Abstract: A virtual sensor system includes one or more electric submersible pumping systems deployed in a reservoir and a computer system that receives data from the one or more electric submersible pumping systems. Field data is provided to computerized statistical models for predicting whether individual electric submersible pumping systems and the reservoir have undergone changes in condition. The statistical models are established with reference data obtained by running electric submersible pumping systems of known working condition in test wells under a variety of controlled conditions.

Abstract: A system includes a stator core, which includes a plurality of teeth and a plurality of bridges. The plurality of teeth are disposed about an axis of the stator core, wherein each tooth of the plurality of teeth extends in a radial direction from a proximal end to a distal end. Each bridge of the plurality of bridges is disposed between two adjacent teeth and connects the proximal ends of the two teeth. The plurality of teeth and the plurality of bridges define a plurality slots, each having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of each slot is closed and the distal end of each slot is open.

Abstract: A fluid processor for use in a downhole pumping operation includes a fluid processing stag, a nozzle stage and a gas compressor stage. The nozzle chamber is configured as a convergent-divergent nozzle and the variable metering member is configured for axial displacement within the convergent section to adjust the open cross-sectional area of the nozzle. A method for producing fluid hydrocarbons from a subterranean wellbore with a pumping system includes the steps of measuring a first gas-to-liquid ratio of the fluid hydrocarbons and operating a motor within the pumping system to operate at a first rotational speed. The method continues with the steps of measuring a second gas-to-liquid ration of the fluid hydrocarbons with the sensor module, where the second gas-to-liquid ratio is greater than the first gas-to-liquid ratio, and operating the motor at a second rotational speed that is faster than the first rotational speed.

Abstract: A magnetic thrust bearing is designed for use in a pumping system that includes a pump driven by a motor through a shaft. The magnetic thrust bearing includes one or more platters that remain stationary with respect to the shaft and one or more thrust discs connected to the shaft and interleaved with the one or more platters. Each of the one or more platters includes a plurality of platter magnets and each of the one or more thrust discs includes a plurality of thrust disc magnets. The magnets on the platters and thrust discs are configured to produce repulsive magnetic forces as the thrust discs approach the platters.

Abstract: A flow control system is provided for a horizontal well production system having a casing, a tube having an intake opening and disposed within the casing, and a gap formed between the casing and the tube. The flow control system includes a valve having an orifice, coupled to the tube and disposed proximate to the intake opening. The flow control system further includes an actuator coupled to the valve and configured to open the valve in response to a presence of a liquid in the gap, proximate to the intake opening, to permit flow of the liquid into the tube via the intake opening, and to close the valve in response to a presence of a gas in the gap, proximate to the intake opening, to prevent flow of the gas into the tube via the intake opening.

Abstract: A magnetic thrust bearing is designed for use in a pumping system that includes a pump driven by a motor through a shaft. The magnetic thrust bearing includes one or more platters that remain stationary with respect to the shaft and one or more thrust discs connected to the shaft and interleaved with the one or more platters. Each of the one or more platters includes a plurality of platter magnets and each of the one or more thrust discs includes a plurality of thrust disc magnets. The magnets on the platters and thrust discs are configured to produce repulsive magnetic forces as the thrust discs approach the platters.

Abstract: A virtual sensor system includes one or more electric submersible pumping systems deployed in a reservoir and a computer system that receives data from the one or more electric submersible pumping systems. Field data is provided to computerized statistical models for predicting whether individual electric submersible pumping systems and the reservoir have undergone changes in condition. The statistical models are established with reference data obtained by running electric submersible pumping systems of known working condition in test wells under a variety of controlled conditions.

Abstract: A fluid processor for use in a downhole pumping operation includes a fluid processing stag, a nozzle stage and a gas compressor stage. The nozzle chamber is configured as a convergent-divergent nozzle and the variable metering member is configured for axial displacement within the convergent section to adjust the open cross-sectional area of the nozzle. A method for producing fluid hydrocarbons from a subterranean wellbore with a pumping system includes the steps of measuring a first gas-to-liquid ratio of the fluid hydrocarbons and operating a motor within the pumping system to operate at a first rotational speed. The method continues with the steps of measuring a second gas-to-liquid ration of the fluid hydrocarbons with the sensor module, where the second gas-to-liquid ratio is greater than the first gas-to-liquid ratio, and operating the motor at a second rotational speed that is faster than the first rotational speed.

Abstract: A self-propelled, remotely-controlled equipment deployment vehicle is configured to deliver equipment to a desired location within the horizontal portion of a deviated wellbore. The deployment vehicle includes a cargo frame, an electric motor and an active mobility assembly. The active mobility assembly is connected to the cargo frame and powered by the electric motor. The cargo frame can be configured to transport, offload and accurately position the selected cargo. Alternatively, the equipment deployment vehicle can be configured with a passive mobility assembly that allows the equipment deployment vehicle to be pushed or pulled along the horizontal section of the wellbore without power.

