WO2024058779A1

WO2024058779A1 - Enhanced subsea production recovery using subsea jet pumps

Info

Publication number: WO2024058779A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/043593
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nikhil DAYANAND
Original assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
Priority date: 2022-09-15
Filing date: 2022-09-15
Publication date: 2024-03-21

Abstract

A system for enhancing subsea production recovery can include a subsea jet pump disposed within piping that is configured to receive a low-pressure fluid from a low-pressure subsea well, where the subsea jet pump is further configured to receive a high-pressure motive fluid from a source, where the subsea jet pump is further configured to push a mixture of the high-pressure motive fluid and the low-pressure fluid through a throat of the subsea jet pump, where the subsea jet pump is further configured to discharge the mixture at an elevated pressure relative to a pressure of the low-pressure fluid toward a production facility.

Description

ENHANCED SUBSEA PRODUCTION RECOVERY USING SUBSEA JET PUMPS

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application is related to offshore field operations and, more particularly, to systems and methods for enhancing subsea production recovery using subsea jet pumps.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In subsea field operations, one or more subassemblies or stand-alone components are placed on the sea floor for use in one or more stages (e.g., exploration, completion, production) of a field operation. In production, each well starts at a relatively high pressure. Over time, the pressure of that well declines. If the pressure of a well drops too low, the flow is not sufficient to sustain production unless an ancillary subassembly or component such as a pump can be used to support the pressure of that well. New wells are planned and installed in anticipation of this decline in established wells at different locations of the same or a different reservoir. The pressure of the new wells is usually minimally influenced by the pressure decline in the prior wells.

SUMMARY

[0003] In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a system for enhancing subsea production recovery. The system can include a subsea jet pump disposed within piping that receives a low-pressure fluid from a low-pressure subsea well, where the subsea jet pump is configured to receive a high-pressure motive fluid from a source, where the subsea jet pump is configured to facilitate a mixture of the high-pressure motive fluid and the low-pressure fluid that passes through a throat of the subsea jet pump, and where the subsea jet pump is further configured to discharge the mixture at an elevated pressure relative to a pressure of the low-pressure fluid toward a production facility.

[0004] In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for enhancing subsea production recovery. The method can include facilitating flow of a high-pressure motive fluid through piping to a subsea jet pump, where the subsea jet pump is positioned in a flow path of a low-pressure fluid from a low-pressure subsea well, where the subsea jet pump pushes a mixture of the high-pressure motive fluid and the low-pressure fluid through a throat of the subsea jet pump, where the mixture is discharged from the subsea jet pump at an elevated pressure relative to a pressure of the low- pressure fluid, and where the mixture is discharged from the subsea jet pump toward a production facility.

[0005] In yet another aspect, the disclosure relates to a subsea jumper used for subsea production recovery. The subsea jumper can include piping configured to couple to an upstream component and a downstream component of a subsea system, where the piping is configured to receive a low-pressure fluid from a low-pressure subsea well through the upstream component. The subsea jumper can also include a subsea j et pump disposed within the piping, where the subsea jet pump receives a high-pressure motive fluid from a source, where the subsea jet pump pushes a mixture of the high-pressure motive fluid and the low-pressure fluid through a throat of the subsea jet pump, where the mixture is discharged from the subsea jet pump at an elevated pressure relative to a pressure of the low-pressure fluid, and where the mixture is discharged from the subsea jet pump toward the downstream component of the subsea system.

[0006] These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope, as the example embodiments may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or positions may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.

[0008] FIG. 1 shows a subsea field system in which example embodiments can be used.

[0009] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a system for enhancing subsea production recovery using subsea jet pumps according to certain example embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a controller of the system of FIG. 2.

[0011] FIG. 4 shows a diagram of a computing system according to certain example embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a subsea jet pump according to certain example embodiments. [0013] FIG. 6 shows a subsea jumper that includes a subsea jet pump according to certain example embodiments.

[0014] FIGS. 7A and 7B show another subsea jumper that includes a subsea jet pump according to certain example embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 8 shows a subsystem using the subsea jumper of FIG. 6 according to certain example embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 9 shows another subsystem using the subsea jumper of FIG. 6 according to certain example embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 10 shows a subsystem based on the configuration of the system of FIG. 2 for enhancing subsea production recovery using subsea jet pumps according to certain example embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 11 shows another subsystem based on the configuration of the system of FIG. 2 for enhancing subsea production recovery using subsea jet pumps according to certain example embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a method for enhancing subsea production recovery using subsea jet pumps according to certain example embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The example embodiments discussed herein are directed to systems and methods for enhancing subsea production recovery using subsea jet pumps. Subsea field operations can involve drilling, completing, transporting, and/or producing a subterranean resource that is extracted from a subterranean formation. Examples of a subterranean resource can include, but are not limited to, natural gas, oil, and water. A subsea field operation can last for any duration of time (e.g., one month, one year, five years, one decade) and can be continuous or have multiple interruptions or pauses. Example embodiments of systems and methods for enhancing subsea production recovery using subsea jet pumps can be rated for use in hazardous environments. The systems (including portions thereof) with which example embodiments can be used are located, at least in part, under water (e.g., a sea, an ocean, a lake), also called subsea herein.

[0021] Example embodiments used for enhancing subsea production recovery using subsea jet pumps include multiple components, where a component can be made from a single piece (as from a cast, a mold, from a 3D printing process, or an extrusion). When a component (or portion thereof) of an example embodiment is made from a single piece, the single piece can be cut out, bent, stamped, and/or otherwise shaped to create certain features, elements, or other portions of the component. Alternatively, a component (or portion thereof) of an example embodiment can be made from multiple pieces that are mechanically coupled to each other. In such a case, the multiple pieces can be mechanically coupled to each other using one or more of a number of coupling methods, including but not limited to adhesives, welding, fastening devices (e.g., bolts), compression fittings, mating threads, and slotted fittings. One or more pieces that are mechanically coupled to each other can be coupled to each other in one or more of a number of ways, including but not limited to fixedly, hingedly, rotatably, removably, slidably, and threadably.

[0022] Components and/or features described herein can include elements that are described as coupling, fastening, securing, or other similar terms. Such terms are merely meant to distinguish various elements and/or features within a component or device and are not meant to limit the capability or function of that particular element and/or feature. For example, a feature described as a “coupling feature” can couple, secure, abut against, fasten, and/or perform other functions aside from merely coupling. In addition, each component and/or feature described herein (including each component of an example system for enhancing subsea production recovery using subsea jet pumps) can be made of one or more of a number of suitable materials, including but not limited to metal (e.g., stainless steel), ceramic, rubber, glass, and plastic.

[0023] When used in certain systems (e.g., for certain subsea field operations), example embodiments can be designed to help such systems comply with certain standards and/or requirements. Examples of entities that set such standards and/or requirements can include, but are not limited to, the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the American Petroleum Institute (API), the International Standards Organization (ISO), the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Also, as discussed above, example systems for evaluating securing systems for floating structures using virtual sensors can be used in hazardous environments, and so example systems for enhancing subsea production recovery using subsea jet pumps can be designed to comply with industry standards that apply to hazardous environments.

[0024] If a component of a figure is described but not expressly shown or labeled in that figure, the label used for a corresponding component in another figure can be inferred to that component. Conversely, if a component in a figure is labeled but is not described, the description for such component can be substantially the same as the description for the corresponding component in another figure. The numbering scheme for the various components in the figures herein is such that each component is a three-digit number or a four-digit number, and corresponding components in other figures have the identical last two digits. For any figure shown and described herein, one or more of the components may be omitted, added, repeated, and/or substituted. Accordingly, embodiments shown in a particular figure should not be considered limited to the specific arrangements of components shown in such figure.

[0025] Further, a statement that a particular embodiment (e.g., as shown in a figure herein) does not have a particular feature or component does not mean, unless expressly stated, that such embodiment is not capable of having such feature or component. For example, for purposes of present or future claims herein, a feature or component that is described as not being included in an example embodiment shown in one or more particular drawings can be capable of being included in one or more claims that correspond to such one or more particular drawings herein.

[0026] Example embodiments of systems for enhancing subsea production recovery using subsea jet pumps will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of systems for enhancing subsea production recovery using subsea jet pumps are shown. Enhancing subsea production recovery using subsea jet pumps may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of systems for enhancing subsea production recovery using subsea jet pumps to those of ordinary skill in the art. Like, but not necessarily the same, elements (also sometimes called components) in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.

[0027] Terms such as “first”, “second”, “above”, “below”, “inner”, “outer”, “distal”, “proximal”, “end”, “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “side”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, and “within”, when present, are used merely to distinguish one component (or part of a component or state of a component) from another. This list of terms is not exclusive. Such terms are not meant to denote a preference or a particular orientation, and they are not meant to limit embodiments of systems for enhancing subsea production recovery using subsea jet pumps. In the following detailed description of the example embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a subsea field system 199 in which example embodiments can be used. The system 199 in this case includes a floating structure 103 in the form of a semi-submersible platform that floats in a large and deep body of water 194. Part (e.g., the topsides 107) of the floating structure 103 is above the water line 193, and at least part (e.g., part of the hull 101) of the rest of the floating structure 103 is in the water 194 below the water line 193. The floating structure 103 in this case is used for subterranean field operations (also called subsea field operations herein), in which exploration and production phases (also called stages) of the subsea field operation are executed to extract one or more subterranean resources 111 (e.g., oil, natural gas, water, hydrogen gas) from and/or inject resources (e.g., carbon monoxide) into the subterranean formation 110 via a wellbore 120.

[0029] In alternative embodiments, as when a subsea operation is close to land, the structure 103 can be land-based rather than floating. Further, in some cases, a field operation involves multiple wellbores 120 that originate from the same proximate location (sometimes called a pad) on the seabed 102. In such cases, the wellbores 120 are drilled and completed one at a time, which means that with all else being equal among the wellbores 120, the oldest wellbore 120 on production has a lower pressure compared to the pressure of the newest wellbore 120 on production. Also, in such cases, there can be one subsea Christmas tree 140 for each wellbore 120. [0030] To extract a subterranean resource 111 from a wellbore 120 on production, a subsea Christmas tree 140 is disposed toward the top of the wellbore 120 at the seabed 102. Piping 188 transfers the subterranean resource 111 from the subsea Christmas tree 140 to a subsea jet pump 170 that is located in the water 194. The subsea jet pump 170 can be a standalone component of the system 199. Alternatively, the subsea jet pump 170 can be part of another component and/or subsystem (e.g., integrated with a manifold, part of a subsea jumper). In alternative embodiments, the system 199 can include multiple subsea jet pumps 170, which can be arranged in series and/or in parallel with each other.

