Progressive cavity pump/motor
A progressive cavity pump or motor, particularly suitable for hydrocarbon recovery operations, includes a rotor 20 and a stator 10. Fluid pressure in cavities between the stator and the rotor create torque which rotates the bit. An interior surface of the stator is rigidly secured to the outer housing of the pump stator and defines an interior profile. A substantially uniform thickness elastomeric layer 62 is supported on the outer housing. The pump rotor has an exterior profile which corresponds with the interior profile of the elastomeric layer.
This invention relates to the design and manufacture of pumps and motors utilizing progressive cavity power sections. More specifically, this invention relates to the design and manufacture of the female stator component of the progressive cavity pump or motor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONU.S. Pat. No. 1,892,217 discloses a gear mechanism of a progressive cavity pump or motor. This progressive cavity technology is commonly used in a pump to convert mechanical to power fluid energy, and in a motor to convert fluid energy to mechanical power. As a downhole motor, the moving energy of a drilling fluid may be converted to rotary motion to rotate a bit to drill a subterranean well. Other publications of interest including U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,084,631; 4,104,009; 4,676,725; 5,171,138; 5,759,019; 6,183,226; 6,309,195; and 6,336,796; and WO 01/44615.
Operation of a progressive cavity pump or motor utilizes an interference between the external profile of the rotor which resides inside the stator, and the internal profile of the stator. This interference allows the cavities of the pump or motor to be sealed from adjoining cavities. This seal resists the fluid pressure resulting from the mechanical pumping action, or resulting from the conversion of fluid energy to mechanical energy in a motor. This interference between the internal rotor and stator necessitates that one of or both of these components be covered with a resilient or dimensionally forgiving material which also allows the pump or motor to pass or transfer particles and other abrasive objects in either the driving fluid (motor) or the transmitted fluid (pump). Historically, this resilient material has been provided on the interior of the stator.
The resilient material used for the stator introduces weaknesses into the operation and life of the pump/motor. Common elastomers have temperature tolerances below that of most other components in the pump or motor, e.g., metal components. Mechanical resistance of the elastomer is also of concern since high pressures are generated in the cavities of the pump/motor. These high fluid pressures and the necessary reactive forces result in significant deflection and stress in the elastomer, particularly along the rotor/stator interferences. These forces create friction which generates a large amount of heat during operation, and this heat may be very deleterious to the desired characteristics of the elastomer, and thus deleterious to the performance and life of the pump/motor.
A progressive cavity pump or motor stator is conventionally constructed by molding an elastomer with the desired spiral interior profile within a cylindrical steel tube or housing. Due to the spiral profile on the stators inner surface, varying thicknesses of elastomer are molded between the stator inner surface and the inner surface of the metal tube to which the stator is adhered. If the heat resulting from the previously mentioned sources becomes excessive, the properties of the elastomer will more generally degrade. Elastomers have high insulative properties and thus inherently restrict the conduction of the heat generated at the rotor and stator interface from being conducted to the thermally conductive metal tube, which may then be dissipated from the pump/motor, if desired, with various cooling systems, including liquid cooling systems and exposed fin systems. The radially thicker sections of elastomer create the greater insulative properties, and thus typically degrade faster than radially thin sections. Additionally, the high pressure experienced during operation may deflect the thicker sections of elastomer to the extent that the interference is overcome and contact with the rotor is lost. This loss of contact results in decreasing speeds for the motor and decreasing flows for the pump, resulting in poor efficiency. In addition, heat from the pump/motor operation, in some cases in conjunction with the environment in which pump/motor operates, distorts the shape of the elastomer molded to the interior of the metal tube. Elastomers have a high coefficient of thermal expansion compared to other materials used in the construction of progressive cavity pump/motor. As a result of the varying thicknesses and the relatively high thermal expansion of the elastomer, the radially thick sections distort more than the thinner sections of the stator, which results in a geometrical profile drastically different than intended, thereby hindering the proper operation of the pump/motor. This distorted profile may generate additional heat and further distort the stator profile, creating a system which rapidly contributes to its own degradation and ultimate failure.
