US2626569A

US2626569A - Lift for deep well hydraulic pumps

Info

Publication number: US2626569A
Application number: US701023A
Authority: US
Inventors: Elmo M Knudson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1946-10-03
Filing date: 1946-10-03
Publication date: 1953-01-27
Anticipated expiration: 1970-01-27

Description

Jan. 27, 1953 E. M. KNUDSON 2,626,569

LIFT FOR DEEP WELL HYDRAULIC PUMPS 7 Filed Oct. 5, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Switch 22 lax 5 3 9 a 5 M7 4 5 5 H1 5 I 5 a 5 I 5 I 5 I A 5 Q 5 I 5 I 5 5 5 2 4 a L W8 2 5 5 5 I 5 a g 5 5 5 5 F 5 I 5 1| 5 I 5 m f I 5 5 I Ii 5 g 5 w HD z j I I 5 I 5 5. 5 -"\0 5 5 5 la 5 4 Fig. 2

IN VEN TOR.

ATWRNEYS,

Jan. 27, 1953 E. M. KNUDSON LIFT FOR DEEP WELL HYDRAULIC PUMPS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed 061?. 5, 1946 57 Fig; E.N.KNu0soN INVENTOR.

BY *FC 6f.

ATTOR N EYE.

Jan. 27, 1953 E. M. KNUDSON 2,626,569

LIFT FOR DEEP WELL HYDRAULIC PUMPS Filed Oct. s, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 71 E,N,KNUD6ON Fig.

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Show

Patented Jan. 27, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT orrica LIFT FOR DEEP WELL HYDRAULIC PUMPS Elmo M. Knudsen, Houston, Tex. v Application October 3, 1946, Serial No. 701,023

7 Claims. 1

The invention relates to a pump which is particularly adapted for deep wells to effect the elevation of the well liquid.

It is one of the objects 01 the invention to provide a deep well pump wherein the application and withdrawal of a pressure liquid serves to actuate a diaphragm so as to discharge and draw in a charge of well liquid.

Another object of the invention is to provide an elongated cylindrical diaphragm having an inherent resiliency which will encourage the entry of a charge of well liquid thereinto.

Another object of the invention is to elevate well liquid by the collapse of a cylindrical diaphragm due to the application of hydraulic pressure thereto.

- Another object is to provide a submersible motor and hydraulic pump in combination with a cylindrical flexible chamber to be filled by a well liquid due to the submergence thereof below the level of the well liquid.

Still another object is to provide a cylindrical pumping chamber to be collapsed by hydraulic pressure in order to expell well liquid therefrom.

Another object is to efiect a pumping action to elevate well liquid by applying a hydraulic pressure to the exterior of a cylindrical pumping member.

Still another object is to apply an actuating liquid to the exterior of a cylindrical diaphragm so as to efiect collapse thereof in elevating a well liquid and to withdraw such pressure to encourage the entrance of a charge of well liquid to be expelled by the return surge of such actuating liquid.

Another object is to provide a cylindrical diaphragm in a well pump assembly in combination with upper and lower standing valves so that the resiliency of the diaphragm will aid in the entry of a charge of well liquid due to the submergence of the pumps and by a vacuum created by the rotary pump, or both, and to thereafter discharge such sample upon the collapse of the diaphragm from an exterior liquid pressure.

Another object is to provide'for a straight line flow of well liquid through a deep well diaphragm pump.

Another object is to provide a pair of cylindrical concentric chambers in a well pump where the inner chamber has a flexible wall subject to collapse due to pressure liquid in the outer chamber.

Another object is to provide a plurality of 2 phragm pumps in a well bore to elevate the well liquid by stage pumping.

Another object is to provide a submersible switch connection for deep well pumps so as to actuate or reverse a hydraulic pump operation.

Another object is'to effect a surging action in a deep well hydraulic pump due to diflerential pressure on the inside and outside of a diaphragm construction.

Another object is to provide a control switch .i'or a deep well hydraulic surge diaphragm pump wherein the switch operation is a function of the pressure applied to the diaphragm.

Another object is to provide a control of cycle operation by a surface clock for actuating and reversing motor.

Another object is to provide a deep well diaphragm pump actuated by a body of power liquid drawn from and returned to a reservoir in the well.

Another object is to provide a flexible cylindrical diaphragm in a well tubing in combination with a housing thereabout so that upon the application of pressure to the exterior of the diaphragm, a pumping action is obtained.

A still further object is to incorporate a flexible portion in a well tubing in combination with a pair of check valves at the ends thereof, so that the collapse and expansion to the portion will effect a pumping action.

Other and further objects of the invention will be readily apparent when the'following description is considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: v

Figs. 1 and 2 when taken together show a side elevation of a well equipped with a pump assembly embodying the invention;

Fig. 3 is a broken vertical sectional view of the top of the assembly and showing the control switch;

Fig. 4 is a transverse section taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 5 is a transverse section taken on the line I 5-5 of Fig. '7;

Fig. 6 is a broken sectional view taken on the line 6--6 01 Fig. 3; and

Fig. 7 is a broken vertical sectional view which is a continuation of Fig. 3 and showing the pump ing chamber and diaphragm;

P 8. 8 is a broken vertical sectional view which is a continuation 01' Fig. 7 and showing the lower end of the pump.

Fig. 9 is a transverse section showing the structure to permit flow past the standing valve, and spaced hydraulically operable cylindrical diataken on the line 9-4 of P18. 8.

Fig. is awiring diagram of an electrical control circuit.

Fig. 11 is a broken sectional view showing a modified arrangement of electrical control due to diilerential pressure.

Figs. 1 and 2 taken together show a combination assembly for the production of the well liquid such as oil. Such an arrangement is particularly adapted for a deep well and it is to be understood that the invention may be applied to wells where there may be a plurality of pumping stages or a single pumping assembly may be positioned in the well.

In Fig. 1 the casing 2 extends into the well and has the lower pumping unit 2 supported by a tubing 4 below the packer I which is in turn positioned by a tubing I connected to the upper pumping assembly I. The upper tubing extends to the surface.

As the oil or liquid being produced ilows into the well, it will rise in the chamber l| around the lower unit 2 and in this manner form a reservoir for liquid to be pumped. The packer I closes the casing.

The discharge from the lower pumping assem- I bly 2 moves up through the tubing 4 and discharges from the outlet i2 into the upper reservoir il in the casing above the packer I which forms a barrier to prevent the down flow of liquid elevated thereabove by the unit 2. Such liquid will be drawn in by the pumping unit at 22 and elevated to the surface through the upper tubing where it is discharged to a pipe line storage or separator.

Figs. 3, 7 and 8 when taken end to end form a continuous vertical sectional view of one of the pumping units such as the unit 2 of Fig. 2. Such unit is made up of the housing ll closed by a plug N and which carries the lower end of the tubing 4 which is adjustably positioned by means of the collars i1 and [l which form a seal with the plug II. In this manner, the housing II is entirely closed and it supports the pumping mechaninn. The pumping mechanism is made up of the motor 2| and pump 2| shown in the base of the housing llatthebottomofl'isJ. 'Ihispumpisreversible, the electric motor receiving its current from the wiring circuit 2i which extends into the well through a cable 22.

Fig. 3 shows a plurality of conductors extending to the motor and these may be either three, four, five. or six in number. depending upon the size and type and operation of the motor.

Any desired type of control switch for the motormaybeusedandwillbelaterdescribed.

Thepumpasseeninligsisarrangedfor operation so as to discharge upwardly through the conduits 22 into the power liquid chamber 22. Theliquidisdrawnintothepumpthroughan opening 2| from the actuating liquid reservoir 2| inside of the housing ll.

Whenthemotorisreversedofcoursethenthe liquidiswithdrawnfromthepowerliquidchambu2|throughtheconduits22anddischarged intotheopeningflbackintothereservoirfl'. Inotherwordawhenthemotoroperateainone directiomitpurnpstheliquidintothepower liquid chamber and when reversed, it withdraws the liquid from such power liquid chamber.

Thepumpingportionoftheassemblyisbest seeninFig.7andincludesthepipeorhousing2| whiehformsthewallofthepumpchamber. This wal12|otthehomingisarrangedtosupport abarrier2|whichinturnsupportstheupper endoftheinletpipe flthroughwhichthewell liquidisdrawnintothepmnpingassembl y. 'lhe inlet opening 2| allows such entry and the check valve 2| prevents a return flow of the liquid when pressure is applied in the power liquid chamber. In order to accommodate for expansion and prevent fiuid loss. the upper end of the pipe 21 has the packing 2| thereon to form a seal inside the nipple 22.

The pumping operation is performed by the collapse and expansion of a cylindrical diaphragm 22 whose ends 22 and u are anchored in the

nipples

22 and 2| respectively. The nipple 2| is the inlet nipple to receive the flow of well liquid from the pipe 2]. It has a plurality of openings 21 therein which act more or less to prevent extruding into the chamber in nipple 2| of the diaphragm and to allow the passage of liquid into the interior chamber 2| known as the diaphragm chamber; The upper nipple 2| is of similar construction and dischargm into the outlet pipe 4| which carries a standing valve ll which is seen in the lower end of Pig. 3.

The passage 42 extends upwardly from the valvell whichjoinsintothetubingleothatthe liquid is elevated either to the surface or to the next stage of the pumping assembly such as the unit I in Fig. 1.

Particular attention is directed to the diaphragm 22. This diaphragm is cylindrical and mayhaveasubstantiallengthsothatitmaybe collapsed due to the pressure or power of actuating liquid which is forced into the power liquid chamber 22. This pressure through the barrier lsasseeninl'lgbexertedonthediaphragm causes the collapse thereof and the well liquid inside of the diaphragm is prevented from escapin downwardly by the check valve 2| so that it will be forced upwardly through and into the tubing. The control and time of the pump can beadjustedasdesiredandwillbesuchthatapredetermined pressure differential will be applied to the power liquid chamber 22 and diaphragm member across the diaphragm in order to collapse and permit expansion of the diaphragm. When the diiferential pressure of 22 over 2| builds up to the predetermined amount. the pump controlswitcheswillbeactuatedsoastoreverse the direction of the motor or to reverse the pumping operation. The liquid present in the pump chamber 2| is withdrawn upon reversal of the pmnpsoastorelievethepressurewhichcoilapsed the diaphragm from the outside. The diaphragm. beingofaresilientmaterialwillhaveaninherent resiliencywhichtendstoreturnittoitsnormal cylindriealconfigurationasseeninl lg'lsothat itwilltendtoexpand whentheprmureon the outside of the diaphragm 22 is relieved.

In view of the posifloning of the pumping unit 2belowtheheadofoilinthewellorcasing.the Pressure of such column of oil causes the oil to flowintothechamber-II. 'Ihereisthusadifferential prasure across the diaphragm 22 and this diiferential can be used to control the operation or cycle as will be later described. The controlmaybeadiustedtoevendrawavaeuumin the chamber 22 if desired.

The liquid which has been theretoiore discharged is retained in the tubing above the diaphragm by the check valve II. when sumcient timehaselapsedtoadmittheliquidtosetup thenecasarydiflerentiabthepumpisagainreversedbythe controlmechanismandtheeyclc repeated by applyins Pressure in the power liquid chamber 2|.

Thetimingcycleofthemotorcanbearranged inaecordaneewiththewellconditionssndpmnp H The anomaly is entirely en- 4 closed and the operationsis simple and emcient. One form of the control mechanism is best seen in Figs. 3 and 6 and includes the

Bourdon tubes

48 and 48, both of which are connected to a yoke contact member 41 so that any movement thereof will be due to the differential pressure existing between the two tubes; The Bourdon tubes, as is well known, are hollow curved tubes of a relative thin material which tends to straighten out when pressure is applied therein. The tube 48 is connected to a conduit or passage 88 which as seen in Fig. 3 extends downwardly through the body member 5! and into the area 52 as seen in the top of Fig. 7 which area forms the upper portion ofthe power liquid chamber 23 by virtue of the opening 58 in the top barrier 84. Thus any pressure existingin the pump chamber would be reflected by the movement of the Bourdon tube 48- so that the contact member 41 would mov into engagement with the switch 48. This switch is arranged in a'circuit 85 which extends to the surface through the conduit 22 and is connected with the motor switch in the switch box 88 on the surface. Thus when the pressure in the pump chamber builds up to a predetermined extent, in

ply current to the reactor 18.

accordance with the adjustment of the control mechanism, the motor switch will be reversed so as to reverse the pump and consequently reverse the flow of pressure liquid from the pump.