[0031] Additional piping 188 transfers the subterranean resource 111 from the subsea jet pump 170 to one or more subsea pipelines 148. There can be one or more of a number of components and/or systems (e.g., a subsea electrical pump, a subsea compressor, a subsea process cooler) positioned between a subsea Christmas tree 140 and the subsea pipelines 148 to assist in extracting the subterranean resource 111. There can be one or more communication links 105 and/or power transfer links 187 between one or more of the subsea components (e.g., the subsea Christmas tree 140, a subsea manifold, the subsea jet pump 170, one or more of the subsea pipelines 148) and one or more components (e.g., a generator, a controller, a compressor) disposed on the topsides 107 of the floating structure 103 (or land-based structure 103, as the case may be).

[0032] The subsea Christmas tree 140 is a stack of vertical and horizontal valves, spools, pressure gauges, chokes, and/or other components installed as an assembly on a subsea wellhead. The subsea Christmas tree 140 is configured to provide a controllable interface between the wellbore 120 and production facilities (e.g., via the subsea pipeline 148). The various valves of the subsea Christmas tree 140 can be used for such purposes as testing, servicing, regulating, and/or choking the stream of produced subterranean resources 111 coming up from the wellbore 120.

[0033] The subsea jet pump 170 is a component that is configured to receive a high-pressure motive fluid through a nozzle, simultaneously receive a low-pressure fluid (e.g., a subterranean resource 111 from a wellbore 120 that has been in production for a relatively long time), send a mixture of the two fluids through a throat, and then diffuse and discharge the mixture. The pressure of the mixture is higher than the pressure of the low-pressure fluid. In this way, the subsea jet pump 170 provides for a boost in pressure of the low-pressure fluid without having to expend significant energy to do so. An example of the various components of a subsea jet pump 170 are discussed below with respect to FIG. 5.

[0034] Each subsea pipeline 148 (also sometimes called a submarine pipeline 148) is a series of pipes, coupled end to end, that is laid at or near to the seabed 102. A subsea pipeline 148 moves the subterranean resource 111 from the area of the wellbore 120 to some other location, typically for a midstream process (e.g., oil refining, natural gas processing). The piping 188, also located subsea, can include multiple pipes, ducts, elbows, joints, sleeves, collars, and similar components that are coupled to each other (e.g., using coupling features such as mating threads) to establish a network for transporting the subterranean resource 111 from the subsea Christmas tree 140, through the subsea jet pump 170, to one or more of the subsea pipelines 148. While not shown in FIG. 1, in alternative embodiments of the system 199, piping 188 can run from the floating structure 103 to one or more components (e.g., the subsea jet pump 170) Each component of the piping 188 can have an appropriate size (e.g., inner diameter, outer diameter) and be made of an appropriate material (e.g., steel) to safely and efficiently handle the pressure, temperature, flow rate, and other characteristics of the subterranean resource 111 at the depth in the water 194.

[0035] Each communication link 105 can include wired (e.g., Class 1 electrical cables, electrical connectors, Power Line Carrier, RS485) and/or wireless (e.g., sound or pressure waves in the water 194, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, visible light communication, cellular networking, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ultrawide band (UWB), WirelessHART, ISA100) technology. A communication link 105 can transmit signals (e.g., communication signals, control signals, data) from one component (e.g., a controller) of the system 199 to another (e.g., a valve on the subsea Christmas tree 140).

[0036] Each power transfer link 187 can include one or more electrical conductors, which can be individual or part of one or more electrical cables. In some cases, as with inductive power, power can be transferred wirelessly using power transfer links 187. A power transfer link 187 can transmit power from one component (e.g., a battery, a generator) of the system 199 to another (e.g., a motor on a subsea manifold). Each power transfer link 187 can be sized (e.g., 12 gauge, 18 gauge, 4 gauge) in a manner suitable for the amount (e.g., 480V, 24V, 120V) and type (e.g., alternating current, direct current) of power transferred therethrough. In this case, the communication links 105 and the power transfer links 187 are in the form of electrical cables.

[0037] In some cases, as when a wellbore 120 is at the beginning of the development stage, the subterranean resource 111 is extracted from the subterranean formation 110 through the wellbore 120 at a relatively high pressure. Over time, the pressure of the subterranean resource 111 becomes less, which makes extracting and/or transporting the subterranean resource 111 to a production facility difficult to accomplish without expending additional resources (e.g., electrical pumps), and the energy and costs associated with those additional resources, to continue producing the subterranean resource 111 from the wellbore 120.

[0038] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a system 200 for enhancing subsea production recovery using subsea jet pumps according to certain example embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the system 200 of FIG. 2 includes one or more low-pressure subsea wells 239, one or more subsea Christmas trees 240, a subsea jet pump 270, one or more high-pressure motive fluid sources 243, one or more subsea pipelines 248, one or more controllers 204, one or more sensor devices 260, one or more users 251 (including one or more optional user systems 255), a network manager 280, piping 288, and multiple valves. The subsea Christmas trees 240, the subsea jet pump 270, the one or more subsea pipelines 248, and the piping 288 can be substantially the same as the subsea Christmas tree 140, the subsea jet pump 170, the one or more subsea pipelines 148, and the piping 188 discussed above with respect to FIG. 1.

[0039] The components shown in FIG. 2 are not exhaustive, and in some embodiments, one or more of the components shown in FIG. 2 may not be included in the example system 200. Any component of the system 200 can be discrete or combined with one or more other components of the system 200. Also, one or more components of the system 200 can have different configurations. For example, one or more sensor devices 260 can be disposed above the water line 293 rather than all being submerged in the water 294. As yet another example, one or more sensor devices 260 can be used to measure one or more parameters associated with a subsea pipeline 248 and/or one or more Christmas trees 240. As still another example, a controller 204, rather than being a stand-alone device, can be part of one or more other components (e.g., the subsea jet pump 270, a subsea manifold, a subsea Christmas tree 240) of the system 200.

[0040] In some cases, the users 251 (including the associated user systems 255), the controllers 204, and the network manager 280 can be located on the topsides (e.g., topsides 107) of a floating structure (e.g., floating structure 103) or a land-based structure (e.g., land-based structure 103). In addition, or in the alternative, one or more users 251 (including any associated user system 255), one or more controllers 204, and/or the network manager 280 can be located elsewhere (e.g., on land, in the water 294).

[0041] A user 251 can be any person that interacts, directly or indirectly, with a controller 204 and/or any other component of the system 200. Examples of a user 251 may include, but are not limited to, a business owner, an engineer, a company representative, a geologist, a consultant, a contractor, and a manufacturer’s representative. A user 251 can use one or more user systems 255, which may include a display (e.g., a GUI). A user system 255 of a user 251 can interact with (e.g., send data to, obtain data from) the controller 204 via an application interface and using the communication links 205, which are substantially the same as the communication links 105 discussed above with respect to FIG. 1. The user 251 can also interact directly with the controller 204 through a user interface (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touchscreen).

[0042] A user system 255 of a user 251 interacts with (e.g., sends data to, receives data from) the controller 204 via an application interface (discussed below with respect to FIG. 3). Examples of a user system 255 can include, but are not limited to, a cell phone with an app, a laptop computer, a handheld device, a smart watch, a desktop computer, and an electronic tablet. In some cases, a user 251 (including an associated user system 255) can also interact with a network manager 280 and/or one or more of the sensor devices 260 in the system 200 using one or more communication links 205.

[0043] The network manager 280 is a device or component that controls all or a portion (e.g., a communication network, the controller 204) of the system 200. The network manager 280 can be substantially similar to the controller 204, discussed below. For example, the network manager 280 can include a controller that has one or more components and/or similar functionality to some or all of the controller 204. Alternatively, the network manager 280 can include one or more of a number of features in addition to, or altered from, the features of the controller 204. As described herein, control and/or communication with the network manager 280 can include communicating with one or more other components of the same system 200 or another system. In such a case, the network manager 280 can facilitate such control and/or communication. The network manager 280 can be called by other names, including but not limited to a master controller, a network controller, and an enterprise manager. The network manager 280 can be considered a type of computer device, as discussed below with respect to FIG. 4.

[0044] The system 200 can include one or more controllers 204. A controller 204 of the system 200 communicates with and in some cases controls one or more of the other components (e.g., a sensor device 260, an operator for a valve, the subsea jet pump 270, a high-pressure motive fluid source 243) of the system 200. A controller 204 performs a number of functions that include obtaining and sending data, evaluating data, following protocols, running algorithms, and sending commands. A controller 204 can include one or more of a number of components. As discussed below with respect to FIG. 3, such components of a controller 204 can include, but are not limited to, a control engine, a communication module, a timer, a counter, a power module, a storage repository, a hardware processor, memory, a transceiver, an application interface, and a security module. When there are multiple controllers 204 (e.g., one controller 204 for a high-pressure motive fluid source 243, another controller 204 for the subsea jet pump 270, yet another controller 204 for each subsea Christmas tree 240), each controller 204 can operate independently of each other. Alternatively, one or more of the controllers 204 can work cooperatively with each other. As yet another alternative, one of the controllers 204 can control some or all of one or more other controllers 204 in the system 200. Each controller 204 can be considered a type of computer device, as discussed below with respect to FIG. 4.

[0045] Each sensor device 260 includes one or more sensors that measure one or more parameters (e.g., pressure, flow rate, temperature, humidity, fluid content, voltage, current, chemical elements in a fluid, chemical elements in a solid). Examples of a sensor of a sensor device 260 can include, but are not limited to, a temperature sensor, a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, a gas spectrometer, a voltmeter, an ammeter, a permeability meter, a porosimeter, and a camera. A sensor device 260 can be integrated with or measure a parameter associated with one or more components of the system 200. For example, a sensor device 260 can be configured to measure a parameter (e.g., flow rate, pressure, temperature) of a subterranean resource (e.g., subterranean resource 111) received by a Christmas tree 240.

[0046] As another example, a sensor device 260 can be configured to determine how open or closed a valve within the system 200 is. In some cases, a number of sensor devices 260, each measuring a different parameter, can be used in combination to determine and confirm whether a controller 204 should take a particular action (e.g., operate a valve, operate or adjust the operation of a high-pressure motive fluid source 243). When a sensor device 260 includes its own controller (e.g., controller 204), or portions thereof, then the sensor device 260 can be considered a type of computer device, as discussed below with respect to FIG. 4.

[0047] The system 200 can include one or more high-pressure motive fluid sources 243. A high-pressure motive fluid source 243 can be located in the water 294. Alternatively, a high- pressure motive fluid source 243 can be located above the water line 293 (e.g., on the topsides 107 of a floating structure 103). A high-pressure motive fluid source 243 can include one or more of a number of various pieces of equipment. Such equipment can include, but are not limited to, a pump, a motor, a compressor, a shaft, a gear, an adjustable speed drive, a housing, piping 288, a sensor device 260, and a controller 204. In alternative embodiments, a high-pressure motive fluid source 243 has no dedicated equipment, as when a high-pressure motive fluid source 243 is a subterranean resource (e.g., subterranean resource 111) produced from a high-pressure wellbore (e.g., wellbore 120) in the system 200.

[0048] A high-pressure motive fluid source 243 is configured to output a high-pressure motive fluid 236, which is a high-pressure fluid used to produce or enhance flow of another (in this case, a low-pressure fluid 237, discussed below) fluid. A high-pressure motive fluid 236 can be or include a subterranean resource (e.g., subterranean resource 111), including but not limited to oil or natural gas. A high-pressure motive fluid 236 can be in liquid form and/or gaseous form. The pressure of a high-pressure motive fluid 236 can be higher than the pressure of a low-pressure fluid 237. The contents of a high-pressure motive fluid 236 can be safely combined with the contents of a low-pressure fluid 237.

[0049] The pressure value of the high-pressure motive fluid 236 flowing through some point (e.g., leaving a high-pressure subsea well, entering the subsea jet pump 270) in the system 200 can be a parameter measured by a sensor device 260. A controller 204 in communication (using communication links 205) with the sensor device 260 can receive and interpret the measured pressure value of the high-pressure motive fluid 236. In this way, a controller 204 can identify the pressure of the high-pressure motive fluid 236 and determine whether the pressure is sufficient enough to boost a resulting mixture with a low-pressure fluid 237 expelled by a subsea jet pump 270.

[0050] The high-pressure motive fluid 236 can follow a flow path 261 through the piping 288 to the subsea jet pump 270. The flow path 261 can be established by operating (e.g., closing, opening) one or more valves (e.g., in a Christmas tree (e.g., a Christmas tree 240), in a subsea manifold) so that the flow path 261 is the only route in the piping 288 through which the high- pressure motive fluid 236 can flow from the high-pressure motive fluid source 243 to the subsea jet pump 270. A low-pressure subsea well 239 has extracted therefrom a low-pressure fluid 237 (e.g., a subterranean resource 111). A low-pressure fluid 237 has a pressure, when reaching the piping 288 to the subsea jet pump 270, that can be too low to produce in large quantities and/or for an extended period of time into the future. The pressure of a low-pressure fluid 237 can be high enough to flow through the piping 288 to a Christmas tree 240 and on to the subsea jet pump 270 with little or no assistance, as from a subsea electrical pump. At times, the pressure of a low- pressure fluid 237 is deficient and needs to receive additional assistance (e.g., as from a subsea jet pump 270) in order to flow through the piping 288 to reach the subsea pipelines 248. Without this additional assistance, the low-pressure fluid 237 from a low-pressure subsea well 239 cannot be recovered and produced on a sustained basis.

[0051] The pressure value of the low-pressure fluid 237 flowing through some point (e.g., entering the subsea Christmas tree 240, entering the subsea jet pump 270) in the system 200 can be a parameter measured by a sensor device 260. A controller 204 in communication (using communication links 205) with the sensor device 260 can receive and interpret the measured pressure value of the low-pressure fluid 237. In this way, a controller 204 can identify the pressure of the low-pressure fluid 237 and determine whether a resulting mixture of the low-pressure fluid 237 and a high-pressure motive fluid 236, expelled by a subsea jet pump 270, has sufficient pressure to reach production facilities through the subsea pipelines 248.

[0052] The low pressure of a low-pressure fluid 237 can result from one or more of a number of processes. For example, the low pressure of a low-pressure fluid 237 can be naturally-occurring from the subterranean formation (e.g., subterranean formation 110) that a low-pressure subsea well 239 traverses. Specifically, a low-pressure subsea well 239 can initially be a high-pressure subsea well when the well begins production. Over time, as more of the subterranean resource is produced from the well, the pressure of the well naturally drops.

[0053] When the pressure drops (e.g., as measured by a sensor device 260 and determined by a controller 204) to below a threshold amount out of the well, a subsea jet pump 270 can be inserted into the flow path of the low-pressure fluid 237 in order to prolong production of the low-pressure fluid 237 from the low-pressure subsea well 239 by boosting the pressure of the low-pressure fluid 237. To accomplish this, the low-pressure fluid 237 can follow a flow path 263 through the piping 288 in a Christmas tree 240 to the subsea jet pump 270. The flow path 263 can be established by operating (e.g., closing, opening) one or more valves (e.g., in the Christmas tree 240, in a subsea manifold) so that the flow path 263 is the only route in the piping 288 through which the low- pressure fluid 237 can flow from the subsea Christmas tree 240 to the subsea jet pump 270.

[0054] As discussed above, the low-pressure fluid 237 and the high-pressure motive fluid 236 are mixed within the subsea jet pump 270. The resulting mixture 238 flows along the flow path 262 from the subsea jet pump 270 through piping 288 to the subsea pipelines 248. Flow path 262 can be established (e.g., manually by a user 251, automatically by a controller 204) by configuring (e.g., closing, opening) one or more valves integrated with the piping 288 between the subsea jet pump 270 and the subsea pipelines 248.

[0055] There can be one or more reservoirs within the subterranean formation (e.g., subterranean formation 110), where each reservoir includes one or more subterranean resources (e.g., subterranean resources 111). To the extent that a high-pressure motive fluid 236 is extracted from the subterranean formation, the high-pressure motive fluids 236 and the low-pressure fluids 237 that are extracted through high-pressure subsea wells and the low-pressure subsea wells 239, respectively, may or may not be part of the same connected reservoir.

[0056] In certain example embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B below, a subsea jet pump 270 can be isolated from the rest of the system 200 and/or bypassed while a field operation (or stage thereof) remains ongoing, without being interrupted. In such a case, one or more valves (e.g., valves 785 discussed below) can be integrated with the piping 288 leading to, leading from, and/or bypassing a subsea jet pump 270 in order to accomplish these adjustments to the utilization of the subsea jet pump 270 in real time. Each of these valves can be operated manually (e.g., by a user 251) or remotely (e.g., using a controller 204).

[0057] In addition, or in the alternative, a subsea jet pump 270 can be inserted into and/or removed from the piping 288 using one or more disconnects 267. Each disconnect 267 is designed to allow for the associated piping 288 to be sealed (closed) when a subsea jet pump 270 is removed from the system 200 and open when a subsea jet pump 270 is connected to the system 200. A disconnect 267 can be operated manually (e.g., by a user 251) or remotely (e.g., using a controller 204). Such disconnects 267 can be used in conjunction with, or independently of, one or more of the valves. If a subsea jet pump 270 is removed (e.g., as when the pressure of a high-pressure motive fluid 236 from a high-pressure motive fluid source 243 is no longer sufficient to boost the pressure of a low-pressure fluid 237), flow path 261 and flow path 262 can be combined into a single flow path.

[0058] Communication between the network manager 280, the users 251 (including any associated user systems 255), the controllers 204, the subsea Christmas trees 240, the subsea jet pump 270, the sensor devices 260, the subsea pipelines 248, the high-pressure motive fluid sources 243, and any other components of the system 200 can be facilitated using the communication links 205. Similarly, the transfer of power between any two components (e.g., a subsea manifold and a high-pressure motive fluid source 243, a power generator on the topsides (e.g., topsides 107) of a floating structure (e.g., floating structure 103) or a land-based structure (e.g., land-based structure 103) and a controller 204) can be facilitated using power transfer links 287, which are substantially the same as the power transfer links 187 discussed above with respect to FIG. 1.

[0059] FIG. 3 shows a system diagram of a controller 204 of the system 200 of FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, the controller 204 of FIG. 3 can include multiple components. In this case, the controller 204 of FIG. 3 includes a control engine 306, a communication module 307, a timer 335, a power module 330, a storage repository 331, a hardware processor 321, a memory 322, a transceiver 324, an application interface 326, and, optionally, a security module 323. The controller 204 (or components thereof) can be located at or near the various components of the system 200. In addition, or in the alternative, the controller 204 (or components thereof) can be located remotely from (e.g., in the cloud, at an office building) the various components of a system. [0060] The storage repository 331 can be a persistent storage device (or set of devices) that stores software and data used to assist the controller 204 in communicating with one or more other components of a system, such as the users 251 (including associated user systems 255), the subsea Christmas trees 240, the subsea jet pump 270, the high-pressure motive fluid sources 243, the subsea pipelines 248, the network manager 280, and the sensor devices 260 of the system 200 of FIG. 2. In one or more example embodiments, the storage repository 331 stores one or more protocols 332, algorithms 333, and stored data 334.

[0061] The protocols 332 of the storage repository 331 can be any procedures (e.g., a series of method steps) and/or other similar operational processes that the control engine 306 of the controller 204 follows based on certain conditions at a point in time. The protocols 332 can include any of a number of communication protocols that are used to send and/or obtain data between the controller 204 and other components of the system 200. Such protocols 332 used for communication can be a time-synchronized protocol. Examples of such time-synchronized protocols can include, but are not limited to, a highway addressable remote transducer (HART) protocol, a wirelessHART protocol, and an International Society of Automation (ISA) 100 protocol. In this way, one or more of the protocols 332 can provide a layer of security to the data transferred within the system 200. Other protocols 332 used for communication can be associated with the use of Wi-Fi, Zigbee, visible light communication (VLC), cellular networking, BLE, UWB, and Bluetooth.

[0062] The algorithms 333 can be any formulas, mathematical models, forecasts, simulations, and/or other similar tools that the control engine 306 of the controller 204 uses to reach a computational conclusion. For example, one or more algorithms 333 can be used, in conjunction with one or more protocols 332, to assist the controller 204 to determine when to start, adjust, and/or stop the operation of equipment at a high-pressure motive fluid source 243 to direct a high- pressure motive fluid 236 toward the subsea jet pump 270 (or portion thereof), equipment at a Christmas tree 240 to direct low-pressure fluid 237 toward the subsea jet pump 270 (or portion thereof), and/or any other subsea component (or portion thereof) of the system 200. As another example, one or more algorithms 333 can be used, in conjunction with one or more protocols 332, to assist the controller 204 to receive measurements made by one or more sensor devices 260 and use those measurements to assess the system 200 (or components thereof) in real time.

[0063] Stored data 334 can be any data associated with a field (e.g., the subterranean formation 110, the subterranean resource 111, the wellbore 120), other fields (e.g., other wellbores and subterranean formations), the other components (e.g., the user systems 255, the high-pressure motive fluid source 243, the subsea jet pump 270), including associated equipment (e.g., motors, pumps, compressors), of the system 200, measurements made by the sensor devices 260, threshold values, tables, results of previously run or calculated algorithms 333, updates to protocols 332, user preferences, and/or any other suitable data. Such data can be any type of data, including but not limited to historical data, present data, and future data (e.g., forecasts). The stored data 334 can be associated with some measurement of time derived, for example, from the timer 335.