During operation, a conventional downhole progressive cavity drill motor develops a great deal of heat due to the friction between the rotor and the stator. In addition, the flexing of the rubber profile generates heat which must be removed from the motor to prevent the elastomeric material portion of the stator from being detrimentally effected. Heat generated may be transferred to the fluid being pumped through the motor. Alternatively, the heat may be conducted through the elastomer to the stator tube or housing where the thermally conductive steel tube then conducts heat to the drilling fluid moving along the exterior of the housing. Due to the high insulative properties of elastomeric material, heat generated along the radially thick portion of the stator profile is inhibited from effectively transferring to the thermally conductive steel tube. The center of the stator profile lobes is subjected to heat from a large percentage of its surrounding area and is the most limited in transferring this heat to the metal tube due to the thickness of the elastomeric material. With extended operation, the center of the stator profile lobes may become hard and brittle as a result of the excessive heat in this area, and the mechanical properties of the rubber or elastomer in this area are accordingly severely degraded. As a result, the stator lobe may break or “chunk out” of the stator profile. In addition, the pressure acting in the chambers between the stator and the rotor may exceed the strength of the elastomeric material, and the stator lobe may deflect from its original shape or may break or “chunk off” the stator lobe. A deflecting stator lobe degrades the pressure seal for the chambers created between the rotor and the stator.
The disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by the present invention. An improved progressive cavity pump/motor is hereinafter disclosed which overcomes many of the problems of prior art pumps and motors, including excessive build-up. The motor of a present invention is particularly well suited for use as the downhole motor in a well to rotate a bit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to the design and manufacture of a stator for a progressive cavity pump or motor. In one embodiment, the stator includes a substantially uniform layer of elastomer on the interior of the stator profile. This uniform layer of elastomer has significant advantages, and overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art progressive cavity pumps and motors. Alternatively, the elastomer layer may deviate from a uniform thickness to achieve desirable properties known to those skilled in the art.
To create the layer of elastomer on the interior of the stator profile, a profiled reinforcement member may be mounted to the interior of the cylindrical tube or housing. The reinforcement preferably has a profile substantially similar to but radially larger than that of the elastomeric lining. A layer of elastomeric material may then be molded to the interior of the reinforcement to create the desired stator.
In an alternate embodiment, a stator tube may include an inner stator member cast or molded into the tube. The inner surface of the inner stator member may have a slight taper which matches the taper on the generally tubular stator tube.
It is a feature of the invention that the interior surface which defines the interior profile of the pump stator may be integral with the outer housing, such that the elastomeric layer is formed on an interior profile of the outer housing. In an additional alternative embodiment, the interior profile of the stator tube may be integral with respect to the outer housing. In both embodiments, the elastomeric layer is formed on the interior of the resulting housing.
It is a further feature of the invention that the rubber layer may have an increasing thickness or taper extending along the axial length of the stator, such that a radial thickness of a first end of the elastomeric layer is less than the radial thickness of an opposing second end of the elastomeric layer.
In an alternate embodiment, the inner profile has a varying diameter, such that the radial thickness of an first end of the elastomeric layer is less than the radial thickness of a second end of the elastomeric layer.
A stator alignment feature is also disclosed, along with tooling which may be used during alignment and positioning to manufacture and repair the stator. Tooling may also be used to accurately verify the lead of any interior profiled stator tube.
These and further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, wherein reference is made to the figures in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
During operation in a hydrocarbon recovery well, drilling fluid is pumped down to the motor 18, and enters the first end 19 of the motor 18. When the bit encounters rotational resistance, which in turn is transmitted through mechanical connections to the motor. High fluid pressure in the cavities 20, 21 and 22 formed between the rotor 13 and the stator 9 develops in response to the torque demands of the bit. The exact number of cavities will vary depending on the desired operating performance desired the pump/motor. Fluid pressure inside these cavities reacts against the rotor surface 16 and the stator surface 24, causing the rotor 13 to turn inside the stator 9. To transmit the power developed inside the motor 18 to the adjoining systems, the rotor 13 includes a lower connecting section 15. This rotor connecting section 15 may incorporate mechanical connections to allow the rotor 13 to be fixed to the adjoining system, thereby forming a complete drilling tool for rotating a bit in a well. A progressive cavity pump works inversely of the motor described above.
