Fluid well pumping system and method to produce same

An Improved Fluid well pumping system and method to produce the system. According to the system, it relates to ones that provide improved, low cost, efficient and low maintenance pumping systems for obtaining fluid from a source. It is envisioned that the systems will be used for removing oil, water, sludge, gaseous fluids, or leachates from shallow to medium depth wells (0 to 4000 feet depths). However, the invention has application for raising any fluids as needed above ground.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/261,846 filed Nov. 17, 2009 by Daniel C. Roberts, et al and entitled “Improved Fluid well pumping system and method to produce same”.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention for the Improved Fluid well pumping system is Fluid pumping systems and method to produce the system. According to the present invention, it relates to ones that provide improved, low cost, efficient and low maintenance pumping systems for obtaining fluid from a source. It is envisioned that the systems will be used for removing oil, water, sludge, gaseous fluids, or leachates from shallow to medium dept wells (0 to 4000 feet depths). However, the invention has application for raising any fluids as needed above ground.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

None.

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

None.

BACKGROUND Field of Invention and Prior Art

A. Introduction of the Problems Addressed

Prior devices and methods included metallic and other complex fluid pumping systems. One skilled in the art and familiar with such means well appreciates the simplicity and cost effectiveness of this new device presented here. In the other prior art disclosures shown, complex and expensive alternatives are demonstrated. These are not only costly to manufacture but bulky, and difficult to use in the process of pumping fluids.

Conventional systems are known for removing fluid such as water or oil from wells where there is an abundant supply of fluid. However, in shallow locations or locations with a low production volume, these systems may not be cost justified. For example, in oil formations up to 1000 feet deep or more which only produce a few barrels of oil per day, multiple oil wells are often situated close together. Equipment and maintenance costs are often economically prohibitive in shallow wells.

Furthermore, due to pressure, chemical conditions, and sand and grit in most oil wells the equipment is subject to high breakdown rates and requires frequent maintenance, repair or replacement. Consequently, particularly for a shallow, low production situations, there is a need for inexpensive, low maintenance pumping systems that can be efficiently installed and/or removed if necessary. Prior approaches to this type of pumping system have involved complex piping and pumping systems, hydraulics, controls, sensors and electronics normally lowered into the well. This results in complex installation and high costs for installation, maintenance and replacement.

B. Prior Art

One approach to a pumping system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,653,989 issued to Mason. Mason shows a series of pneumatic displacement chambers connected to an air compressor at the surface of the well, by a single air line. Each chamber is connected to the air line through a motorized valve. A float including a disk shaped magnet, rides up and down in each displacement chamber. When fluid fills the chamber, the float approaches the top and the magnet is detected by a sensor which causes the control system to open the motorized valve connecting the chamber to the air line. Once the motorized valve is open, compressed air forces the fluid into the next chamber, or alternatively, into a holding tank on the surface. As the float approaches the bottom of the chamber, the magnet is detected by a sensor which causes the control system to close the motorized valve connecting the chamber to the air line. The Mason patent additionally teaches that the float be provided with flutes between its lower surface and the internal surface of the chamber to avoid the possibility of the float being used as a valve. The design of the Mason patent is costly and complex, requiring a magnetic sensor system located down hole and a motorized valve in connection with each chamber of the well pump, in addition to other shortcomings.

Another well pump is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,050,854 to Hereford et al. The Hereford patent shows a well pump including chambers that are costly and complex, among other disadvantages.

Earlier versions with some similarities to the currently improved pump are the US patents issued to Marvel et al. hey include U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,838 issued in 2002, U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,128 issued in 2003, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,810,961 issued in 2004. All these described considerably heavier assembles and little use of plastic materials. They were also limited to much shallower wells than the present device shown herein.

There remains a need for a simple, efficient, low cost, low maintenance pumping system that can be installed, repaired and/or removed efficiently and inexpensively in a well. The present invention addresses these needs, among others. As far as known, there is no other Improved Fluid well pumping system at the present time which fully provide these improvements and functional characteristics as the present device. It is believed that this device is made with fewer parts and with improved configurations and physical features to provide more functionality when compared to other currently utilized devices or methods to provide pump liquids and gases as described herein. The particular combinations of materials and features are unique and novel. They are not anticipated by prior art. Likewise unique is the method to secure and process the various parts of the Improved Fluid well pumping system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A Improved Fluid well pumping system items is comprised of a pump assembly (located in the wellbore) and a control system (located on the surface).