[0064] Examples of a storage repository 331 can include, but are not limited to, a database (or a number of databases), a file system, cloud-based storage, a hard drive, flash memory, some other form of solid-state data storage, or any suitable combination thereof. The storage repository 331 can be located on multiple physical machines, each storing all or a portion of the communication protocols 332, the algorithms 333, and/or the stored data 334 according to some example embodiments. Each storage unit or device can be physically located in the same or in a different geographic location.

[0065] The storage repository 331 can be operatively connected to the control engine 306. In one or more example embodiments, the control engine 306 includes functionality to communicate with the users 251 (including associated user systems 255), the sensor devices 260, the network manager 280, and the other components in the system 200. More specifically, the control engine 306 sends information to and/or obtains information from the storage repository 331 in order to communicate with the users 251 (including associated user systems 255), the sensor devices 260, the network manager 280, and the other components of the system 200. As discussed below, the storage repository 331 can also be operatively connected to the communication module 307 in certain example embodiments.

[0066] In certain example embodiments, the control engine 306 of the controller 204 controls the operation of one or more components (e.g., the communication module 307, the timer 335, the transceiver 324) of the controller 204. For example, the control engine 306 can activate the communication module 307 when the communication module 307 is in “sleep” mode and when the communication module 307 is needed to send data obtained from another component (e.g., a sensor device 260) in the system 200. In addition, the control engine 306 of the controller 204 can control the operation of one or more other components (e.g., a subsea jet pump 270, a high-pressure motive fluid source 243), or portions thereof, of the system 200.

[0067] The control engine 306 of the controller 204 can communicate with one or more other components of the system 200. For example, the control engine 306 can use one or more protocols 332 to facilitate communication with the sensor devices 260 to obtain data (e.g., measurements of various parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate), whether in real time or on a periodic basis and/or to instruct a sensor device 260 to take a measurement. The control engine 306 can use measurements of parameters taken by sensor devices 260 during a stage of a field operation, as well as one or more protocols 332 and/or algorithms 333, to determine whether the operation of the subsea jet pump 270 (or portion thereof), a high-pressure motive fluid source 243 (or portion thereof), and/or any other subsea component (or portion thereof) of the system 200 needs to be started, stopped, or adjusted. Such a determination can be made in real time or on a periodic (e.g., every 30 seconds) basis.

[0068] The control engine 306 can generate and process data associated with control, communication, and/or other signals sent to and obtained from the users 251 (including associated user systems 255), the sensor devices 260, the network manager 280, and the other components of the system 200. In certain embodiments, the control engine 306 of the controller 204 can communicate with one or more components of a system external to the system 200. For example, the control engine 306 can interact with an inventory management system by ordering replacements for components or pieces of equipment (e.g., a sensor device 260, a valve, a motor, the subsea jet pump 270) within the system 200 that has failed or is failing. As another example, the control engine 306 can interact with a contractor or workforce scheduling system by arranging for the labor needed to replace a component or piece of equipment in the system 200. In this way and in other ways, the controller 204 is capable of performing a number of functions beyond what could reasonably be considered a routine task.

[0069] In certain example embodiments, the control engine 306 can include an interface that enables the control engine 306 to communicate with the sensor devices 260, the user systems 255, the network manager 280, and the other components of the system 200. For example, if a user system 255 operates under IEC Standard 62386, then the user system 255 can have a serial communication interface that will transfer data to the controller 204. Such an interface can operate in conjunction with, or independently of, the protocols 332 used to communicate between the controller 204 and the users 251 (including corresponding user systems 255), the sensor devices 260, the network manager 280, and the other components of the system 200.

[0070] The control engine 306 (or other components of the controller 204) can also include one or more hardware components and/or software elements to perform its functions. Such components can include, but are not limited to, a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), a direct-attached capacity (DAC) storage device, an analog-to-digital converter, an inter-integrated circuit (I2C), and a pulse width modulator (PWM). [0071] The communication module 307 of the controller 204 determines and implements the communication protocol (e.g., from the protocols 332 of the storage repository 331) that is used when the control engine 306 communicates with (e.g., sends signals to, obtains signals from) the user systems 255, the sensor devices 260, the network manager 280, and the other components of the system 200. In some cases, the communication module 307 accesses the stored data 334 to determine which communication protocol is used to communicate with another component of the system 200. In addition, the communication module 307 can identify and/or interpret the communication protocol of a communication obtained by the controller 204 so that the control engine 306 can interpret the communication. The communication module 307 can also provide one or more of a number of other services with respect to data sent from and obtained by the controller 204. Such services can include, but are not limited to, data packet routing information and procedures to follow in the event of data interruption.

[0072] The timer 335 of the controller 204 can track clock time, intervals of time, an amount of time, and/or any other measure of time. The timer 335 can also count the number of occurrences of an event, whether with or without respect to time. Alternatively, the control engine 306 can perform a counting function. The timer 335 is able to track multiple time measurements and/or count multiple occurrences concurrently. The timer 335 can track time periods based on an instruction obtained from the control engine 306, based on an instruction obtained from a user 251, based on an instruction programmed in the software for the controller 204, based on some other condition (e.g., the occurrence of an event) or from some other component, or from any combination thereof. In certain example embodiments, the timer 335 can provide a time stamp for each packet of data obtained from another component (e.g., a sensor device 260) of the system 200.

[0073] The power module 330 of the controller 204 obtains power from a power supply (e.g., AC mains) and manipulates (e.g., transforms, rectifies, inverts) that power to provide the manipulated power to one or more other components (e.g., the timer 335, the control engine 306) of the controller 204, where the manipulated power is of a type (e.g., alternating current, direct current) and level (e.g., 12V, 24V, 120V) that can be used by the other components of the controller 204. In some cases, the power module 330 can also provide power to one or more of the sensor devices 260.

[0074] The power module 330 can include one or more of a number of single or multiple discrete components (e.g., transistor, diode, resistor, transformer) and/or a microprocessor. The power module 330 may include a printed circuit board, upon which the microprocessor and/or one or more discrete components are positioned. In addition, or in the alternative, the power module 330 can be a source of power in itself to provide signals to the other components of the controller 204. For example, the power module 330 can be or include an energy storage device (e.g., a battery). As another example, the power module 330 can be or include a localized photovoltaic power system.

[0075] The hardware processor 321 of the controller 204 executes software, algorithms (e.g., algorithms 333), and firmware in accordance with one or more example embodiments. Specifically, the hardware processor 321 can execute software on the control engine 306 or any other portion of the controller 204, as well as software used by the users 251 (including associated user systems 255), the network manager 280, and/or other components of the system 200. The hardware processor 321 can be an integrated circuit, a central processing unit, a multi-core processing chip, SoC, a multi -chip module including multiple multi-core processing chips, or other hardware processor in one or more example embodiments. The hardware processor 321 can be known by other names, including but not limited to a computer processor, a microprocessor, and a multi -core processor.

[0076] In one or more example embodiments, the hardware processor 321 executes software instructions stored in memory 322. The memory 322 includes one or more cache memories, main memory, and/or any other suitable type of memory. The memory 322 can include volatile and/or non-volatile memory. The memory 322 can be discretely located within the controller 204 relative to the hardware processor 321. In certain configurations, the memory 322 can be integrated with the hardware processor 321.

[0077] In certain example embodiments, the controller 204 does not include a hardware processor 321. In such a case, the controller 204 can include, as an example, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), one or more insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), and/or one or more integrated circuits (ICs). Using FPGAs, IGBTs, ICs, and/or other similar devices known in the art allows the controller 204 (or portions thereof) to be programmable and function according to certain logic rules and thresholds without the use of a hardware processor. Alternatively, FPGAs, IGBTs, ICs, and/or similar devices can be used in conjunction with one or more hardware processors 321.

[0078] The transceiver 324 of the controller 204 can send and/or obtain control and/or communication signals. Specifically, the transceiver 324 can be used to transfer data between the controller 204 and the users 251 (including associated user systems 255), the sensor devices 260, the network manager 280, and the other components of the system 200. The transceiver 324 can use wired and/or wireless technology. The transceiver 324 can be configured in such a way that the control and/or communication signals sent and/or obtained by the transceiver 324 can be obtained and/or sent by another transceiver that is part of a user system 255, a sensor device 260, the network manager 280, and/or another component of the system 200. The transceiver 324 can send and/or obtain any of a number of signal types, including but not limited to radio frequency signals and sound waves.

[0079] When the transceiver 324 uses wireless technology, any type of wireless technology can be used by the transceiver 324 in sending and obtaining signals. Such wireless technology can include, but is not limited to, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, VLC, cellular networking, BLE, UWB, and Bluetooth. The transceiver 324 can use one or more of any number of suitable communication protocols (e.g., IS Al 00, HART) when sending and/or obtaining signals.

[0080] Optionally, in one or more example embodiments, the security module 323 secures interactions between the controller 204, the users 251 (including associated user systems 255), the sensor devices 260, the network manager 280, and the other components of the system 200. More specifically, the security module 323 authenticates communication from software based on security keys verifying the identity of the source of the communication. For example, user software may be associated with a security key enabling the software of a user system 255 to interact with the controller 204. Further, the security module 323 can restrict receipt of information, requests for information, and/or access to information.

[0081] A user 251 (including an associated user system 255), the sensor devices 260, the network manager 280, and the other components of the system 200 can interact with the controller 204 using the application interface 326. Specifically, the application interface 326 of the controller 204 obtains data (e.g., information, communications, instructions, updates to firmware) from and sends data (e.g., information, communications, instructions) to the user systems 255 of the users 251, the sensor devices 260, the network manager 280, and/or the other components of the system 200. Examples of an application interface 326 can be or include, but are not limited to, an application programming interface, a web service, a data protocol adapter, some other hardware and/or software, or any suitable combination thereof. Similarly, the user systems 255 of the users 251, the sensor devices 260, the network manager 280, and/or the other components of the system 200 can include an interface (similar to the application interface 326 of the controller 204) to obtain data from and send data to the controller 204 in certain example embodiments.