Referring to
An alternative embodiment stator is illustrated in
The present invention preferably restrains the shaped stator tube 61 from rotating relative to the core 101 during injection of the rubber layer. As illustrated in
While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of the preferred embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.
Claims
1-5. (canceled)
6. A method of manufacturing a progressive cavity pump/motor, comprising:
- providing a stator including an outer housing and an interior surface homogenous with the outer housing and defining an interior profile;
- forming an elastomeric layer on the interior profile of the outer housing to form an elastomeric layer interior profile;
- providing an internal profile on the stator for rotationally aligning the interior surface of the housing with respect to a mold for molding the elastomeric layer; and
- providing a rotor having an exterior profile to correspond with the interior profile of the elastomeric layer and rotatable within the stator with a plurality of axially moving chambers between the exterior profile on the rotor and the interior profile on the elastomeric layer.
7. A method as defined in claim 6, wherein the stator includes an interior profile taper along its axial length.
8. A method as defined in claim 7, wherein the elastomeric layer has an increasing thickness extending axially through the stator, such that a radial thickness of an first end of the elastomeric layer is less than a radial thickness of a second end of the elastomeric layer.
9. A method as defined in claim 6, wherein the interior surface has a varying radial thickness with respect to a generally cylindrical outer surface of the outer housing, such that the radial thickness of an first end of the elastomeric layer is less than a radial thickness of a second end of the elastomeric layer.
10. A method as defined in claim 6, further comprising:
- providing a reinforcement layer within the elastomeric layer.
11. (canceled)
12. A method as defined in claim 6, further comprising:
- positioning a lead measurement tool on the interior profile surface to measure the thickness between the outside diameter of the outer housing and the interior profile surface.
13. A method as defined in claim 12, wherein the lead measurement tool is rotated relative to a centerline of the outer housing; and
- displaying an indication of varying thickness in response to the lead measurement tool.
14. A method as defined in claim 6, further comprising:
- monitoring angular position of the interior profile of the housing as a function of internal dimensions of the profile;
- determining angular positions of the profile at each end of the outer housing; and
- determining a lead of the interior profile in response to the determined angular position or angular positions.
15-22. (canceled)
23. A method of manufacturing a progressive cavity pump/motor, comprising:
- providing a stator including an outer housing;
- providing an insert member with the interior surface defining an interior profile, and an exterior surface defining an exterior profile to secure the insert member within the outer housing;
- supporting a substantially uniform thickness elastomeric layer on the insert member to form an elastomeric layer interior profile;
- providing an internal profile on the stator for rotationally aligning the interior surface of the housing with respect to a mold for molding the elastomeric layer; and
- providing a rotor having an exterior profile to correspond with the interior profile of the elastomeric layer and rotatable within the stator with a plurality of axially moving chambers between the exterior profile on the rotor and the interior profile on the elastomeric layer.
24. A method as defined in claim 23, further comprising:
- utilizing an alignment profile on at least one of the insert member and the outer housing for rotationally aligning the interior surface on the insert with respect to the outer housing.
25. A method as defined in claim 23, further comprising:
- positioning a lead measurement tool on the interior profile surface of the insert member to measure one of a radial thickness between the outside diameter of the outer housing and the interior profile surface on the insert member, and a radial spacing between a centerline of the insert member and the interior profile surface on the insert member.
26. A method as defined in claim 25, wherein the lead measurement tool is rotated relative to a centerline of the outer housing; and
- displaying an indication of varying measurements in response to the lead measurement tool.
27. A method as defined in claim 25, further comprising:
- monitoring radial measurements as a function of angular position of the outer housing;
- determining radial measurements at angular positions at each end of the outer housing; and
- determining the lead of the interior profile in response to the determined radial measurements at angular positions.
