Abstract:
An improved hydraulic downhole oil recovery system that incorporates an above ground unit and a submersible, reciprocating downhole pump unit. This system, by pumping oil to the surface both during the upstroke and downstroke, is able to continuously pump oil to the surface as never done before. Oil production is doubled with virtually no increase in energy consumption during operation. Water-based fluid, rather than hydraulic fluid, is responsible for actuating the reciprocating downhole pump unit. The water-based fluid is transferred through the system using coil tubing. The system further relies upon coil exterior production tubing to provide exceptional advantage in deviated oil wells.

Description:
CITATION TO PARENT APPLICATION(S)  
       [0001]     This is a continuation-in-part with respect to U.S. Patent Application filed with U.S. Express Number EV 298571932 US, filed on Sep. 20, 2004, from which priority is claimed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 120; which is a continuation-in-part with respect to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/884,376, filed on Jul. 2, 2204, from which priority is claimed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 120. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     Applicant&#39;s invention generally relates to an improved hydraulic downhole oil recovery system. More specifically, applicant&#39;s invention relates to an oil recovery system that employs coil tubing, in both its production tubing and fluid transfer tubing, and water-based fluid, rather than hydraulic fluid, to offer its user tremendous advantages in view of systems known in the art. Moreover, production efficiency is greatly increased as the present system pumps oil to the surface during both its upstroke and its downstroke.  
         [0004]     2. Background Information  
         [0005]     Conventional oil recovery systems are hampered by limitations on both the depth and volume of oil that can be recovered. The present invention does away with these presently accepted limitations. In fact, known oil recovery systems can generally recover 400 barrels of oil per day, at a depth of 1000 feet, using full-sized standard surface pumps. However, embodiments of applicant&#39;s invention will be able to recover 1500 barrels per day, using a fraction of the energy consumed by conventional systems. Particular embodiments of the present invention allow certain embodiments of the system to be maintained on solar energy, which is not feasible with known downhole oil recovery systems.  
         [0006]     Conventional oil recovery systems are relatively short-lived and require a high level of maintenance in view of the present device. Current systems rely on large, cumbersome parts that are prone to leaking and causing wear and tear of standard production tubing. However, Applicant&#39;s invention provides a much smaller surface unit, with less moving parts, and incorporates coil tubing. As such, the maintenance and the risk of leaks are reduced.  
         [0007]     A large portion of the problems associated with known oil recovery systems come from the secured-production tubing configuration of those systems. Specifically, reciprocation of the sucker rod within the production tube causes wear and tear of the tubing. As a result, leaks often originate within the tubing at the secured reciprocation location. This leads to both inefficiency and environmental contamination. Such problems are exaggerated in the common case of deviated oil wells. As will be further discussed, Applicant&#39;s invention eliminates these common problems through the novel use of coil production tubing.  
         [0008]     Common oil recovery systems also present significant problems at the surface. Surface pumps are loud, cumbersome, visually offensive, dangerous, and environmentally unfriendly. As such, restrictions are placed on both where and when these systems can be used. Prohibitive zoning restrictions are often based on the way the pumps look, how they sound, and the inconvenience they cause to people in their proximity. Further, it is widely known in the art that conventional surface pumps are prone to leaking both oil and hazardous fumes. As such, environmental concerns are very high and periodic maintenance is required, all the while cost of operation increases while efficiency decreases.  
         [0009]     Surface pumps are also dangerous; each year, there are several injuries and deaths that result from the operation of such pumps. These casualties often involve children who make their way to the pumps, drawn by curiosity, only to get caught in the moving parts.  
         [0010]     Applicant&#39;s invention provides a refreshing solution to the problems mention above and avoids the worst characteristics associated with known surface pumps. The present invention uses only a fraction of the energy required for standard surface pumps. As such, the present invention is much smaller and quieter, is easily housed and insulated, and greatly reduces the likelihood of leaks and need for maintenance. Further, the present invention eliminates the dangers associated with surface pumps as there are no large, cumbersome moving parts.  
         [0011]     There is a narrow range of hydraulically operated oil recovery systems known in the art. Yet, of these known systems, none are believed to be operative in reality, and at best are not able to match the advantages provided by Applicant&#39;s invention. For instance, Schulte (5,494,102) discloses a downhole operated pump having a power piston reciprocated by alternating pressurized hydraulic fluid flow controlled at the surface by a hydraulic power control system which quickly reverses the flow direction.  
         [0012]     Applicant&#39;s invention is distinguished from Schulte specifically in a number of ways. While Schulte teaches an apparatus having a power piston above the production piston, the present invention provides for a power piston below the production piston. Such configuration provides greater efficiency and allows the present system to be operated on much less energy.  
         [0013]     Schulte teaches a power piston that runs along the well bore itself. However, the present invention provides for a power piston/production piston configuration whereby each piston is actuated within a removable tube housing located within the well bore. This feature provides for a straightforward maintenance or replacement scheme that is simply not available with devices known in the art.  
         [0014]     Applicant&#39;s invention also provides a scheme whereby either the volume of the power piston or the volume of the production piston may be changed with respect to one another. As such, the power piston/production piston ratio may be manipulated to vary the power fluid/output fluid ratio for different situations. For example the size of the power piston may be increased with respect to the production piston. This scheme will allow the present system to be operated on an extremely small amount of power. In fact, such embodiments are thought to operate within the range of solar power sources—this feature is not available with any known products. Alternatively, the size of the production piston could be increased with respect to the power piston. This scheme will allow the present system achieve rates of oil production not generally possible. For example, the present system will be able to produce 700-800 barrels of oil per day while accepted limitations fall around 400 barrels of oil a day. As mentioned, the components are housed in a removable tubing, as such, the power piston/production piston ratio may be changed in accordance with changing amounts and depths of available oil.  
         [0015]     Applicant&#39;s invention further provides a tremendous improvement in oil production efficiency. Traditional oil well pump devices can only pump oil to the surface during an upstroke. However, the present system, through employment of a double acting pump and a novel component configuration, allows for oil to be continuously pumped to the surface. That is, oil is sent to the surface during both the upstroke and the downstroke. Perhaps of even greater importance, this “double action” is achieved with no greater expenditure of power. So, while production is double, energy consumption remains constant! 
         [0016]     The present invention incorporates the use of coil tubing throughout the system. Coil tubing is known in the industry and is typically used to clean sand from well bores; however, no known products have been able to incorporate such tubing to transfer power fluid and provide housing for system components. In the past, fitting system components and power fluid tubing within coil tubing has proven to be too difficult. Applicant&#39;s invention, however, provides for the novel use of such tubing to transfer power fluid and house components. This feature makes Applicant&#39;s invention particularly useful in deviated oil wells when compared to presently available products.  
         [0017]     The present invention is further distinguished over the prior art in general, and the Schulte patent in particular, by the use of water-based fluid rather than hydraulic fluid to actuate the downhole reciprocating pump unit. The substitution of water-based fluid for hydraulic fluid may appear to be a subtle distinction at first glance. Nevertheless, the use of water-based fluid in the present system has virtually eliminated the most common problems associated with presently proposed, but impractical hydraulic recovery systems, including: the compression of production fluid circulated though the system, inflexible fluid transfer lines, fluid friction during downhole and return flow cycles, and fluid viscosity.  
         [0018]     In view of the limitations and hazards associated with traditional oil recovery systems, and the defects in presently proposed hydraulically operated oil recovery systems, a great need exists for a system that can operate efficiently and safely. Through use of coil tubing, water-based fluid rather than hydraulic fluid, and a unique combination of system components, Applicant&#39;s invention eliminates problems associated with known recovery systems and provides tremendous progress in view of those systems.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0019]     In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that pumps oil to the surface during both its upstroke and its downstroke.  
         [0020]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that has an oil production to energy consumption ratio.  
         [0021]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that eliminates conventional tubing wear and tear.  
         [0022]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that eliminates weak tubing link unreliability.  
         [0023]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that eliminates surface leaks.  
         [0024]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that eliminates pumping unit liability.  
         [0025]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that eliminates submersible pump inefficiencies.  
         [0026]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that may exceptionally useful in deviated oil wells.  
         [0027]     It is another object of the present invention to present invention to provide an oil recovery system that produces and maintains relatively high volume lift in relatively low production wells.  
         [0028]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that may be used in environmentally sensitive locations.  
         [0029]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that may be safely used in urban environments.  
         [0030]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that may be used in corrosive environments.  
         [0031]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that may be used in remote locations.  
         [0032]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that contains a surface adjustable lift capacity.  
         [0033]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that may be used to recover particularly deep oil deposits.  
         [0034]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that can be powered by solar energy or other alternative power sources.  
         [0035]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that employs the use of coil production tubing.  
         [0036]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that maintains its power piston below its production piston.  
         [0037]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that employs the use of pressure controlled surface pumps.  
         [0038]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that requires an exceptionally low amount of service.  
         [0039]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an oil recovery system that has an exceptionally long running life.  
         [0040]     In satisfaction of these and related objects, and as will be discussed in the specification to follow, practice of the present invention involves a pressure-type pump surface unit. This surface unit is modified to read and react to pressure measurements during pump cycles so that when pressure builds past a certain point at the completion of a cycle, the unit “switches” to begin the next cycle. As mentioned, the surface unit of the present invention is of a pressure-type, and therefore is much smaller, quieter, and cleaner than standard oil well surface units.  
         [0041]     The surface unit of the present invention is connected to a downhole apparatus by a pair of hydraulic power lines. The downhole unit of the present invention primarily consists of a power piston, a production piston, a connecting rod, and a series of inlets, valves, and reservoirs. Operation of the system is initiated when power fluid is alternatingly pumped through each power line, thereby actuating a downhole power piston between a top position and a bottom position. Specifically, as fluid is pumped through the upstroke power line, the fluid volume of the reservoir below the power piston expands, thereby forcing the power piston upward. During the following downstroke, fluid is pumped through the downstroke power line, and the fluid volume of the reservoir above the power piston expands thereby forcing the power piston downward.  
         [0042]     A connecting rod extends from the power piston to the production piston. In holding the power piston and production piston fixed with respect to one another, the connecting rod traverses both a hydraulic power fluid reservoir and an oil containing reservoir. Importantly, the connecting rod, in combination with the pump barrel, forms a fluid-tight seal between the power fluid reservoir and the oil reservoir. This feature allows the connecting rod to actuate between a top position and a down position while keeping the “dirty” oil environment separate from the “clean” power fluid environment.  
         [0043]     The production piston rests along the top surface of the connecting rod and is actuated between a bottom position just above the power fluid reservoir and a top position just below a one way-valve. These one-way valves are standard, “check” valves as known in the art. That is, each valve consists of a loosely seeded bearing that rests about a grooved slot. Each bearing may become unseeded, thereby allowing fluid to flow in a given direction yet returns to a seeded position to prevent backflow of any fluid.  
         [0044]     As the production piston is actuated from a bottom position to a top position, oil is cycled from a first inlet, positioned below the production piston, to a first reservoir positioned between the power fluid reservoir and the production piston. During this stage, production oil located in a second reservoir, positioned between the production piston and a one way check valve, is forced through the check valve and to the rest of the system. Specifically, the bottom valve remains in the seeded position as it rises, forcing oil through the top valve. As the bottom valve begins to lower, the top valve returns to the seeded position, preventing fluid from returning. This action also creates the vacuum that is responsible for sucking the oil through the production shaft and above the bottom valve. This process is repeated through a series of valves until the oil is cycled to the surface.  
         [0045]     As the production piston is actuated from a bottom position to a top position, oil is cycled from a second inlet, positioned above the production piston, into a second reservoir positioned between the production piston and a one way check valve. During this stage, production oil located in the first reservoir, positioned between the production piston and the power fluid reservoir, is forced through an adjacent shaft leading from the first reservoir to a location above the second reservoir separate by a one way valve. Said adjacent shaft also contains its own one way valve so that fluid only flows through the shaft during the downstroke, and no backflow is permitted.  
         [0046]     It is important to note that the general operation and the effectiveness of the present system does not depend on the exact arrangement of the component parts. Specifically, the power piston may be placed below or above the production fluid reservoirs. It is easily seen that production oil may still be pumped on both an upstroke and a downstroke, with only minor changes needed in the arrangement of the system. In each arrangement, the efficiency of the present system is preserved.  
         [0047]     As mentioned, Applicant&#39;s invention circulates a water-based fluid, rather than hydraulic fluid, throughout the system. This substitution promotes both the novel design and great efficiency of the present invention. More specifically, the use of water-based fluid provides for a much greater operating efficiency. That is, typical hydraulic fluid is compressible and therefore requires significantly more pump strokes to “pressure up” than a column of water-based fluid. As a result, the efficiency of hydraulic fluid decreases over any appreciable distance as its compression causes wasted pump strokes, which directly translates to lost power. Because the present system uses incompressible water-based fluid, problems associated with fluid compressibility have been eliminated. Specifically, power loss is avoided as there is no appreciable loss in efficiency due to the compression of the circulated production fluid.  
         [0048]     Other useful embodiments of the invention are thought to utilized additives that my increase the viscosity of the water-based hydraulic fluid. Such may involve the use of “oils” to form emulsions. These embodiments are thought to be particularly useful in further reducing fluid friction and further improving operating efficiency.  
         [0049]     However, the benefits associated with the present system do not end with use of water-based fluid. The novelty of the present invention further lies in the placement and action of the downhole pump. The downhole pump is placed below the production oil, as such, the surface unit is in a mechanically superior alignment. That is, the surface unit is responsible for actuating only the downhole pump, rather than cycling the entire production string through the production tube. This feature alone, and in conjunction with an efficient surface unit, provides for an extreme decrease in the energy used during production.  
         [0050]     Devices of the past have not been successful in using coil tubing, as it has proven too difficult to incorporate such tubing within the production tube itself. However, Applicant has cleared that hurdle. The present system provides for the coil, flexible tubing contained within the production tube all the while circulating water-based fluid from the surface to the downhole pump unit. This feature alone, and particularly in combination with coil production tubing, allows the present invention to be useful in deviated wells that otherwise be inaccessible. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0051]     Applicant&#39;s invention may be further understood from a description of the accompanying drawings, wherein unless otherwise specified, like referenced numerals are intended to depict like components in the various views.  
         [0052]      FIG. 1  is a cross sectional view of the improved hydraulic downhole oil recovery system of the present invention  
         [0053]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the improved hydraulic downhole oil recovery system of the present invention 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0054]     With reference to  FIG. 1 , the improved hydraulic down-hole oil recovery system of the present invention is identified generally by the reference number  10 . In the preferred embodiment, device  10  is primarily made of alloy metal and coil tubing.  
         [0055]     Referring principally to  FIG. 1 , device  10  includes surface pump unit  12 . Surface pump unit  12  sends a production fluid  14  through upstroke powerline  16  during one cycle and sends production fluid  14  through downstroke powerline  18  in a following downstroke cycle. Surface unit  12  reversibly engages with power lines  16  and  18  so as to form a fluid-tight seal, such seal is formed by standard tube fittings as known in the art. In the preferred embodiment, pump unit  12  is a pressure pump, modified to contain a “switch off pressure sensor”  13  which reads the pressure at the surface pump on both the upstroke and the downstroke. At the point each stroke is carried out, pressure increases beyond a preset “switch off” point where sensor  13  sends a signal to pump  12  to begin the next stroke. Further, surface unit  12  transfers fluid  14  by alternating pressure on both power line  16  and power line  18 , such pressure change may be carried out in a number of ways. Finally, in the preferred embodiment, production fluid  14  is water-based fluid. As previously discussed in the specification, the use of water-based fluid in conjunction with device  10  provides its user with a number of advantages.  
         [0056]     Upstroke power line  16  and downstroke powerline  18  both extend from surface pump unit  12  and follow along the length of removable production tube  20 . Production tube  20 , in the preferred embodiment, reversibly slides along outer shaft  21 . In the preferred embodiment, upstroke powerline  16  and downstroke powerline  18  are comprised of coil production tubing. As previously discussed in the specification, powerline made of this material allow the present invention to be particularly useful in deviated oil wells.  
         [0057]     Upstroke powerline  16  leads to upstroke reservoir  22  and is connected thereto by upstroke fitting  24 . Downstroke powerline  18  leads to downstroke reservoir  26  and is connected thereto by downstroke fitting  28 . Both fitting  24  and fitting  28  are standard tube fittings as known in the art.  
         [0058]     As surface pump unit  12  sends production fluid  14  through upstroke power line  16 , power fluid  14  fills upstroke reservoir  22  such that its fluid volume increases, thereby actuating power plunger  30  in an upward direction so that the fluid volume of downstroke reservoir  26  decreases. Likewise, as surface pump unit  12  sends production fluid  14  through downstroke power line  18 , power fluid  14  fills downstroke reservoir  26  such that its fluid volume increases, thereby actuating power plunger  30  in a downward direction, so that the fluid volume of upstroke reservoir  22  decreases.  
         [0059]     Again referring to  FIG. 1 , power plunger  30  is actuated between a top position and a bottom position where plunger  30  reaches a position just above upstroke fixture  24  at completion of the downstroke in the bottom position; and where plunger  30  reaches a position just below downstroke fixture  28  at completion of the upstroke in the top position. The pressure change in powerline  16  and  18 , and resulting fluid volume change in reservoirs  22  and  26 , respectively, is the mechanism responsible for actuating power plunger  30 . In the preferred embodiment, power plunger  30  is a “spray metal” plunger, or made of some suitable alloy and is shaped so as to form a fluid-tight fit with removable production tube  20 .  
         [0060]     Again referring principally to  FIG. 1 , connecting rod  32  is attached to power plunger  30  and extends therefrom. Rod  32  is of such length so that connection rod  32  extends beyond pump barrel seal  38  during both the downstroke and the upstroke. Rod  32  is actuated between a top position and a bottom position where its top portion rests just above pump barrel seal  38  in a bottom position, at completion of a downstroke; and where its bottom portion rests just below pump barrel seal  38  in a top position, at completion of an upstroke.  
         [0061]     The combination of rod  32  and pump barrel seal  38  form a fluid-tight seal, as such, downstroke reservoir  26  remains completely sealed from first reservoir  40  during both the upstroke and downstroke. In the preferred embodiment, connecting rod  32  and pump barrel seal  38  are fitted so that a 1/1000th inch gap in found on either side of rod  32 . This fit is thought to be most beneficial that it allows rod  32  to freely move between its top and bottom position while preventing production oil from flowing between rod  32  and pump barrel seal  38 . Such a fluid tight seal is particularly beneficial in that it separates the clean environment of production fluid  14  from the dirty environment of the oil cycled by device  10 . As previously discussed in the specification, this has not been possible with known hydraulically-driven systems.  
         [0062]     Immediately above pump barrel seal  38  is first reservoir  40 . Adjacent to first reservoir  40  is first inlet  41 . In the preferred embodiment, first inlet  41  is a one way valve that allows oil to flow into first reservoir  40  during an upstroke, but does not allow backflow. During an upstroke, production fluid is drawn into device  10  through first inlet  41  where it travels through and fills first reservoir  40 . During a downstroke, oil is pushed from first reservoir  40  by piston  46 , and flows through adjacent shaft  48 , through one way valve  49 , and into upper reservoir  53 . This pumping of production oil during the downstroke is the very thing that sets this embodiment apart from its parent, and further from any devices known in the art. Importantly, with this configuration, production of oil is precisely doubled, yet there is no increase in energy consumption in view of a previous embodiment that only pumps oil during the upstroke.  
         [0063]     Production piston  46  is connected to and rests just above rod  32  and is of a generally solid cylinder-form. Production piston  46  is actuated between a top position and a bottom position where piston  46  rests just above pump barrel seal  38  at completion of a downstroke in a bottom position; and piston  46  reaches just below one way valve  52  at completion of an upstroke, in a top position. As previously mentioned in the specification, the volume of both production piston  46  and power piston  30  may be changed with respect to one another. This change in ratio between production piston  46  and power piston  30  has particular applicability in a low production energy context.  
         [0064]     Second reservoir  42  is positioned between piston  46  and one way valve  52 . Adjacent to second reservoir  42  is second inlet  43 . In the preferred embodiment, second inlet  43  is a one way valve that allows oil to flow into second reservoir  42  during a downstroke, but does not allow backflow. During an downstroke, production fluid is drawn into device  10  through second inlet  43  where it travels through and fills second reservoir  42 . During an upstroke production oil is pushed from second reservoir  42  by piston  46 , and flows through valve  52 , and into upper reservoir  53 . a This pumping of production oil during the compliments pumping of oil to the surface during the downstroke so that oil travels to the surface in a continuous manner. Again, by virtue of pumping oil to the surface during both the upstroke and downstroke, production of oil is precisely doubled, yet there is no increase in energy consumption in view of a previous embodiment that only pumps oil during the upstroke.  
         [0065]     While the preferred embodiment discloses first reservoir  40  and second reservoir  42  as being positioned above power plunger  30 , other useful embodiments are envisioned where first reservoir  40  and second reservoir  42 , and their respective inlets, are positioned below power plunger  30 . In such case, the general relationship between components remains the same, and the effectiveness of apparatus  10  remains the same. In fact, the apparatus  10  is still able to pump twice the amount of oil while expending the same amount of energy.  
         [0066]     In the preferred embodiment, valve  52  is of a standard type as known in the art. That is, a loosely seeded bearing  51  rests upon a grooved slot. During upstroke, bearing  51  becomes unseeded and allows oil to flow from second reservoir  42 , through valve  52 , and into upper reservoir  53 . Oil easily flows into reservoir  53  as bearing  51  becomes unseeded and the oil is pushed into reservoir  53 . During downstroke, bearing  51  remains seeded as fluid flows into reservoir  53  from adjacent shaft  48 . As device  10  completes a pumping cycle, oil is continuously pushed through reservoir  53  and adjoining reservoirs, separate by other one way valves, until the oil reaches the surface.  
         [0067]     Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.