Abstract: A system includes a stator core, which includes a plurality of teeth and a plurality of bridges. The plurality of teeth are disposed about an axis of the stator core, wherein each tooth of the plurality of teeth extends in a radial direction from a proximal end to a distal end. Each bridge of the plurality of bridges is disposed between two adjacent teeth and connects the proximal ends of the two teeth. The plurality of teeth and the plurality of bridges define a plurality slots, each having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of each slot is closed and the distal end of each slot is open.

Abstract: A distributed artificial lift system is configured for use in a wellbore that includes a vertical section and at least one lateral section connected to the vertical section. The distributed artificial lift system includes a first remote assembly positioned within the first lateral section. The first remote assembly includes an equipment deployment vehicle and cargo selected from the group consisting of electric remote pumping units, tubing, tubing connectors, tubing adaptors, sensor packages, gas separators, perforating tools, injection pumps and other downhole components. The first remote assembly is optionally self-propelled and remotely-controlled.

Abstract: An electric submersible pumping system has an electric motor, a pump assembly driven by the electric motor and a sensor module. The sensor module preferably includes a detachable sensor array that can be selectively released from the sensor module. In preferred embodiments, the detachable sensor array includes a self-propelled sensor array vehicle that has a drive motor, a drive mechanism driven by the drive motor and a sensor array. The detachable sensor array provides a wellbore condition signal that can be used to automatically adjust the performance of the electric submersible pumping system.

Abstract: A flow control system is provided for a horizontal well production system having a casing, a tube having an intake opening and disposed within the casing, and a gap formed between the casing and the tube. The flow control system includes a valve having an orifice, coupled to the tube and disposed proximate to the intake opening. The flow control system further includes an actuator coupled to the valve and configured to open the valve in response to a presence of a liquid in the gap, proximate to the intake opening, to permit flow of the liquid into the tube via the intake opening, and to close the valve in response to a presence of a gas in the gap, proximate to the intake opening, to prevent flow of the gas into the tube via the intake opening.

Abstract: A method of isolating a production fluid from a fluid-containing reservoir is provided. The method includes disposing a first pump within a horizontal section of a production well. The method also includes disposing a second pump within a vertical section of the production well. Further, the method includes pumping a reservoir fluid via the first pump towards the second pump. The method also includes capturing at least a portion of the reservoir fluid from the first pump in a fluid-retaining section located around the second pump. Furthermore, the method includes pumping the reservoir fluid captured in the fluid-retaining section to a fluid containment vessel via the second pump to provide an isolated production fluid.

Abstract: A self-propelled, remotely-controlled equipment deployment vehicle is configured to deliver equipment to a desired location within the horizontal portion of a deviated wellbore. The deployment vehicle includes a cargo frame, an electric motor and an active mobility assembly. The active mobility assembly is connected to the cargo frame and powered by the electric motor. The cargo frame can be configured to transport, offload and accurately position the selected cargo. Alternatively, the equipment deployment vehicle can be configured with a passive mobility assembly that allows the equipment deployment vehicle to be pushed or pulled along the horizontal section of the wellbore without power.

Abstract: A distributed artificial lift system is configured for use in a wellbore that includes a vertical section and at least one lateral section connected to the vertical section. The distributed artificial lift system includes a first remote assembly positioned within the first lateral section. The first remote assembly includes an equipment deployment vehicle and cargo selected from the group consisting of electric remote pumping units, tubing, tubing connectors, tubing adaptors, sensor packages, gas separators, perforating tools, injection pumps and other downhole components. The first remote assembly is optionally self-propelled and remotely-controlled.

Abstract: An electric submersible pumping system has an electric motor, a pump assembly driven by the electric motor and a sensor module. The sensor module preferably includes a detachable sensor array that can be selectively released from the sensor module. In preferred embodiments, the detachable sensor array includes a self-propelled sensor array vehicle that has a drive motor, a drive mechanism driven by the drive motor and a sensor array. The detachable sensor array provides a wellbore condition signal that can be used to automatically adjust the performance of the electric submersible pumping system.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for a pump is adapted for controlling thrust loads and limiting undesirable axial movement of components. The pump has a shaft having first and second shaft ends, and the pump may be configured so that the shaft is drivable from one or both of the shaft ends. The first and second shaft ends are respectively supported in a first and second bearing arrangement. Each bearing arrangement includes a radial main bearing having an inner race disposed around the shaft end. The inner race contacts a mounting ring to transfer outwardly axial thrust forces against a thrust bearing assembly. Each bearing arrangement is retained by a bearing cap contacting against an outer side of the thrust bearing assembly. A shim having a selected thickness can be placed between the bearing cap and the housing in order to position the internal pump components in an axially centered position to maintain proper clearances in order to minimize wear.