbase end 248, pressure within base endhydraulic line 240 increases until the predetermined base end pressure threshold is exceeded. When the predetermined base end pressure threshold is exceeded, second pressure actuatedvalve 234 actuates, causing pressurized fluid to flow to controlvalve 230 viahydraulic control line 260 to translatecontrol valve 230 into the first control valve position. In the exemplary embodiment, the predetermined base end pressure threshold is selected such that second pressure actuatedvalve 234 actuates whendrive piston 122 is located substantially insecond piston position 252. The foregoing process ofcontrol valve 230 redirecting fluid alternately intohead end 246 andbase end 248 may be repeated to facilitate reciprocating motion ofdrive piston 122. - In the exemplary embodiment,
control valve 230 is a two-position, detented, four-way directional valve. Alternatively,control valve 230 may be a three-position, detented, four-way valve or any other valve configuration that enablespump system 100 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment,control valve 230 includes an internal mechanical detent that facilitates holding the valve in position until a minimum pilot fluid pressure is applied to a pilot port (not shown) ofcontrol valve 230. For example, in the exemplary embodiment,control valve 230 is switched between the first control valve position and the second control valve position by applying the minimum pilot fluid pressure to one of the pilot ports, wherecontrol valve 230 remains in that position, with no pilot fluid pressure applied, until a new pilot fluid pressure signal is temporarily applied to the opposite pilot port. As such,control valve 230 is configured to remain in either the first control valve position or the second control valve position until either first pressure actuatedvalve 232 or second pressure actuatedvalve 234 is actuated, respectively. Accordingly,control valve 230 continues to direct fluid intohead end 246 andbase end 248 untildrive piston 122 is substantially insecond piston position 234 andfirst piston position 232, respectively. - In certain embodiments,
hydraulic actuator 114 includes features configured to reduce forces of components asdrive piston 122 reciprocates withinpiston housing 236.Drive piston 122 is configured to dead end inhead end 246 andbase end 248 ofpiston housing 236, and as such,hydraulic actuator 114 includes deceleration features configured to facilitate deceleratingdrive piston 122 to facilitate increasing its longevity. For example,piston housing 236 defines a plurality oflongitudinal grooves 266 proximate tohead end 246 andbase end 248 such that asdrive piston 122 approacheshead end 246 andbase end 248, a pressure differential acrossdrive piston 122 is reduced due to leakage of the fluid throughgrooves 266, causing deceleration ofdrive piston 122. In alternative embodiments,piston housing 236 includes other deceleration features including, without limitation, springs and bumpers disposed inhead end 246 andbase end 248 to facilitate deceleration ofdrive piston 122 and/or hydraulic cushioning features including a tapered piston bore and similar tapered features ondrive piston 122. -
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating amethod 400 for controlling a hydraulic actuator, such as hydraulic actuator 114 (shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 ). Referring toFIG. 2 ,FIG. 3 , andFIG. 4 ,hydraulic actuator 114 generally includespiston housing 236 having head end 246 andbase end 248 oppositehead end 246,drive piston 122 disposed withinpiston housing 236 and movable betweenfirst piston position 250 proximate tohead end 246 andsecond piston position 252 proximate tobase end 248.Hydraulic actuator 114 further includescontrol valve 230 positionable between a first control valve position and a second control valve position.Control valve 230 is positionable between the first control valve position and the second control valve position based, at least in part, on positional feedback provided by first pressure actuatedvalve 232 and second pressure actuatedvalve 234. More specifically, first pressure actuatedvalve 232 is configured to actuate in response to a fluid pressure withinhead end 246 exceeding a predetermined head end pressure threshold and, upon actuation, to causecontrol valve 230 to translate into the second control valve position. Similarly, second pressure actuatedvalve 234 is configured to actuate in response to a fluid pressure withinbase end 248 exceeding a predetermined base end pressure threshold and, upon actuation, to causecontrol valve 230 to translate into the first control valve position. In the exemplary embodiment, each of first pressure actuatedvalve 232 and second pressure actuatedvalve 234 are pilot-operated pressure sequence valves. -
Method 400 includes determining 402, using first pressure actuatedvalve 232, that a head end pressure withinhead end 246 exceeds a predetermined head end pressure threshold. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, first pressure actuatedvalve 232 is coupled in fluid communication withhead end 246 by a head endhydraulic line 238 and is configured to respond to pressure withinhead end 246 through head endhydraulic line 238. Asdrive piston 122 moves withinpiston housing 246, pressure within head endhydraulic line 238 varies. More specifically, asdrive piston 122 moves towardshead end 246, pressure withinhead end 246, and by extension head endhydraulic line 238, increases until first pressure actuatedvalve 232 actuates in response to the pressure withinhead end 246 exceeding the predetermined head end pressure threshold. In the exemplary embodiment, the predetermined head end pressure threshold corresponds to a head end pressure whendrive piston 122 is substantially infirst piston position 250. -