    • A. The pump assembly consists of a series of fluid chambers connected by line assemblies and separated at up to 250 ft apart. Each line assembly consists of three internal lines which include one (1) fluid production line and two (2) gas lines. The internal lines are made of a coiled high density polyethylene, which provides durability up to 200° F. and wellbore pressure of 200 psi. The lines are connected to alternate chambers using a closed design that assures no gas/air is released into the wellbore.
    • B. The control system consists of a compressor (which generates compressed gas to push the fluids up) and a microprocessor controlled valving system (which directs fluids flow through the pump and into the production facility).

The preferred embodiment of the device is comprised of a durable yet somewhat flexible and non-corrosive material with features and characteristics that permit easy securement of the components of the device.

The pump technology that is being improved consists of

    • NOJAK's artificial lift design technology that deploys a pressure actuated chamber technology to lift hydrocarbons and other fluids (i.e. brines) from the well bore to the surface.
    • The design of the NOJAK pump that was developed around the pressure actuated chamber technology and is the first of its kind to be commercialized.
    • The NOJAK pump that has the capacity to pump approximately 20 to 180 BPD at a depth of 500 to 4,000 ft.
    • Compared to existing artificial lift technologies, the NOJAK pump that differentiates itself by eliminating down hole wear out components/precision parts while requiring minimal maintenance for surface equipment.
    • The Department of Energy (“DOE”) has recognized that the NOJAK pump has a “green” alternative to current artificial lift technologies available in the market and has granted approximately $250,000 to further develop the technology.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

There are several objects and advantages of the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31. There are currently no known fluid pumping devices of such materials and configuration that are effective at providing the objects of this invention. It is an object of this invention to provide an improved fluid pumping system. It is a further object of this invention to provide a simple, efficient, low-cost, low-maintenance pumping system. It is an object to use new materials that are lighter, less resistive to pumped fluids and less corrosive than those known and used in any similar pump. Such materials and methods to secure are not anticipated by prior art fluid pumping systems or devices. Further objects, features and advantages of the present inventions shall become apparent from the detailed drawings and descriptions provided herein.

The invention presented is the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31. This device relates to a growing need for better means to pump fluids and other materials such as oil, water, sludge, gaseous fluids, or leachates from shallow to medium dept wells (0 to 4000 feet depths). This need is derived from a growing number of abandoned or idled oil and gas wells as well as abandoned or closed landfills and other lands that need a solution to pumping various materials.

The following TABLE A summarizes various advantages and objects of the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31. This list is exemplary and not limiting to the many advantages offered by this new device.

TABLE A Various Benefits, Advantages and Objects This device: ITEM BENEFIT 1. Provides Maintenance free pumping 2. Increases depth capability 3. Increases flow capacities 4. Reduces environmental risks 5. Provides efficient continuous operation 6. Improves overall system efficiency 7. Simplifies and improves installation

Noteworthy is that other advantages and additional features of the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31 will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the full description of the device. For one skilled in the art of fluid pumping systems and devices, it is readily understood that the features shown in the examples with this system is readily adapted for improvement to other types of mechanisms and devices for use with the pumping of fluids and gases.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate a preferred and alternative embodiments for the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the special fluid pumping device. It is understood, however, that the device is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIGS. 1 A and 1 B are front views of the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31 and the main parts to accomplish the improvements.

FIGS. 2 A through C show sketches of the preferred embodiment of the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31 with the sub-assemblies and major components.

FIGS. 3 A through 3 E show the existing prior art version with primarily metal parts for the Fluid well pumping system.

FIGS. 4 A through 4 D show the existing prior art components with the new, improved components for the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31.

FIGS. 5 A through 5 E and Sections show sketches of the transition adaptor for the system 31.

FIGS. 6 A through 6 C and Sections show sketches of the bottom manifold for the system 31.

FIGS. 7 A through 7 C and Sections show sketches of the Top Manifold for the system 31.

FIGS. 8 A through 8 C show sketches of the Filter Screen for the system 31.

FIG. 9 show sketches of the Top and End view of the retainer ring for the system 31.