[0082] In addition, as discussed above with respect to a user system 255 of a user 251, one or more of the sensor devices 260, the network manager 280, and/or one or more of the other components of the system 200 can include a user interface. Examples of such a user interface can include, but are not limited to, a graphical user interface, a touchscreen, a keyboard, a monitor, a mouse, some other hardware, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0083] The controller 204, the users 251 (including associated user systems 255), the sensor devices 260, the network manager 280, and the other components of the system 200 can use their own system or share a system in certain example embodiments. Such a system can be, or contain a form of, an Internet-based or an intranet-based computer system that is capable of communicating with various software. A computer system includes any type of computing device and/or communication device, including but not limited to the controller 204. Examples of such a system can include, but are not limited to, a desktop computer with a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet or intranet access, a laptop computer with LAN, WAN, Internet or intranet access, a smart phone, a server, a server farm, an android device (or equivalent), a tablet, smartphones, and a personal digital assistant (PDA). Such a system can correspond to a computer system as described below with regard to FIG. 4.

[0084] Further, as discussed above, such a system can have corresponding software (e.g., user system software, sensor device software, controller software). The software can execute on the same or a separate device (e.g., a server, mainframe, desktop personal computer (PC), laptop, PDA, television, cable box, satellite box, kiosk, telephone, mobile phone, or other computing devices) and can be coupled by the communication network (e.g., Internet, Intranet, Extranet, LAN, WAN, or other network communication methods) and/or communication channels, with wire and/or wireless segments according to some example embodiments. The software of one system can be a part of, or operate separately but in conjunction with, the software of another system within the overall system (e.g., system 200).

[0085] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a computing device 418 that implements one or more of the various techniques described herein, and which is representative, in whole or in part, of the elements described herein pursuant to certain example embodiments. For example, a controller 204 (including components thereof, such as a control engine 306, a hardware processor 321, a storage repository 331, a power module 330, and a transceiver 324) can be considered a computing device 418. Computing device 418 is one example of a computing device and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to scope of use or functionality of the computing device and/or its possible architectures. Neither should the computing device 418 be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the example computing device 418.

[0086] The computing device 418 includes one or more processors or processing units 414, one or more memory/storage components 415, one or more input/output (I/O) devices 416, and a bus 417 that allows the various components and devices to communicate with one another. The bus 417 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The bus 417 includes wired and/or wireless buses.

[0087] The memory/storage component 415 represents one or more computer storage media. The memory/storage component 415 includes volatile media (such as random access memory (RAM)) and/or nonvolatile media (such as read only memory (ROM), flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, and so forth). The memory/storage component 415 includes fixed media (e.g., RAM, ROM, a fixed hard drive, etc.) as well as removable media (e.g., a Flash memory drive, a removable hard drive, an optical disk, and so forth).

[0088] One or more I/O devices 416 allow a user 251 to enter commands and information to the computing device 418, and also allow information to be presented to a user 251 and/or other components or devices. Examples of input devices 416 include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse), a microphone, a touchscreen, and a scanner. Examples of output devices include, but are not limited to, a display device (e.g., a monitor or projector), speakers, outputs to a lighting network (e.g., DMX card), a printer, and a network card.

[0089] Various techniques are described herein in the general context of software or program modules. Generally, software includes routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and so forth that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. An implementation of these modules and techniques are stored on or transmitted across some form of computer readable media. Computer readable media is any available non-transitory medium or non-transitory media that is accessible by a computing device. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media includes “computer storage media”.

[0090] “Computer storage media” and “computer readable medium” include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, computer recordable media such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which is used to store the desired information and which is accessible by a computer.

[0091] The computer device 418 is connected to a network (not shown) (e.g., a LAN, a WAN such as the Internet, cloud, or any other similar type of network) via a network interface connection (not shown) according to some example embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many different types of computer systems exist (e.g., desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal media device, a mobile device, such as a cell phone or personal digital assistant, or any other computing system capable of executing computer readable instructions), and the aforementioned input and output means take other forms, now known or later developed, in other example embodiments. Generally speaking, the computer system 418 includes at least the minimal processing, input, and/or output means necessary to practice one or more embodiments.

[0092] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more elements of the aforementioned computer device 418 is located at a remote location and connected to the other elements over a network in certain example embodiments. Further, one or more embodiments is implemented on a distributed system having one or more nodes, where each portion of the implementation (e.g., the subsea jet pump 270, a high-pressure motive fluid source 243) is located on a different node within the distributed system. In one or more embodiments, the node corresponds to a computer system. Alternatively, the node corresponds to a processor with associated physical memory in some example embodiments. The node alternatively corresponds to a processor with shared memory and/or resources in some example embodiments.

[0093] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a subsea jet pump 570 according to certain example embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, the subsea jet pump 570 of FIG. 5 includes multiple components and/or features disposed on and/or within a body 548. In this example, the subsea jet pump 570 has multiple inlets 542, a nozzle 541, a mixing zone 544, a throat 546, a diffuser 547, and an outlet 543. The body 548 can be elongated and have a channel 549 that runs along its entire length. The channel 549 can have multiple branches (corresponding to the multiple inlets 542) that meet in the mixing zone 544. The body 548 can have any of a number of cross-sectional shapes (e.g., circular, oval). Also, each end of the body 548 can include any of a number of coupling features (e.g., mating threads) that allow the body 548 of the subsea jet pump 570 to couple, directly or indirectly, to another component (e.g., piping 288, a valve) of a system (e.g., system 100).

[0094] The subsea jet pump 570 can have any of a number of multiple inlets 542. For example, in this case, the subsea jet pump 570 has two inlets 542, inlet 542-1 and inlet 542-2. Each inlet 542 is configured to receive a different fluid. Specifically, in this case, inlet 542-1 is configured to receive a high-pressure motive fluid (e.g., high-pressure motive fluid 236), and inlet 542-2 is configured to receive a low-pressure fluid (e.g., low-pressure fluid 237). Each inlet 542 of the subsea jet pump 570 can include one or more coupling features (e.g., mating threads) that allow the subsea jet pump 570 to couple, directly or indirectly, to a fluid source of a system (e.g., system 100). For example, inlet 542-1 can include a coupling feature that allows inlet 542-1 to couple, directly or indirectly, to a high-pressure motive fluid source (e.g., high-pressure motive fluid source 243), and inlet 542-1 can include a coupling feature that allows inlet 542-1 to couple, directly or indirectly, to a low-pressure subsea well (e.g., low-pressure subsea well 239).

[0095] Inlet 542-1 leads directly to the nozzle 541 positioned within the body 548 of the subsea jet pump 570. The nozzle 541 is configured to control the flow of the high-pressure motive fluid (e.g., high-pressure motive fluid 236) that flows therethrough. The nozzle 541 can include a funnel-shaped portion that goes from a wider opening to a smaller opening as the high-pressure motive fluid flows through the nozzle 541. This feature can both direct the flow of the high- pressure motive fluid out of the nozzle 541 and further increase the pressure and/or the flow rate of the high-pressure motive fluid. The high-pressure motive fluid that leaves the nozzle 541 enters the mixing zone 544.

[0096] Inlet 542-1 leads directly to the mixing zone 544 positioned within the body 548 of the subsea jet pump 570. The mixing zone 544 is configured to simultaneously receive and mix the low-pressure fluid (e.g., low-pressure fluid 237) and the high-pressure motive fluid (e.g., high- pressure motive fluid 236) that flows therethrough. The mixing zone 544 is also configured to direct the resulting mixture (e.g., mixture 238) to the throat 546 of the subsea jet pump 570.

[0097] The throat 546 of the subsea jet pump 570 narrows the cross-sectional area of the channel 549, thereby increasing the pressure and/or flow rate of the mixture (e.g., mixture 238) that flows therethrough. The throat 546 can have any of a number of configurations to accomplish this purpose. For example, the throat 546 can be funnel-shaped. Once the mixture leaves the throat 546, the diffuser 547 of the subsea jet pump 570 is configured to widen the cross-sectional area of the channel 549, reducing the flow rate of the mixture without significantly reducing the pressure of the mixture. From the diffuser 547, the mixture leaves the subsea jet pump 570 through the outlet 543. The pressure of the mixture passing through the outlet 543 is higher than the pressure of the low-pressure fluid received by the inlet 542-2.

[0098] FIG. 6 shows a subsea jumper 665 that includes a subsea jet pump 670 according to certain example embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, the subsea jumper 665 is or includes piping 688 that is C-shaped. In alternative embodiments, the piping 688 of the subsea jumper 665 can have any other shape and/or configuration. The subsea jet pump 670 can be integrated with the elongated portion of the piping 688. Alternatively, the subsea jet pump 670 is a separate component that is coupled to multiple pieces of the piping 688. [0099] The inlet 642-1 of the subsea jet pump 670 coincides with an aperture in the piping 688 that constitutes one of the side legs (also called the left side portion) of the subsea jumper 665. The inlet 642-1 is configured to receive a high-pressure motive fluid (e.g., high-pressure motive fluid 236) from a high-pressure motive fluid source (e.g., high-pressure motive fluid source 243). The nozzle 641 of the subsea jet pump 670 is positioned in this case within the piping 688 at the bend between the elongated portion of the piping 688 and the left side portion of the piping 688. The distal end of the left side portion of the piping 688 also serves as the inlet 642-2 of the subsea jet pump 670. The inlet 642-2 is configured to receive a low-pressure fluid (e.g., low-pressure fluid 237) from a low-pressure fluid source (e.g., a low-pressure subsea well 239). For this to occur, the left side portion of the piping 688 of the subsea jumper 665 is configured to couple to a component (e.g., additional piping 288, a subsea Christmas tree 240) of the system (e.g., system 200) that delivers low-pressure fluid (e.g., low-pressure fluid 237).

[0100] The mixing zone 644 of the subsea jet pump 670, positioned within the piping 688 between the nozzle 641 and the throat 646 of the subsea jet pump 670, creates a mixture (e.g., mixture 238) of the high-pressure motive fluid and the low-pressure fluid. The mixture 238 flows through the throat 646 of the subsea jet pump 670, where the flow rate and/or pressure of the mixture 238 increases. The mixture 238 then enters the diffuser 647 of the subsea jet pump 670, which reduces the flow rate of the mixture 238. The outlet 643 of the subsea jet pump 670 can be within the piping 688 (as in this case) or can coincide with the distal end of the right side portion of the piping 688 of the subsea jumper 665, which is configured to be coupled to another component (e.g., a subsea pipeline 248, additional piping 288) of a system (e.g., system 200).

[0101] FIGS. 7A and 7B show another subsea jumper 765 that includes a subsea jet pump 770 according to certain example embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 7A shows an elevation view of the subsea jumper 765, and FIG. 7B shows a sectional plan view of the subsea jumper 765. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7B, the subsea jumper 765 in this case includes piping 788, one or more valves 785, and the subsea jet pump 770. The subsea jet pump 770 of FIGS. 7A and 7B is configured substantially the same as the subsea jet pump 670 of FIG. 6.