Method 400 further includes transitioning 404, in response to determining the head end pressure exceeds the predetermined head end pressure threshold,control valve 230 into the first control valve position. In the first control valve position,control valve 230 is configured to direct fluid intohead end 246 ofpiston housing 236. Inactuator assembly 114, for example, first pressure actuatedvalve 232 is coupled in fluid communication withcontrol valve 230 viahydraulic control line 258 such that when first pressure actuatedvalve 232 is actuated when the head end pressure exceeds the predetermined head end pressure threshold, first pressure actuatedvalve 232 facilitates transition ofcontrol valve 230 into the second control valve position. -
Method 400 also includes determining 406, using second pressure actuatedvalve 234, that a base end pressure withinbase end 248 exceeds a predetermined base end pressure threshold. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, second pressure actuatedvalve 234 is coupled in fluid communication withbase end 248 by a base endhydraulic line 240 and is configured to respond to pressure withinbase end 248 through base endhydraulic line 240. Asdrive piston 122 moves withinpiston housing 246, pressure within base endhydraulic line 240 varies. More specifically, asdrive piston 122 moves towardsbase end 248, pressure withinbase end 248, and by extension base endhydraulic line 240, increases until second pressure actuatedvalve 232 actuates in response to the pressure withinbase end 248 exceeding the predetermined base end pressure threshold. In the exemplary embodiment, the predetermined base end pressure threshold corresponds to a base end pressure whendrive piston 122 is substantially insecond piston position 252. -
Method 400 further includes transitioning 408, in response to determining the base end pressure exceeds the predetermined base end pressure threshold,control valve 230 into the second control valve position. In the second control valve position,control valve 230 is configured to direct fluid intobase end 248 ofpiston housing 236. Inactuator assembly 114, for example, second pressure actuatedvalve 234 is coupled in fluid communication withcontrol valve 230 viahydraulic control line 260 such that when second pressure actuatedvalve 234 is actuated when the second fluid pressure exceeds the predetermined base end pressure threshold, second pressure actuatedvalve 234 facilitates transition ofcontrol valve 230 into the second control valve position. In the exemplary embodiment,control valve 230 is configured to latch into the first control valve position upon transitioning. As indicated inFIG. 4 , after the step of transitioning 408control valve 230 into the second control valve position, steps 402-408 may repeat, thereby resulting in a reciprocating action ofdrive piston 122. - In the exemplary embodiment,
control valve 230 is configured to latch into the first and second control valve positions upon transitioning. For example, in the exemplary embodiment,control valve 230 is a detent valve configured to stay in either the first or second control valve position untildrive piston 122 completes its stroke and the pressure thresholds at each end are exceeded, which triggerscontrol valve 230 to unlatch to move to a different position. - The actuator assemblies described herein facilitate extending pump operation in harsh oil and gas well environments. Specifically, the actuator assemblies described herein facilitate reciprocation of a drive piston based on a pressure-based position feedback system. The pressure-based position feedback system is configured to translate a control valve to alternately direct fluid into a head end and a base end of a piston housing. As the drive piston reaches either the head end or the base end, the position feedback system switches the control valve to direct fluid into the piston housing to facilitate movement of the drive piston in the opposite direction.
- An exemplary technical effect of the methods, systems, and assembly described herein includes at least one of: (a) improving reliability of actuator assemblies as compared to electronically controlled actuator assemblies; (b) improving the operational life of actuator assemblies; (c) improving the service life of downhole pump systems including actuator assemblies; and (d) reducing downhole pump operating costs.
- Exemplary embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for actuator assemblies are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of systems and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the methods, systems, and apparatus may also be used in combination with other pumping systems outside of the oil and gas industry. Rather, the exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other applications, equipment, and systems that may benefit from improved reciprocating actuator assemblies.
- Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.