FIG. 10 show sketches of the Top and End view of the standoff for the system 31.

FIG. 11 show sketches of the various views and sections of the slips adaptor for the system 31.

FIG. 12 show sketches of the various views and sections of the mandrel adaptor for the system 31.

FIG. 13 shows a sketch of the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31 and a table how the stages operate.

FIGS. 14 A through 14 C show a sketch of the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31 table how the components pass fluid during operation.

FIGS. 15 A through 15 D show sketches of the installation process for the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31.

FIGS. 16 A through 16 C show additional sketches of the installation process for the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31.

FIG. 17 shows a comparison table for the prior art system and the new system 31.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

The following list refers to the drawings:

TABLE B Reference numbers. Ref # Description 11 Well casing 20 Group of new component parts for pump system 25 Group of prior art components (primarily metallic) 30 General pump system in well and reservoir 31 Multistage pump system  31A Multistage pump system with components 410  Line assemblies 411  Check valves 412  Float 413  Line assembly casing 415  Gas/air lines (Pex or equal) 500  Screen filter or equal 600  Ballast unit 710  Fluid chamber 710A Top Fluid chamber 710B Bottom Fluid chamber 800  Above ground assembly 830  Fluid chamber casing 40 Bottom manifold 41 Bottom manifold's Apertures or through openings for gas lines 415 42 Float seat 43 Check valve (spherical ball) seat 44 Product Line 45 Top Manifold 46 Top manifold's Apertures or through openings for gas lines 415 47 Recesses for double o-rings 48 Aperture for Fluid line 49 Upper float seat  49A Aperture from chamber to gas line aperture 50 Transition adaptor 51 Transition adaptor'sApertures or through openings for gas lines 415 52 Recesses for double o-rings 53 Fluid line aperture 54 Check ball flat 55 Filter screen 56 Filter screen apertures, slots or equal 57 Line assembly 415 retainer ring inside line assembly casing 413 (functionally similar to FIG. 9 A part 330 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,810,961) 58 Fluid chamber standoff (functionally similar to FIG. 8 A part 228 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,810,961) 60 Storage tank 65 Slips adaptor 66 Mandrel adaptor 70 Control unit - electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic or equal 77 Fluid entry schematic - Step 1 78 Fluid movement schematic - Step 2 79 Fluid exit schematic - Step 3 80 Ground/earth/rock 81 Above ground pump system to control panel 82 Fluid and gas flow above ground manifolds 83 Gas lines, switch valves and control panel 84 Solar power source 85 Aesthetic above ground control system 86 Pump system being installed with service truck 87 Connecting chamber to line assembly 88 Top of ground transition from pump system to well head 90 Compressor 91 Older Version all metal Nojak pump 95 Table of benefits of present Improved Fluid well pumping system 31 over prior art 100  Oil reservoir

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention presented is the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31. This device relates to pump systems that provide improved, low cost, efficient and low maintenance pumping systems for obtaining fluid from a source.

There is shown in FIGS. 1-17 a complete detail and operative embodiment of the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31. In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that the FIGS. 1 through 12 show detail of the special configuration. FIGS. 13 through 17 describe its use and operation.

The advantages for the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31 are listed above in the introduction. Succinctly the benefits for the device are:

    • Provides Maintenance free pumping
    • Increases depth capability
    • Increases flow capacities
    • Reduces environmental risks
    • Provides efficient continuous operation
    • Improves overall system efficiency
    • Simplifies and improves installation

The preferred embodiment of the device 31 is comprised of a pump assembly (located in the wellbore) and a control system (located on the surface).

    • A. The pump assembly consists of a series of fluid chambers connected by line assemblies and separated at up to 250 ft apart. Each line assembly consists of three internal lines which include one (1) fluid production line and two (2) gas lines. The internal lines are made of a coiled high density polyethylene, which provides durability up to 200° F. and wellbore pressure of 200 psi. The lines are connected to alternate chambers using a closed design that assures no gas/air is released into the wellbore.
    • B. The control system consists of a compressor (which generates compressed gas to push the fluids up) and a microprocessor controlled valving system (which directs fluids flow through the pump and into the production facility).