[0102] The piping 788 of the subsea jumper 765 is configured with a left side portion, a right side portion, a top elongated portion positioned between the top of the left side portion and the right side portion, and a bottom elongated portion positioned between the approximate middle of the left side portion and the right side portion. The top elongated portion of the piping 788 serves as a bypass line 729, and the bottom elongated portion of the piping 788 serves as the main line for operations.

[0103] The bottom elongated portion of the piping 788 includes or is coupled to the subsea jet pump 770. Also, the bottom elongated portion of the piping 788 has a valve 785-1 positioned in line therewith. The inlet 742-1 of the subsea jet pump 770 is an aperture in the piping 788 along the bottom elongated portion of the piping 788. The inlet 742-1 is configured to receive a high- pressure motive fluid (e.g., high-pressure motive fluid 236) from a high-pressure motive fluid source (e.g., high-pressure motive fluid source 243). The nozzle 741 of the subsea jet pump 770 is positioned in this case within the piping 788 in the bottom elongated portion of the piping 788. The distal end of the left side portion of the piping 788 also serves as the inlet 742-2 of the subsea jet pump 770. The inlet 742-2 is configured to receive a low-pressure fluid (e.g., low-pressure fluid 237) from a low-pressure fluid source (e.g., a low-pressure subsea well 239). For this to occur, the left side portion of the piping 788 of the subsea jumper 765 is configured to couple to a component (e.g., additional piping 288, a subsea Christmas tree 240) of the system (e.g., system 200) that delivers low-pressure fluid (e.g., low-pressure fluid 237).

[0104] The mixing zone 744 of the subsea jet pump 770, positioned within the piping 788 between the nozzle 741 and the throat 746 of the subsea jet pump 770, creates a mixture (e.g., mixture 238) of the high-pressure motive fluid and the low-pressure fluid. The mixture flows through the throat 746 of the subsea jet pump 770, where the flow rate and/or pressure of the mixture increases. The mixture then enters the diffuser 747 of the subsea jet pump 770, which reduces the flow rate of the mixture. The outlet 743 of the subsea jet pump 770 in this case is within the bottom elongated portion of the piping 788. The distal end of the right side portion of the piping 788 of the subsea jumper 765 is configured to be coupled to another component (e.g., a subsea pipeline 248, additional piping 288) of a system (e.g., system 200) for receiving the mixture. [0105] The valve 785-1, positioned between the subsea jet pump 770 and the right side portion of the piping 788, can control the flow of the mixture through the bottom elongated portion of the piping 788. The valve 785-1 can have one or more of any of a number of configurations, including but not limited to a choke valve, a guillotine valve, a check valve, a ball valve, a gate valve, a butterfly valve, a pinch valve, a needle valve, a plug valve, a diaphragm valve, and a globe valve. When the valve 785-1 is described herein as being in a closed position or being closed, the valve 785-1 is fully closed, which prevents any fluid from flowing therethrough, allowing the top elongated portion of the piping 788 to be used, provided that the valve 785-2, positioned in the top elongated portion of the piping 788, is at least partially open. When the valve 785-1 is described herein as being in an open position or being open, the valve 785-1 can be fully open or partially (e.g., 25%, 50%) open. As a result, when valve 785-1 is in an open position or is open, some amount of fluid (e.g., high-pressure motive fluid 236) flows therethrough.

[0106] In this case, valve 785-2 is shown to be fully closed, and valve 785-1 is shown to be fully open. When the opposite configuration is employed (i.e., valve 785-1 is fully closed and valve 785-2 is fully open), the bottom elongated portion of the piping 788 (including the subsea jet pump 770) is bypassed. Such a configuration allows for a pigging operation or some other operation, whether related to cleaning the piping 788 or not, to be performed. The valve 785-1 can be configured the same as or differently compared to another valve (e.g., valve 785-2) of the subsea jumper 765. If the valve 785-1 is controllable, the valve 785-1 can be controlled by a user (e.g., user 251), a controller (e.g., controller 204), or some other component of a system (e.g., system 200). When there are multiple valves 785 that are controllable, one valve 785 can be controlled (e.g., manually by a user 251, automatically by a controller 204) the same or differently compared to how another valve 785 is controlled.

[0107] FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of a subsystem 899 using the subsea jumper 665 of FIG.

6 according to certain example embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8, the subsystem 899 of FIG. 8 includes a floating structure 803 in the form of a semi-submersible platform that floats in a large and deep body of water 894. Part (e.g., the topsides) of the floating structure 803 is above the water line 893, and at least part (e.g., part of the hull) of the rest of the floating structure 803 is in the water 894 below the water line 893. The floating structure 803 can be substantially similar to the floating structure 103 of FIG. 1. Similarly, the high-pressure motive fluid source 843, the high-pressure motive fluid 836, the low-pressure fluid 837, the mixture 838, the piping 888, the subsea Christmas tree 840, the wellbore 820, the subterranean resource 811, the subterranean formation 810, the water 894, the water line 893, and the seabed 802 can be substantially the same as the corresponding components discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 7. The floating structure 803 can be used for subsea field operations to extract one or more subterranean resources 811 from the subterranean formation 810 via a wellbore 820.

[0108] To extract the subterranean resource 811 from the wellbore 820 on production, the subsea Christmas tree 840 is disposed toward the top of the wellbore 820 at the seabed 802. Piping 888 transfers the subterranean resource 811 (in this case, a low-pressure fluid 837) through the subsea Christmas tree 840 to the subsea jet pump within the subsea jumper 665 that is located in the water 894. At the same time, a high-pressure motive fluid 836 is extracted (e.g., pumped) from a high-pressure motive fluid source 843 on the floating structure 803. The high-pressure motive fluid 836 flows through piping 888 from the floating structure 803 to the subsea jet pump within the subsea jumper 665. A mixture 838 of the high-pressure motive fluid 836 and the low-pressure fluid 837 leaves the subsea jet pump of the subsea jumper 665.

[0109] Additional piping 888 transfers the mixture 838 from the subsea jumper 665 to a subsea manifold 842. The subsea manifold 842 is an assembly of headers, pipes (e.g., piping 788) and valves. The subsea manifold 842 in this case is configured to transfer the mixture 838 from the subsea jumper 665 (and so also the subsea jet pump) to one or more of the subsea pipelines (e.g., subsea pipelines 148). In some ways, the subsea manifold 842 acts as a type of flow regulator to distribute the mixture 838 among the various subsea pipelines. Similarly, if there are multiple low-pressure subsea wells (e.g., low-pressure subsea wells 239), as from a common pad, the subsea manifold 842 can receive one or more mixtures 838 that derive from the subterranean resource 811 from one or more of those low-pressure subsea wells and distribute the mixture 838 to one or more of the subsea pipelines.

[0110] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of another subsystem 999 using the subsea jumper 665 of FIG. 6 according to certain example embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 9, the subsystem 999 of FIG. 9 includes two sets of substantially identical components corresponding to different fluid sources. Specifically, one set of components includes a subsea pipeline 991-1 connected to a subsea pipeline end terminal (PLET) 992-1, and a riserbase 996-1 connected to a riser 994-1. The other set of components includes a subsea pipeline 991-2, connected to a subsea PLET 992-2, which is connected to the subsea jumper 665, which is connected to a riserbase 996- 2, which is connected to a riser 994-2. All of these components are under water 994. The subsea pipelines 991 of FIG. 9 can be substantially the same as the subsea pipelines discussed above.

[OHl] A high-pressure motive fluid 936 flows through the riser 994-1 to the riserbase 996-1. From the riserbase 996-1, the high-pressure motive fluid 936 flows through piping 988 to the subsea jumper 665 (and, more specifically, to the subsea jet pump within the subsea jumper 665). In alternative embodiments, there can be piping (e.g., piping 888) that connects the riserbase 996- 1 to the subsea PLET 992-1. In such a case, only some of the high-pressure motive fluid 936 flows to the subsea PLET 992-1, while at least some of the high-pressure motive fluid 936 flows to the subsea jumper 665.

[0112] A low-pressure fluid 937 flows through the subsea pipeline 991-2, then through the subsea PLET 992-2, and then through the subsea jumper 665. The subsea jet pump within the subsea jumper 665 forms a mixture 938 of the low-pressure fluid 937 and the high-pressure motive fluid 936 and raises the pressure of the mixture 938 (at least relative to the pressure of the low- pressure fluid 937). The mixture 938 then flows out of the subsea jumper 665 to the riserbase 996- 2, and then on to the riser 994-2.

[0113] FIG. 10 shows a subsystem 1098 based on the configuration of the system 200 of FIG. 2 for enhancing subsea production recovery according to certain example embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 10, the subsystem 1098 includes a subsea manifold 1042, a controller 1004, one or more sensor devices 1060, communication links 1005, a high-pressure motive fluid 1036 flowing from a high-pressure motive fluid source 1043 in the form of a high-pressure subsea well through a subsea Christmas tree 1040-1, a low-pressure fluid 1037 flowing from a low-pressure fluid source in the form of a low-pressure subsea well 1039 through a subsea Christmas tree 1040- 2, and a mixture 1038 flowing out of the subsea manifold 1042. All of these components, with the possible exception of one or more controllers 1004, some of the communication links 1005, and/or one or more sensor devices 1060, are located in water 1094.

[0114] The subsea manifold 1042 includes a subsea jet pump 1070, piping 1088, and 8 valves 1085 (valve 1085-1, valve 1085-2, valve 1085-3, valve 1085-4, valve 1085-5, valve 1085-6, valve 1085-7, and valve 1085-8). The subsea manifold 1042 (including the valves 1085, the subsea jet pump 1070, and the piping 1088), the controllers 1004, the sensor devices 1060, the high-pressure motive fluid 1036, the low-pressure fluid 1037, the mixture 1038, the high-pressure motive fluid source 1043, the subsea Christmas trees 1040, the low-pressure subsea wells 1039, and the piping 1088 external to the subsea manifold 1042 can be substantially the same as the subsea manifold 842 (including the valves 785, the subsea jet pump 270, and the piping 288), the controllers 204, the sensor devices 260, the high-pressure motive fluid 236, the low-pressure fluid 237, the mixture 238, the high-pressure motive fluid source 243, the subsea Christmas trees 240, the low-pressure subsea wells 239, and the piping 288 discussed above.

[0115] As discussed above, the subsea manifold 1042 can have any of a number of components and/or configurations. In this case, the subsea manifold 1042 has piping 1088 and a number of valves 1085 that are configured to have a high-pressure motive fluid flow path 1061 for the high- pressure motive fluid 1036 from the high-pressure motive fluid source 1043 (in this case, a high- pressure subsea well) through a subsea Christmas tree 1040-1 to the subsea jet pump 1070. Further, the subsea manifold 1042 has piping 1088 and a number of valves 1085 that are configured to have a low-pressure fluid flow path 1063 for the low-pressure fluid 1037 from the low-pressure subsea well 1039 through the subsea Christmas tree 1040-2 to the subsea jet pump 1070. In addition, the subsea manifold 1042 has piping 1088 and a number of valves 1085 that are configured to have a mixture fluid flow path 1062 for the mixture 1038 (also called the mixture fluid 1038) from the subsea jet pump 1070 to exit the subsea manifold 1042.