The Bourdon tube 46 is connected into a con- .duitli best seen in Figs. 3 and 6 and is shown as extending into a groove and into the outlet pipe 48. This tube will thus reflect the pressure which is present in the chamber 88 inside of the diaphragm 82. In other words, when the pump is reversed and the pressure liquid withdrawn from the pump chamber 23, the pressure in the diaphragm chamber to which this Bourdon tube is connected will be substantially reduced.

When the pressure inside of the diaphragm is reduced below the pressure caused by the column of oil in the casing outside of the pumping unit, then of course the lower standing valve 29 will open and the well pressure will move into the diaphragm chamber. It will be understood that this well pressure is substantial because of the fact that the pump unit 3, Fig. 2, is immersed below the static head of the column of oil in the casing. This pressure moving into the diaphragm chamber 38 will be reflected in the bourdon tube 48 causing a straightening thereof and the movement of the yoke contact member upwardly until it engages the switch 48. It will be remembered that the tube 45 is meanwhile contracting due to the withdrawal of the pressure liquid from the pump chamber.

It seems obvious that the adjustment of the heads on the contact yoke member 41 can be arranged so as-to obtain the reversing of the motor at the desired difierential pressure which is always below the pressure at which the diaphragm 32 would be extended beyond its elastic limit.

Fig. 11 shows a modified form of the arrangement of Fig. 6 where the

switches

48 and 49 have been dispensed with and a variable reactor I8 arranged to receive the core member H which is in turn connected at 12 to the yoke member 41. Movement of this core member will determine the control of the motor switches at the surface in the switch box 88.

A circuit for accomplishing desired control when using this form of the invention is shown schematically in Fig. 10 at I5. This circuit includes a transformer I8 at the surface through which energy is supplied to a bridge circuit 11,

Before operation begins, the variable resistor 8| must be adjusted to equal the resistance of the control circuit between the controller or switch box 58 and the reactor 18. A reactor 82 in series with the resistor 8| is manually adjusted to the proper operating point. Operation is then as follows:

The operator presses the start button 82 to energize the relay 83 which is then maintained closed by the normally open contact 84. Another normally open-contact 85 also closes to ener ize the transformer 16. When the bridge circuit 11 is in a balanced condition, no current flows through the rectifier I8 and the coil of the relay 18 of which the contacts remain normally closed. The contacts 88 are energized through the normally closed contacts 88' of the relay 1!. The forward" coil 81 of the motor starter is energized through another normally opencontact 88 and in this manner the motor 28 is energized in the forward direction.

As the conditions change in the hydraulic circuit until the

Bourdon tubes

45 and 46 move the core 1| suiilcient to unbalance the bridge circuit 1], such unbalance causes current to flow in the relay .18 whereupon its normally open contact 18' will close to energize the reverse relay indicated at 89. Relay 19 being located on the surface may be adjusted to operate at any desired differential pressure. The normally closed contact 98 will open to de-energize the

contacts

86 and 88 whereby current is supplied to the motor 28 to eiiect rotation thereof in the reverse direction.

It thus seems apparent that asthe core H is caused to move in opposite directions, the motor 28 will be energized to rotate in proper direction to effect desired sequence in operation.

The operation of the device may be terminated at any time by pressing the stop button 8|, however,. if a parts failure prevents the pump from coming to the adjusted difierential pressure, a time relay 92 is provided in the control circuit to operate the relay '84 at any time rotation of the motor in a given direction has exceeded a predetermined time interval;

Broadly the invention contemplates an automatically operating diaphragm pump for wells.

What is claimed is:

1. A deep well hydraulic pump including a. well tubing for the flow of the well liquid being produced, a normally cylindrical resilient flexible diaphragm member sealed, an inlet and an outlet valve for said member to provide a diaphragm chamber, therein, and hydraulic pump means to alternately compress and allow expansion of said diaphragm to discharge liquid from and draw into such diaphragm a charge of liquid from the well being pumped respectively, said hydraulic means including a reservoir adjacent the diaphragm member, connections to a cylinder about said diaphragm for power liquid from said reservoir, an electric motor and power liquid rotary pump in one of produced, a normally resilient flexible diaphragm member therein, an inlet valve and an outlet valve for said member to provide a pump chamber and sealed hydraulic pump means to alternately compress and allow expansion of said diaphragm to discharge liquid from and draw into such diaphragm a charge of liquid from the well being pumped respectively, said hydraulic means including a reservoir adjacent the diaphragm member, connections to a cylinder about said diaphragm for power liquid from said reservoir, an electric motor and power liquid rotary pump in one of said connections. switch means operable by the pressure of such power liquid and pressure in said pump member to alternate current to reverse said motor and pump to etl'ect the pumping of power liquid into or out of said reservoir, said switch means in turn including a pair of Bourdon tubes or bellows. a rocker yoke connected thereto, and contact members operable by said yoke.

3. In a deep well diaphragm surge pump including a submersible reversible electric motor, a reversible rotary power liquid pump, a reservoir for power liquid connected to said pump, a power cylinder connected to said pump, a diaphragm to be compressed in said cylinder by the power liquid, and inlet and outlet valves for said cylinder so as to pump well liquid upon drawing in another charge of liquid from the well below the pump, an electric switch means to reverse said motor as a function of the pressure in said power cylinder and within said diaphragm.

4. A pump for wells including a tubing, a reservoir thereon for power liquid, a normally resilient cylindrical diaphragm, a housing therefor, an electric motor and a power liquid pump connected to said reservoir and housing, said diaphragm comprising a flow passage for well liquid to said tubing, inlet and outlet check valves for said diaphragm, and switch means operable as a function of the diilerential pressure across said diaphragm to reverse said motor and pump to alternately pump power liquid into said housing to compress said diaphragm to discharge well liquid and to draw out power liquid to allow the diaphragm to expand to allow entry of well liquid.

5. A deep well pump including a submersible reversible electric motor, a reversible rotary so power liquid pump, a reservoir for power liquid connected to said pump, a power cylinder connected to said pump. a diaphragm to becompressed in said cylinder by the power liquid. inlet and outlet diaphragm valve for the well liquid so as to pump well liquid. an electric switch means to reverse saidmotor as a function of the pressure diiierential of power liquid and well liquid in diaphragm.

6. A pump for wells including a pump chamber in the well, .a tubular diaphragm therein. means to admit and allow discharge of well liquid to the inside of said diaphragm, an actuating liquid on the outside. means to cause a flow of such actuating liquid into and out of said chamber, and additional means to control said first means which additional means h operable from the top of the well and includes a switch in the pump which moves as a function of the diiferential pressure across said diaphragm.

7. A pump for wells including a pump chamber in the well, a tubular diaphragm therein, means to admit and allow discharge of well liquid to the inside of said diaphragm. an actuating liquid on the outside of said diaphragm. pump means to cause a flow of such actuating liquid into and out of said chamber. and additional means to control said first means which additional means is operable from the top of the well as a function of the diiferential pressure across said diaphragm. said control means being adjustable to maintain a minimum operating diil'erential.

ELMO M. KNUDBON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,851,666 Evans Mar. 29, 1932 2,048,491 Scott July '1, 1936 2,190,993 Kidder Apr. 16, 1940 2,404,524 Norton July 23, 1948 2,435,179 llcGovney Jan. 2'7, 1949 2,455,022 Schmidt Nov. 30, 1949 2,489,506 Schmidt Nov. 29, 1949 IORIIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 287,267 Great Britain Mar. 22, 1929