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate a preferred embodiment of the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31A. It is understood, however, that the device 31A is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIGS. 1 A and 1 B are front views of the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31 and the main parts to accomplish the improvements. FIG. 1 A shows the general pump system 30 with the well, casing and the full Improved Fluid well pumping system 31. FIG. 1 B shows the group 20 of new, plastic-like components with the non-corrosive and light-weight properties described below. Here with these new components 20, polyethylene replace all parts; Aaramid rope or equivalent replaces cable; and a water jet cut polyethylene replaces filter screen. The NOJAK pumping system 31A consists of a comprehensive service offering which includes a pump (located in the wellbore) and a control system (located on the surface).

    • i. The pump assembly consists of a series of fluid chambers connected by line assemblies and separated at 250 ft apart.
    • ii. The control system consists of a compressor (which generates compressed gas to push the fluids up) and a microprocessor controlled valving system (which directs fluids flow through the pump and into the production facility).
    • Each line assembly consists of three internal lines which include one (1) fluid production line and two (2) gas lines. The internal lines are made of a coiled high density polyethylene, which provides durability up to 200° F. and wellbore pressure of 200 psi.
    • The lines are connected to alternate chambers using a closed design that assures no gas/air is released into the wellbore.

FIGS. 2 A through 2 C show sketches of the preferred embodiment of the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31 and 31A with the sub-assemblies and major components. FIG. 2 A shows the various parts of the general assembly. Included are the storage tank 60, the main controls 70, the compressor 90, the pump assembly 31 inside the well casing 11, and all that immersed into the reservoir 100. He entire assembly and system 31 is placed within the ground/earth/rock 80. FIG. 2 B then shows the multi-staged pump system 31A with components. Here is demonstrated the standard mandrel 65 and adapter 66 on the above ground assembly 800 commonly called the well head. This entire assembly is supported by the ground/earth/rock 80. The multistage fluid pump assembly 31A is comprised of a series of fluid chambers connected by line assemblies and separated at up to 250 ft apart. Each line assembly consists of three internal lines which include one (1) fluid production line and two (2) gas lines. The internal lines are made of a coiled high density polyethylene, which provides durability up to 200° F. and wellbore pressure of 200 psi. FIG. 2 C then shows the cross section of a chamber and the air/gas lines 415 inside the casing 413. The lines are connected to alternate chambers using a closed design that assures no gas/air is released into the wellbore.

FIGS. 3 A through 3 E show the existing prior art version with primarily metal parts for the Fluid well pumping system. The illustrations are self-evident. They are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,558,128 (2003) and 6,435,838 (2002) to Marvel et al and these specifications and are incorporated by reference herein.

FIGS. 4 A through 4 D show the existing prior art components 25 with the new, improved group 20 of components for the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31. For the retained existing prior art components 25 the chrome plated brass parts are retained as shown in FIG. 4 A. Also for the retained parts 25, the “316” stainless steel fill chambers, the production tubes, the stainless steel support cable and the stainless steel filter screen components are shown in FIG. 4 C. Unique features to the new improved group of components parts 20 in FIGS. 4 B and 4 D and the pump system include that polyethylene replaces most metal parts; aaramid rope replaces the metal cable; and, a water jet cut polyethylene filter replaces the metal filter screen. Further descriptions to the features of the components parts 20 in FIGS. 4 B and 4 D and the pump system 31A are:

Item Feature Impact 1 No transition shell Weight and cost 2 Gas line connect Weight and cost directly into chamber 3 Improved seal Fusion weld standoff in position in fluid chamber retains position of gas and product tubes throughout life 4 No upper float in Improves crush strength bottom two chambers 5 Fewer manufactured Cost improvements parts 6 All Polyethylene Corrosion improvement and Weight design reduction and Cost 7 Install equipment Cost complexity reduced 8 Sacrificial Ring Allows field removal and reassembly 9 Mandrel and slips Simplifies installation in adaptors wide variety of well heads 10 Plastic poly tubing Eliminate the use of metal tubing to the surface 11 Dual floats Increased capacity and Allows use of PEX in chamber 12 Fusion welded Eliminates fasteners, uses a connections Process familiar to Target customer base, is Stronger than base material And Improves seal 13 Water Jet Filter Allows use polyethylene for screen screen, has Higher corrosion Resistance, and Does not attract paraffin 14 Spooled Assembly Allows ease of installation and permits the Entire system to be placed without field connections between the line assemblies and chambers

FIGS. 5 A through 5 E and Sections show sketches of the transition adaptor for the system 31. The Transition adaptor 50 is comprised of several features including, but not limited to Transition adaptor's Apertures or through openings 51 for gas lines 415, Recesses for double o-rings 52, Fluid line aperture 53, and Check ball flat 54. The whole component 50 is molded from Pex, high strength composite materials or other durable and non corrosive materials.

FIGS. 6 A through 6 C and Sections show sketches of the bottom manifold 40 for the system 31.

Bottom manifold 40 is comprised of several features including, but not limited to the Bottom manifold's Apertures or through openings 41 for gas lines 415, Float seat 42, and Check valve (spherical ball) seat 43. The whole component 40 is molded from Pex, high strength composite materials or other durable and non corrosive materials.

FIGS. 7 A through 7 C and Sections show sketches of the Top Manifold 45 for the system 31. The Top Manifold 45 is comprised of several features including, but not limited to the Top manifold's Apertures or through openings 46 for gas lines 415, the Recesses for double o-rings 47, Aperture for Fluid line 48, the Upper float seat 49, and the Aperture from chamber to gas line aperture 49A. The whole component 45 is molded from Pex, high strength composite materials or other durable and non corrosive materials.

FIGS. 8 A through 8 C show sketches of the Filter Screen 55 for the system 31. The Filter screen 55 is comprised of several features including, but not limited to Filter screen apertures, slots or equal 56. These are a series of many rows and columns of the apertures 56 resulting in a screen or mesh. The whole component 55 is molded from Pex, high strength composite materials or other durable and non corrosive materials.

FIG. 9 show sketches of the Top and End view of the retainer ring 57 for the system 31. It has many features to retain the Pex gas lines as described and shown in the specifications of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,558,128 (2003) and 6,435,838 (2002) to Marvel et al. Those specifications are incorporated by reference. The Line assembly 415 retainer ring 57 inside line assembly casing 413 is functionally similar to FIG. 9 A part 330 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,810,961. The whole component 57 is molded from Pex, high strength composite materials or other durable and non corrosive materials.

FIG. 10 show sketches of the Top and End view of the standoff for the system 31. It has many features to retain the Pex gas lines as described and shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,558,128 (2003) and 6,435,838 (2002) to Marvel et al, the specifications of which are incorporated herein by reference. The Fluid chamber standoff 58 is functionally similar to FIG. 8 A part 228 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,810,961. The whole component 58 is molded from Pex, high strength composite materials or other durable and non corrosive materials.

FIG. 11 show sketches of the various views and sections of the slips adaptor 65 for the system 31. The whole component is molded from Pex, high strength composite materials or other durable and non corrosive materials.

FIG. 12 show sketches of the various views and sections of the mandrel adaptor 66 for the system 31. The whole component is molded from Pex, high strength composite materials or other durable and non corrosive materials.

FIG. 13 shows a sketch of the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31 and a table how the stages operate. FIGS. 14 A through 14 C show a sketch of the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31 table how the components pass fluid during operation. FIGS. 15 A through 15 D show sketches of the installation process for the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31. FIGS. 16 A through 16 C show additional sketches of the installation process for the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31. And, FIG. 17 shows a comparison table for the prior art system and the new system 31. These are discussed, below.

All of the details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other components specific to describing the new Improved Fluid well pumping system 31A may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of fluid pump systems and the like well appreciates.

OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiment of the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31A has been described in detail above. The manner of how the device operates is described below. A person having ordinary skill in the field of fluid pump systems will note that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the special device 31. FIG. 13 shows a sketch of the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31 and a table how the stages operate. FIGS. 14 A through 14 C show a sketch of the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31 table how the components pass fluid during operation. FIGS. 15 A through 15 D show sketches of the installation process for the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31. FIGS. 16 A through 16 C show additional sketches of the installation process for the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31. And, FIG. 17 shows a comparison table for the prior art system and the new system 31.

FIG. 13 shows a sketch of the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31A and a table how the stages operate.

Pressure Actuated Chamber Technology . . . How it Works?

Typically, a NOJAK installation in a 1,000-ft well will require compressed air/gas flow rates of about 30 to 50 cfm. When pressure is applied (from the compressor) to the uppermost fluid chamber, the fluid is forced up through the uppermost line assembly into the flow line at the surface to the production facility.

Stage 1:

    • The fluid inlet (filter screen) and the bottom fluid chamber of the NOJAK system are set to operate below the pumping fluid level of the well. This stage fills using bottom hole pressure as an internal check valve prevents fluid from draining out of the chamber back into the well bore.

Stage 2:

    • Via the internal control lines, a gas compressor (at the surface) first applies gas at a pre-set pressure (170 psi) to the odd numbered chambers and vents the pressure from the even-numbered chambers. The gas flows through the gas line within the line assembly and is released at the control panel above ground level to be exhausted or re-circulated.
    • The pressurized gas in the odd chambers displaces the fluid, causing it to flow to the even chambers directly above them, with check valves preventing any downward flow. The control panel directs pressurized gas/air to the top of even-numbered chambers, and simultaneously vents the pressure on odd-numbered chambers, causing fluid to rise from the even chambers to the odd chambers above them.
    • The lowest fluid chamber empties and vents. The combination of gravity and reservoir pressure from the well cause more fluid to flow back into this chamber preparatory to repeat the process. Fluid reaching the surface flows into the production facility.

FIGS. 14 A through 14 C show a sketch of the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31 table how the components pass fluid during operation. In the Fluid entry schematic 77

Step 1: Fluid Entry Flow Path—Fluids from the bottom chamber flow into the chamber above past the bottom check ball causing the float to rise with the fluid level until it seals at the top manifold.

In the Fluid Movement Schematic 78

Step 2: Gas Flow Path—Gas pressure from the surface is injected into the chamber causing the fluid to flow out.

In the Fluid Exit Schematic 79

Step 3: Fluid Exit Flow Path—The bottom check ball seats causing the fluid to flow through the product line then through the line assembly into the next higher chamber. The float seats at the bottom of the chamber to cut off fluid flow.

FIGS. 15 A through 15 D show sketches of the installation process for the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31. In the Installation of Surface Equipment the final plumbing of the system uses a standard pumping tee to direct fluid flow and gas flow. The gas lines are attached to a connector at the pumping tee. The gas lines are connected to the switching valves that are located on the control panel stand. The final installation offers an aesthetically pleasing operationally safe footprint and a control panel that can be operated on electric or solar power. The sketches are: Above ground pump system to control panel 81, Fluid and gas flow above ground manifolds 82, Gas lines, switch valves and control panel 83, Solar power source 84, and an Aesthetic above ground control system 85.

FIGS. 16 A through 16 C show additional sketches of the installation process for the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31. The installation of the NOJAK pumping system is a two pronged approach: the installation of the pumping chambers and surface equipment. The installation of the NOJAK pumping system is a simple operation that does not require the connection of rods and tubing using a conventional pulling unit.

    • The installation of the NOJAK pumping system is a simple operation that does not require the connection of rods and tubing using a conventional pulling unit.
    • The NOJAK system is installed using a vehicle that has a powered spool and a crane. The line assemblies are loaded onto the spool and the crane is used to raise and lower the chambers.
    • The pumps are installed in the following steps:
    • 1. The lowest chamber is lowered into the well and attached to the line assembly. It is stabilized by an attached ballast weight.
    • 2. A cable grip is attached to connect the support cable to the pump chamber and a chamber is attached at the end of a line assembly.
    • 3. The process is repeated until all of the chambers and line assemblies have been placed in the well.
    • 4. The system is then landed into the well head using standard well head components using either a mandrel or slips type tubing hanger.

Virtually all of these attachments are accomplished by means of fusion welding. Normal mechanical fasteners and redundant sealing is avoided. The ends of the Pex and polyethylene are first heated by a hot plate (heated surface) to each of the ends of the components being fuse. The plate(s) are removed and next these ends are brought together and pressure fitted. The seal is permitted to cool. The polyethylene is a crystalline material. As the junction of the two ends cool, the new joint re-crystallizes to a state like the original base materials. The process eliminates fasteners, uses a process familiar to target customer base, is stronger than base material and improves the seal. The installation sketches are: the Pump system being installed with service truck 86, connecting the chamber to line assembly 87, and top of ground transition from pump system to well head 88.

FIG. 17 shows a comparison table 95 for the prior art system and the new system 31. This shows a side by side comparison of the new features versus the older/prior art U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,558,128 (2003) and 6,435,838 (2002) to Marvel et al. NOJAK has been making continuous improvements throughout the history of the Company.

The Company's initiatives in creating an all plastic pump fit in with its long term strategy of being known as a solutions provider in the oil and gas market. NOJAK has recently developed and tested a next generation pump which replaces all metal components with a high-grade polyethylene—resulting in reduced manufacturing costs of >50% and an improved depth and pumping capacity of >40%.

With the above description or the product device and method to produce, it is to be understood that the Improved Fluid well pumping system 31A is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment. The described features of the special device 31 are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.

Claims

1. A fluid well pumping system, comprising: Wherein essentially all the component parts of the product line assembly are fabricated with a composite material and result in a lightweight, higher capacity and non-corrosive pump system when compared to prior art lift systems and the microprocessor directs fluids flow through the pump and into the production facility.

(a) a product line assembly adapted for positioning in a well casing as a unit, the product line assembly comprising (1) a first product tube including a passage for moving fluid therethrough, and a first gas line and a second gas line in the passage; and (2) a fluid reservoir adapted for positioning in a well casing as a unit, the fluid reservoir including a reservoir housing defining a chamber for storage of fluid and including a float in the chamber, a top manifold at a top end of the reservoir housing and a bottom manifold at a bottom end of the reservoir housing, the fluid reservoir including a third gas line, a fourth gas line and a product line extending between the top and bottom manifolds, the product line assembly engageable to the top manifold of the reservoir housing with the first gas line in fluid communication with the third gas line,
the second gas line in fluid communication with said fourth gas line, and the passage of said product tube in fluid communication with the product line; and
(b) a control system comprising a compressor and a microprocessor controlled valving system

2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the composite material is a PEX polyethylene.

3. The device according to claim 1 wherein the internal lines are made of a coiled high density polyethylene, which provides durability up to 200° F. and wellbore pressure of 200 psi.

4. The device according to claim 1 wherein the lines are connected to alternate chambers using a closed design that assures no gas/air is released into the wellbore.

5. A fluid well pumping system, comprising: Wherein essentially all the component parts of the product line assembly are fabricated with a composite material and result in a lightweight, higher capacity and non-corrosive pump system when compared to prior art lift systems and the microprocessor directs fluids flow through the pump and into the production facility.

(a) a product line assembly adapted for positioning in a well casing as a unit, the product line assembly comprising (1) a first product tube including a passage for moving fluid therethrough, and a first gas line and a second gas line in the passage; and (2) a fluid reservoir adapted for positioning in a well casing as a unit, the fluid reservoir including a reservoir housing defining a chamber for storage of fluid and including a float in the chamber, a top manifold at a top end of the reservoir housing and a bottom manifold at a bottom end of the reservoir housing, the fluid reservoir including a third gas line, a fourth gas line and a product line extending between the top and bottom manifolds, the product line assembly engageable to the top manifold of the reservoir housing with the first gas line in fluid communication with the third gas line, the second gas line in fluid communication with said fourth gas line, and the passage of said product tube in fluid communication with the product line; (3) an elongated and slotted filter comprised of a composite material; and
(b) a control system comprising a compressor and a microprocessor controlled valving system

6. The device according to claim 5 wherein the composite material is a PEX polyethylene.

7. The device according to claim 5 wherein the internal lines are made of a coiled high density polyethylene, which provides durability up to 200° F. and wellbore pressure of 200 psi.

8. The device according to claim 5 wherein the lines are connected to alternate chambers using a closed design that assures no gas/air is released into the wellbore.

9. The device according to claim 5 wherein the filter is made of a high density polyethylene, which provides durability up to 200° F. and wellbore pressure of 200 psi.

Patent History
Publication number: 20110114305
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 16, 2010
Publication Date: May 19, 2011
Inventors: Daniel C. Roberts (Pendleton, IN), G Ronald Stoughton (Anderson, IN), James R. Wetzel (Anderson, IN)
Application Number: 12/947,380
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Automatic (166/53)
International Classification: E21B 43/12 (20060101);