[0116] At the moment in time captured by FIG. 10, valve 1185-1 is closed, valve 1185-2 is open, valve 1185-3 is open, valve 1185-4 is closed, valve 1185-5 is open, valve 1185-6 is closed, valve 1185-7 is open, and valve 1185-8 is open. This configuration of the subsea manifold 1042 opens flow path 1061 for the high-pressure motive fluid 1036 to flow from the high-pressure motive fluid source 1043 through the subsea Christmas tree 1040-1, through valve 1085-2, through valve 1085-3, and through corresponding piping 1088 to the subsea jet pump 1070. This configuration of the subsea manifold 1042 also opens flow path 1063 for the low-pressure fluid 1037 to flow from the low-pressure subsea well 1039 through the subsea Christmas tree 1040-2, through valve 1085-7, through valve 1085-5, and through corresponding piping 1088 to the subsea jet pump 1070. This configuration of the subsea manifold 1042 further opens flow path 1062 for the mixture 1038 to flow from the subsea jet pump 1070, through valve 1085-8, and through corresponding piping 1088 to exit the subsea manifold 1042 (e.g., toward one or more subsea pipelines 248).

[0117] A number of valves 1085 keep the low-pressure fluid flow path 1063 and the high- pressure motive fluid flow path 1061 separated from each other. Specifically, valve 1085-1, valve 1085-4, and valve 1085-6 are in a closed position, which keeps the low-pressure fluid flow path 1063 and the high-pressure motive fluid flow path 1061 separated from each other until these fluids reach their respective inlets (e.g., inlet 642-2 and inlet 642-1) of the subsea jet pump 1070.

[0118] In some cases, one or more other high-pressure motive fluid sources 1043 (e.g., in the form of another high-pressure motive fluid source, in the form of a source pumped down from a floating structure 103) and/or one or more other low-pressure subsea wells 1039 can be connected to the subsea manifold 1042. In such a case, one or more of the various valves 1085 (or additional valves 1085 not shown in FIG. 10 or added to the manifold 1042) can be adjusted (e.g., manually by a user 251, automatically by a controller 1004) over time to account for changes in the condition of the high-pressure motive fluid source 1043 and/or the low-pressure subsea well 1039. For example, over time, the pressure of the high-pressure motive fluid source 1036 in the form of a high-pressure subsea well entering the subsea manifold 1042 may no longer be high enough to boost the pressure of the mixture 1038 discharged from the subsea jet pump 1070. In such a case, one or more additional high-pressure motive fluid sources can be connected to the manifold 1042, and the flow therefrom of high-pressure motive fluid can be directed to the subsea jet pump 1070 by operating (e.g., opening, closing) one or more of the valves 1085 to establish a new flow path to replace flow path 1061.

[0119] As another example, valve 1085-1 can be opened and valve 1085-3 can be closed to convert the high-pressure motive fluid source 1043 in the form of a high-pressure subsea well to a low-pressure subsea well 1039 as the pressure of the high-pressure motive fluid 1036 falls below a threshold pressure value. In such a case, an additional high-pressure motive fluid source would need to be connected to an input (e.g., input 642-1) of the subsea jet pump 1070 to provide a new high-pressure motive fluid.

[0120] FIG. 11 shows another subsystem 1198 based on the configuration of the system 200 of FIG. 2 for enhancing subsea production recovery according to certain example embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 11, the subsystem 1198 includes a subsea manifold 1142, a controller

1104, one or more sensor devices 1160, communication links 1105, a high-pressure motive fluid 1136 flowing from a high-pressure motive fluid source 1143 in the form of a high-pressure subsea well through a subsea Christmas tree 1140-1, a low-pressure fluid 1137 flowing from a low- pressure fluid source in the form of a low-pressure subsea well 1139 through a subsea Christmas tree 1140-2, and a mixture 1138 flowing out of the subsea manifold 1142. All of these components, with the possible exception of one or more controllers 1104, some of the communication links

1105, and/or one or more sensor devices 1160, are located in water 1194.

[0121] The subsea manifold 1142 includes a subsea jet pump 1170, piping 1188, a subsea pump assembly 1169, and 9 valves 1085 (valve 1085-1, valve 1085-2, valve 1085-3, valve 1085- 4, valve 1085-5, valve 1085-6, valve 1085-7, valve 1085-8, and valve 1085-9). The subsea manifold 1142 (including the valves 1185, the subsea jet pump 1170, and the piping 1188), the controllers 1104, the sensor devices 1160, the high-pressure motive fluid 1136, the low-pressure fluid 1137, the mixture 1138, the high-pressure motive fluid source 1143, the subsea Christmas trees 1140, the low-pressure subsea well 1139, and the piping 1188 external to the subsea manifold 1142 can be substantially the same as the subsea manifold 842 (including the valves 785, the subsea jet pump 270, and the piping 288), the controllers 204, the sensor devices 260, the high- pressure motive fluid 236, the low-pressure fluid 237, the mixture 238, the high-pressure motive fluid source 243, the subsea Christmas trees 240, the low-pressure subsea wells 239, and the piping 288 discussed above.

[0122] In this case, the subsea manifold 1142 has piping 1188 and a number of valves 1185 that are configured to have a high-pressure motive fluid flow path 1161 for the high-pressure motive fluid 1136 from the high-pressure motive fluid source 1143 (in this case, a high-pressure subsea well) through a subsea Christmas tree 1140-1 to the subsea jet pump 1170. Further, the subsea manifold 1142 has piping 1188 and a number of valves 1185 that are configured to have a low-pressure fluid flow path 1163 for the low-pressure fluid 1137 from the low-pressure subsea well 1139 through the subsea Christmas tree 1140-2 to the subsea jet pump 1170. In addition, the subsea manifold 1142 has piping 1188 and a number of valves 1185 that are configured to have a mixture fluid flow path 1162 for the mixture 1138 (also called the mixture fluid 1138) from the subsea jet pump 1170 to the subsea pump assembly 1169.

[0123] The subsea pump assembly 1169 can be configured to increase the pressure of a fluid somewhere in a system (e.g., system 200) using energy from the mixture 1138 flowing through the piping 1188 in the flow path 1162. In this configuration, the mixture 1138 can be routed to an inlet of the subsea pump assembly 1169 to reduce the amount of power required to operate the subsea pump assembly 1169, which can allow for a higher drawdown of the low-pressure subsea well 1139 and/or one or more other low-pressure subsea wells. The subsea pump assembly 1169 can include one or more components. Examples of such components of the subsea pump assembly 1169 can include, but are not limited to, a motor, a pump, a housing, and a shaft.

[0124] At the moment in time captured by FIG. 11, valve 1185-1 is closed, valve 1185-2 is open, valve 1185-3 is open, valve 1185-4 is closed, valve 1185-5 is open, valve 1185-6 is closed, valve 1185-7 is open, valve 1185-8 is closed, and valve 1185-8 is open. This configuration of the subsea manifold 1142 opens flow path 1161 for the high-pressure motive fluid 1136 to flow from the high-pressure motive fluid source 1143 through the subsea Christmas tree 1140-1, through valve 1185-2, through valve 1185-3, and through corresponding piping 1188 to the subsea jet pump 1170. This configuration of the subsea manifold 1142 also opens flow path 1163 for the low-pressure fluid 1137 to flow from the low-pressure subsea well 1139 through the subsea Christmas tree 1140-2, through valve 1185-9, through valve 1185-7, and through corresponding piping 1188 to the subsea jet pump 1170. This configuration of the subsea manifold 1142 further opens flow path 1162 for the mixture 1138 to flow from the subsea jet pump 1170, through valve 1185-5, and through corresponding piping 1188 to the subsea pump assembly 1169.

[0125] A number of valves 1185 keep the low-pressure fluid flow path 1163 and the high- pressure motive fluid flow path 1161 separated from each other. Specifically, valve 1185-1, valve 1185-4, valve 1185-6, and valve 1185-8 are in a closed position, which keeps the low-pressure fluid flow path 1163 and the high-pressure motive fluid flow path 1161 separated from each other until these fluids reach their respective inlets (e.g., inlet 642-2 and inlet 642-1) of the subsea jet pump 1170.

[0126] FIG. 12 shows a flowchart 1289 of a method for enhancing subsea production recovery according to certain example embodiments. While the various steps in this flowchart 1289 are presented sequentially, one of ordinary skill will appreciate that some or all of the steps may be executed in different orders, may be combined or omitted, and some or all of the steps may be executed in parallel. Further, in one or more of the example embodiments, one or more of the steps shown in this example method may be omitted, repeated, and/or performed in a different order.

[0127] In addition, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additional steps not shown in FIG. 12 may be included in performing this method. Accordingly, the specific arrangement of steps should not be construed as limiting the scope. Further, a particular computing device, such as the computing device discussed above with respect to FIG. 4, can be used to perform one or more of the steps for the method shown in FIG. 12 in certain example embodiments. Any of the functions performed below by a controller (e.g., controller 204) can involve the use of one or more protocols (e.g., protocols 332), one or more algorithms (e.g., algorithms 333), and/or stored data (e.g., stored data 334). Alternatively, a user (e.g., user 251), including an associated user system (e.g., user system 255) can perform some or all of the method set forth in FIG. 12.

[0128] For illustrative purposes, the method shown in FIG. 12 is described as an example that can be performed by using the example subsystem 1098 of FIG. 10, which is based on the system 200 of FIG. 2. The method of FIG. 12 can also be performed using any of the other systems (e.g., system 100), subsystems (e.g., subsystem 1198), and/or variations thereof that are described herein. Further, systems for enhancing subsea production recovery can perform other functions using other methods in addition to and/or aside from those shown in FIG. 12.

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 12, the method shown in the flowchart 1289 of FIG. 12 begins at the START step and proceeds to step 1281, where a high-pressure motive fluid source 1036 producing a high-pressure motive fluid 1036 and a low-pressure subsea well 1139 producing a low-pressure fluid 1037 are identified. The pressure of the high-pressure motive fluid 1036 of the high-pressure motive fluid source 1043 (e.g., a high-pressure subsea well) can be measured by one or more sensor devices 1060. Similarly, the pressure of the low-pressure fluid 1037 of the low-pressure subsea well 1039 can be measured by one or more sensor devices 1060. The measurements of pressure made by a sensor device 1060 can be evaluated (e.g., compared to threshold values) by a controller 1004 using one or more protocols 332 and/or one or more algorithms 333 and/or by a user 251 (including an associated user system 255).

[0130] In step 1282, the subsea jet pump 1070 is installed. The subsea jet pump 1070 can be installed outside the water 1094 (e.g., on a floating structure 103) and lowered into the water 1094. Alternatively, the subsea jet pump 1070 can be installed under water 1094. The subsea jet pump 1070 can be a standalone piece of equipment. Alternatively, the subsea jet pump 1070 can be integrated with another piece of equipment (e.g., the subsea manifold 1042, a subsea jumper 665) within a system (e.g., system 200). The subsea jet pump 1070 can be installed by a user 251, with or without the use of a user system 255. Alternatively, the subsea jet pump 1070 can be installed by a controller 1004 (e.g., using a ROV in the water 1094) using one or more protocols 332 and/or one or more algorithms 333.

[0131] In step 1283, the high-pressure motive fluid 1036 of the high-pressure motive fluid source 1043 is facilitated to an inlet (e.g., inlet 542-1) of the subsea jet pump 1070. The high- pressure motive fluid 1036 flows along the flow path 1061 through subsea piping 1088 to reach the subsea jet pump 1070. In certain example embodiments, the high-pressure motive fluid 1036 is facilitated to the subsea jet pump 1070 along the high-pressure fluid flow path 1061 by adjusting (e.g., closing, opening) one or more valves 1085 (e.g., valve 1085-1, valve 1085-2, valve 1085-3) in the subsea manifold 1042.

[0132] Adjustment of the valves 1085 can be performed by a user 251 (including an associated user system 255) and/or by a controller 1004 using one or more protocols 332 and/or one or more algorithms 333. In some cases, one or more sensor devices 1060 can be used to measure one or more parameters (e.g., flow rate, pressure) associated with the high-pressure motive fluid 1036 to ensure that the high-pressure motive fluid 1036 can continue to serve in boosting the pressure of the low-pressure fluid 1037. Such monitoring and determination can be made by a user 251 (including an associated user system 255) and/or by a controller 1004 using one or more protocols 332 and/or one or more algorithms 333.

[0133] In step 1284, the low-pressure fluid 1037 of the low-pressure subsea well 1039 is facilitated to another inlet (e.g., inlet 542-2) of the subsea jet pump 1070. The low-pressure fluid 1037 flows along the flow path 1063 through subsea piping 1088 to reach the subsea jet pump 1070. In certain example embodiments, the low-pressure fluid 1037 is facilitated to the subsea jet pump 1070 along the low-pressure fluid flow path 1063 by adjusting (e.g., closing, opening) one or more valves 1085 (e.g., valve 1085-1, valve 1085-5, valve 1085-6, valve 1085-7) in the subsea manifold 1042.

[0134] Adjustment of the valves 1085 can be performed by a user 251 (including an associated user system 255) and/or by a controller 1004 using one or more protocols 332 and/or one or more algorithms 333. In some cases, one or more sensor devices 1060 can be used to measure one or more parameters (e.g., flow rate, pressure) associated with the low-pressure fluid 1037 to ensure that the pressure of the low-pressure fluid 1037 can continue to be boosted by the high-pressure motive fluid 1036. Such monitoring and determination can be made by a user 251 (including an associated user system 255) and/or by a controller 1004 using one or more protocols 332 and/or one or more algorithms 333.

[0135] In step 1286, the mixture 1038 of the low-pressure fluid 1037 and the high-pressure motive fluid 1036 is facilitated from the outlet (e.g., outlet 543) of the subsea jet pump 1070. The mixture 1038 flows along the flow path 1062 through subsea piping 1088 to reach some other component (e.g., a subsea pipeline 248, a subsea pump assembly 1169) within the system (e.g., system 200). In certain example embodiments, the mixture 1038 is facilitated to the subsea jet pump 1070 along the flow path 1062 by adjusting (e.g., closing, opening) one or more valves 1085 (e.g., valve 1085-4, valve 1085-6, valve 1085-8) in the subsea manifold 1042.

[0136] Adjustment of the valves 1085 can be performed by a user 251 (including an associated user system 255) and/or by a controller 1004 using one or more protocols 332 and/or one or more algorithms 333. In some cases, one or more sensor devices 1060 can be used to measure one or more parameters (e.g., flow rate, pressure) associated with the mixture 1038 to ensure that the pressure of the mixture 1038 is sufficient for reaching an ultimate production facility. Such monitoring and determination can be made by a user 251 (including an associated user system 255) and/or by a controller 1004 using one or more protocols 332 and/or one or more algorithms 333. When step 1286 is complete, the process can proceed to the END step.

[0137] The operation of one or more of the valves 1085 and/or the decision to operate one or more of the valves 1085 and/or how to operate one or more of the valves 1085 and/or for how long to leave one or more of the operated valves 1085 in the new position can be performed by a user 251 (including an associated user system 255) and/or by a controller 1004 using one or more protocols 332 and/or one or more algorithms 333. As another alternative, a subsea jet pump 1070 can be physically inserted into and/or removed from a subsystem (e.g., subsystem 1098) using disconnects (disconnects 267) integrated with the piping 288 without interrupting the flow of the various fluids (e.g., high-pressure motive fluid 1036, low-pressure fluid 1037) through the piping 1088 within the subsea manifold 1042, upstream of the subsea manifold 1042, or downstream of the subsea manifold 1042.

[0138] Example embodiments can be used to provide for enhancing, in real time, subsea production recovery using one or more subsea jet pumps. Specifically, a subsea jet pump receives a high-pressure motive fluid from a high-pressure motive fluid source to boost the pressure of a low-pressure fluid from a low-pressure subsea well. Example embodiments can be used during a stage of a field operation when the subterranean resource is directed to a subsea pipeline. Example embodiments are located and performed entirely subsea. Example embodiments are designed for prolonged reliable operation in spite of the harsh subsea environment in which example embodiments operate. Example embodiments can provide a number of benefits. Such other benefits can include, but are not limited to, improved system efficiency, extended production life of a well, reduced use of resources, cost savings, operational flexibility, and compliance with applicable industry standards and regulations.

[0139] Although embodiments described herein are made with reference to example embodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications are well within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the example embodiments described herein are not limited to any specifically discussed application and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the example embodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing other embodiments using the present disclosure will suggest themselves to practitioners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the example embodiments is not limited herein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system for enhancing subsea production recovery, the system comprising: a subsea jet pump disposed within piping that receives a low-pressure fluid from a low- pressure subsea well, wherein the subsea jet pump is configured to receive a high-pressure motive fluid from a source, wherein the subsea jet pump is configured to facilitate a mixture of the high- pressure motive fluid and the low-pressure fluid that passes through a throat of the subsea jet pump, and wherein the subsea jet pump is further configured to discharge the mixture at an elevated pressure relative to a pressure of the low-pressure fluid toward a production facility.

2. The system of Claim 1, wherein the source comprises a high-pressure subsea well.

3. The system of Claim 1, wherein the source comprises a high-pressure fluid pumped from a topsides of a platform positioned above the low-pressure subsea well.

4. The system of Claim 3, further comprising: a pump assembly that is configured to pump the high-pressure fluid, wherein the piping is coupled to and disposed between the pump assembly and the subsea just pump, and wherein the high-pressure fluid flows from the pump assembly to the low-pressure subsea well through the piping.

5. The system of Claim 1, wherein the piping comprises a subsea jumper positioned between a subsea tree and a subsea manifold.

6. The system of Claim 5, wherein the subsea jumper comprises a flow control valve placed in series with the subsea jet pump.

7. The system of Claim 6, wherein the subsea jumper further comprises an additional flow control valve placed in parallel with the subsea jet pump and the flow control valve.

8. The system of Claim 7, wherein the subsea jumper further is piggable through the additional flow control valve when the flow control valve is closed and the additional flow control valve is open.

9. The system of Claim 1, wherein the piping comprises a subsea jumper positioned between a subsea pipeline and a subsea riser base.

10. The system of Claim 9, wherein the high-pressure motive fluid is delivered from an additional subsea riser base through piping to the subsea jet pump.

11. The system of Claim 1, wherein the subsea jet pump is integrated with a subsea structure, and wherein the subsea structure further comprises a plurality of flow control valves.

12. The system of Claim 1, further comprising: a sensor device that is configured to measure a parameter associated with the mixture.

13. The system of Claim 1, further comprising: a controller communicably coupled to the sensor device, wherein the controller is configured to control the high-pressure motive fluid delivered to the subsea jet pump based on a measurement of the parameter made by the sensor device.

14. The system of Claim 1, wherein the subsea jet pump is part of a subsea manifold.

15. The system of Claim 1, wherein the jet pump comprises a nozzle, a mixing zone, and a throat, wherein the high-pressure motive fluid flows through the nozzle and mixes with the low- pressure fluid in the mixing zone to generate the mixture, and wherein the mixture is pressurized as the mixture flows through the throat.

16. A method for enhancing subsea production recovery, the method comprising: facilitating flow of a high-pressure motive fluid through piping to a subsea jet pump, wherein the subsea jet pump is positioned in a flow path of a low-pressure fluid from a low- pressure subsea well, wherein the subsea jet pump pushes a mixture of the high-pressure motive fluid and the low-pressure fluid through a throat of the subsea jet pump, wherein the mixture is discharged from the subsea jet pump at an elevated pressure relative to a pressure of the low- pressure fluid, and wherein the mixture is discharged from the subsea jet pump toward a production facility.

17. The method of Claim 16, further comprising: installing the subsea jet pump in second piping, wherein the flow path of the low-pressure fluid is within the second piping.

18. The method of Claim 16, further comprising: closing a valve to bypass the subsea jet pump in the piping; employing a pigging device through a portion of the piping; and opening the valve.

19. A subsea jumper used for subsea production recovery, the subsea jumper comprising: piping configured to couple to an upstream component and a downstream component of a subsea system, wherein the piping is configured to receive a low-pressure fluid from a low- pressure subsea well through the upstream component; and a subsea jet pump disposed within the piping, wherein the subsea jet pump receives a high- pressure motive fluid from a source, wherein the subsea jet pump pushes a mixture of the high- pressure motive fluid and the low-pressure fluid through a throat of the subsea jet pump, wherein the mixture is discharged from the subsea jet pump at an elevated pressure relative to a pressure of the low-pressure fluid, and wherein the mixture is discharged from the subsea jet pump toward the downstream component of the subsea system.

20. The subsea jumper of Claim 19, further comprising: additional piping connected to the piping in parallel with the subsea jet pump; a first flow control valve placed in line with the piping and the subsea jet pump; and a second flow control valve placed in line with the additional piping.