28. A method as defined in claim 23, further comprising:
- providing a reinforcement layer within the elastomeric layer.
29. A method as defined in claim 23, further comprising:
- forming the elastomeric layer with an increasing thickness extending axially through the stator, such that a radial thickness of one end of the elastomeric layer is less than a radial thickness of an opposing end of the elastomeric layer.
30. A method as defined in claim 23, further comprising:
- forming the inner profile secured to the outer housing with a varying radial thickness with respect to a generally cylindrical outer surface of the outer housing, such that the radial thickness of one end of the elastomeric layer is less than a radial thickness of an opposing end of the elastomeric layer.
31. A method as defined in claim 23, further comprising:
- using the progressive cavity pump/motor as a downhole motor for rotating a bit in a well.
32. A method as defined in claim 23, further comprising:
- determining a spiral pitch of the interior profile with a lead measurement tool.
33. A method as defined in claim 32, wherein the spiral pitch is determined by inserting the lead measurement tool into each end of the interior profile.
34. A method as defined in claim 23, further comprising:
- measuring radial spacing of the interior profile surface with respect to one of an exterior surface of the outer housing and a central axis of the insert member; and
- a maximum radial spacing determines the position of the lead measurement tool.
35. A method of manufacturing a progressive cavity pump/motor, comprising:
- providing a stator including an outer housing;
- providing an insert member with the interior surface defining an interior profile, and an exterior surface defining an exterior profile to secure the insert motor within the outer housing;
- securing the insert member to the outer housing;
- supporting a elastomeric layer on the insert member to form an elastomeric layer interior profile;
- utilizing an alignment profile on at least one of the insert member and the housing for rotationally aligning the insert member with respect to the elastomeric layer; and
- providing a rotor having an exterior profile to correspond with the interior profile of the elastomeric layer and rotatable within the stator with a plurality of axially moving chambers between the exterior profile on the rotor and the interior profile on the elastomeric layer.
36. A method as defined in claim 35, further comprising:
- positioning the lead measurement tool on the interior profile to measure the thickness between the outside diameter of the outer housing and the interior profile surface.
37. A method as defined in claim 36, wherein the lead measurement tool is rotated relative to a centerline of the outer housing; and
- displaying an indication of varying thickness in response to the lead measurement tool.
38. A method as defined in claim 36, further comprising:
- monitoring radial thickness as a function of angular position of the outer housing;
- determining radial thickness at angular positions at each end of the outer housing; and
- determining the lead of the interior profile in response to the determined angular position or angular positions.
39. A method as defined in claim 35, further comprising:
- providing a reinforcement layer within the elastomeric layer.
40. A method as defined in claim 35, further comprising:
- forming the elastomeric layer with an increasing thickness extending axially through the stator, such that a radial thickness of one end of the elastomeric layer is less than a radial thickness of an opposing end of the elastomeric layer.
41. A method as defined in claim 35, further comprising:
- forming the inner profile secured to the outer housing with a varying radial thickness with respect to a generally cylindrical outer surface of the outer housing, such that the radial thickness of one end of the elastomeric layer is less than a radial thickness of an opposing end of the elastomeric layer.
42. A method as defined in claim 35, further comprising:
- using the progressive cavity pump/motor as a downhole motor for rotating a bit in a well.
43. A method as defined in claim 35, further comprising:
- determining a spiral pitch of the interior profile with a lead measurement tool.
44. A method as defined in claim 43, wherein the spiral pitch is determined by inserting the lead measurement tool into each end of the interior profile.
45. A method as defined in claim 35, further comprising:
- measuring radial thickness of the interior profile; and
- forming the elastomeric layer with an increasing thickness extending axially through the stator, such that a radial thickness of one end of the elastomeric layer is less than a radial thickness of an opposing end of the elastomeric layer.
46-52. (canceled)
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 30, 2004
Publication Date: Jun 2, 2005
Inventors: Mark Zitka (The Woodlands, TX), William Murray (Tomball, TX)
Application Number: 11/027,062