- This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/415,582 US20180209413A1 (en) | 2017-01-25 | 2017-01-25 | Hydraulic actuator with pressure-based piston position feedback |
PCT/US2018/024379 WO2018140986A2 (en) | 2017-01-25 | 2018-03-26 | Hydraulic actuator with pressure-based piston position feedback |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/415,582 US20180209413A1 (en) | 2017-01-25 | 2017-01-25 | Hydraulic actuator with pressure-based piston position feedback |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20180209413A1 true US20180209413A1 (en) | 2018-07-26 |
Family
ID=62906034
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/415,582 Abandoned US20180209413A1 (en) | 2017-01-25 | 2017-01-25 | Hydraulic actuator with pressure-based piston position feedback |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20180209413A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2018140986A2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180202475A1 (en) * | 2017-01-18 | 2018-07-19 | General Electric Company | Hydraulic actuator with mechanical piston position feedback |
RU187179U1 (en) * | 2018-08-09 | 2019-02-22 | Сергей Иванович Никитин | ELECTRIC HYDRAULIC Borehole PUMP INSTALLATION |
CN111396122A (en) * | 2020-03-09 | 2020-07-10 | 安徽金安矿业有限公司 | Device and method for energy conversion and drainage of mine deep well |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2550723A (en) * | 1946-11-29 | 1951-05-01 | Frank A Best | Reversing valve mechanism |
US3700356A (en) * | 1970-08-26 | 1972-10-24 | Philip A Kubik | Fluid system |
CN201190642Y (en) * | 2008-01-25 | 2009-02-04 | 中国海洋石油总公司 | Pressure reaction type auto reciprocating fluid pump |
US20150285243A1 (en) * | 2014-04-07 | 2015-10-08 | i2r Solutions USA LLC | Hydraulic Pumping Assembly, System and Method |
US20160222985A1 (en) * | 2015-02-03 | 2016-08-04 | Eli Oklejas, Jr. | Method and system for injecting a process fluid using a high pressure drive fluid |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102005011395A1 (en) * | 2005-03-11 | 2006-09-14 | Bosch Rexroth Ag | Hydraulic control arrangement |
US7210292B2 (en) * | 2005-03-30 | 2007-05-01 | Caterpillar Inc | Hydraulic system having variable back pressure control |
US8181931B2 (en) * | 2009-01-06 | 2012-05-22 | Vetco Gray Inc. | Mechanically operated hydraulic valve actuator |
US7918285B1 (en) * | 2010-04-19 | 2011-04-05 | Deere & Company | Implement with active wing down force and wing lift sequencing |
US9003951B2 (en) * | 2011-10-05 | 2015-04-14 | Caterpillar Inc. | Hydraulic system with bi-directional regeneration |
-
2017
- 2017-01-25 US US15/415,582 patent/US20180209413A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2018
- 2018-03-26 WO PCT/US2018/024379 patent/WO2018140986A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2550723A (en) * | 1946-11-29 | 1951-05-01 | Frank A Best | Reversing valve mechanism |
US3700356A (en) * | 1970-08-26 | 1972-10-24 | Philip A Kubik | Fluid system |
CN201190642Y (en) * | 2008-01-25 | 2009-02-04 | 中国海洋石油总公司 | Pressure reaction type auto reciprocating fluid pump |
US20150285243A1 (en) * | 2014-04-07 | 2015-10-08 | i2r Solutions USA LLC | Hydraulic Pumping Assembly, System and Method |
US20160222985A1 (en) * | 2015-02-03 | 2016-08-04 | Eli Oklejas, Jr. | Method and system for injecting a process fluid using a high pressure drive fluid |
Non-Patent Citations (2)
Title |
---|
pumpscout.com/all-pump-types/positive-displacement-pumps-ptid68.html (Year: 2019) * |
smc.eu/portal_ssl/webpages/01_products/engineering_tools/pneumatic_symbols/pneumatic_symbols.jsp (Year: 2019) * |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180202475A1 (en) * | 2017-01-18 | 2018-07-19 | General Electric Company | Hydraulic actuator with mechanical piston position feedback |
RU187179U1 (en) * | 2018-08-09 | 2019-02-22 | Сергей Иванович Никитин | ELECTRIC HYDRAULIC Borehole PUMP INSTALLATION |
CN111396122A (en) * | 2020-03-09 | 2020-07-10 | 安徽金安矿业有限公司 | Device and method for energy conversion and drainage of mine deep well |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2018140986A2 (en) | 2018-08-02 |
WO2018140986A8 (en) | 2019-08-15 |
WO2018140986A3 (en) | 2018-09-27 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
AU2005216010B2 (en) | Electric-hydraulic power unit | |
US6543544B2 (en) | Low power miniature hydraulic actuator | |
US20180209413A1 (en) | Hydraulic actuator with pressure-based piston position feedback | |
US8449265B2 (en) | Hydraulically actuated reciprocating pump | |
US20200088009A1 (en) | Reversing valve for hydraulic piston pump | |
GB2458029A (en) | Electrohyraulically actuated downhole valve | |
US20150308420A1 (en) | Multi-Cylinder Hydraulically-Driven Pump System | |
EP2744974B1 (en) | Tubing pressure insensitive pressure compensated actuator for a downhole tool and method | |
US10260293B2 (en) | Sensorless manifold assembly with pressure-based reversing fluid circuit | |
US5275540A (en) | Linear fluid motor system | |
US20180202475A1 (en) | Hydraulic actuator with mechanical piston position feedback | |
US20140262303A1 (en) | Deepset wireline retrievable safety valve | |
US20140158228A1 (en) | Spring assisted active mud check valve with spring | |
US20180187673A1 (en) | Self-reciprocating hydraulic linear actuator | |
US11441534B2 (en) | Fluid-driven linear motor | |
EP1330609B1 (en) | Low power miniature hydraulic actuator | |
EP1930540B1 (en) | Low power miniature hydraulic actuator | |
RU2193111C1 (en) | Hydraulic drive of down-hole pump | |
RU2134360C1 (en) | Lifting device hydraulic drive |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:DEV, BODHAYAN;MIDDLETON, CHRISTOPHER MARTIN;REEVES, BRIAN PAUL;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20170110 TO 20170124;REEL/FRAME:041083/0526 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC, TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:051699/0290 Effective date: 20170703 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |