METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PNEUMATIC SOURCE SELECTION

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and apparatus for pneumatic source selection. The method and apparatus uses a modular approach of having inputs, systems, programming and/or circuit logic, and pneumatic source selection able to operate independently of each other, allowing for different combinations, while achieving the same goal of using inputs to evaluate source selection via systems using programming and/or circuit logic. Inputs, systems, programming/circuit logic can be created in different combinations/configurations based on needs to select the proper source from the pool of sources to send to downstream devices. Sources can be from one to multiple pneumatic sources, such as one or more of well gas, compressed air, and nitrogen tanks to be selected from based on the inputs and logic.

Description

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to a method and apparatus for pneumatic source selection primarily, but not exclusively, in the oil and gas field.

Discussion of the Background

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) refers to a framework used to evaluate a company's operations and sustainability practices. This framework encompasses three main criteria: environmental responsibility, social impact, and governance structures. The environmental component focuses on how a company manages its ecological footprint, including resource consumption, emissions, and waste management. The social aspect assesses how a company interacts with its workforce, suppliers, customers, and communities, while governance examines the policies and practices that guide a company's leadership and decision-making processes. As stakeholders become more conscious of these factors, ESG has emerged as a critical lens through which businesses are evaluated.

The importance of ESG has escalated in recent years, driven by a growing recognition that sustainable practices are essential for long-term financial success. Investors are increasingly inclined to allocate capital to companies demonstrating strong ESG performance, viewing them as more resilient and capable of managing risks. This shift is also influenced by heightened regulatory scrutiny and consumer demand for corporate transparency and responsibility. Companies that proactively address ESG issues not only build trust with their stakeholders but also position themselves competitively in a rapidly changing market landscape.

In the oil and gas sector, ESG considerations are particularly significant due to the industry's inherent environmental challenges and societal responsibilities. As fossil fuels remain central to global energy supply, oil and gas companies face scrutiny over their contributions to climate change and environmental degradation. Consequently, many firms are adopting ESG principles to navigate the dual pressures of regulatory compliance and societal expectations, aligning their operations with global sustainability goals while ensuring their long-term viability.

A key area of focus within the environmental dimension of ESG is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the mitigation of ecological impacts from drilling and extraction activities. Companies are investing in advanced technologies that enhance energy efficiency and minimize waste. For instance, practices such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) are being implemented to capture emissions before they enter the atmosphere, while innovations in drilling techniques help to reduce spills and other environmental hazards. These efforts reflect a growing commitment to responsible resource management and environmental stewardship.

On the social front, oil and gas companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of maintaining positive relationships with their workforce and the communities in which they operate. This involves not only ensuring fair labor practices and robust health and safety measures but also engaging in community development initiatives. Companies are investing in local education, infrastructure, and economic opportunities to foster goodwill and mitigate potential conflicts. By prioritizing social responsibility, firms can enhance their reputational capital and reduce the risks associated with community opposition or labor disputes.

Governance practices in the oil and gas sector are also evolving to meet ESG standards. Companies are placing greater emphasis on transparency, ethical decision-making, and accountability within their leadership structures. Strong governance involves implementing comprehensive compliance frameworks and ensuring diverse representation at the board level to reflect varied perspectives in corporate strategies. As investors demand more rigorous disclosures regarding governance practices, companies that adhere to high standards are likely to attract more investment and maintain stakeholder trust.

Despite the challenges associated with adopting ESG practices—such as balancing profitability with sustainability and navigating complex regulations—significant opportunities exist for oil and gas companies. Those that lead in ESG initiatives can differentiate themselves in a competitive market, appealing to environmentally and socially conscious investors. By embedding ESG principles into their business strategies, firms can enhance their resilience and adaptability in an era marked by rapid change in energy consumption and production patterns.

The integration of ESG into oil and gas operations is expected to continue evolving as technological advancements and societal expectations shift. Digital monitoring tools and data analytics will play a pivotal role in improving environmental management and operational efficiency. Collaboration with various stakeholders-including governments, non-governmental organizations, and local communities-will be vital for addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change and resource depletion. As the energy landscape transforms, oil and gas companies that embed ESG considerations into their core strategies will be better positioned for sustainable success in an increasingly competitive and scrutinized environment.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, FIG. 1 is a depiction of a typical prior art well system 10. While such systems may differ in configuration and components, this exemplary system is shown having bore 20 extending downward into terrain 15, wherein tubing within the bore includes tubing stop 23 at one end and an opening into lubricator 50 at its other end. Bumper spring 25 is mounted in the wellbore just above tubing stop 23, and plunger 30 acts as an artificial lift device as it travels between bumper spring 25 and catcher 70. Electrical cable 75 connects a sensor associated with catcher 70 to electronic control box 85 so that the controller knows when plunger 30 arrives (and/or is present at catcher 70) and so that the controller can send a signal at the right time to catcher 70 to release plunger 30 back into the well.

Lubricator 50 further includes master valve 35, bleed valve 40, flow tee 60, and bypass valve 65. As shown, gas passageway 90 ports gas production from the well to electronic control box 85, which controls the porting of that gas through gas passageway 100 to pneumatically control the opening and closing of valve 80. When valve 80 is open, flow from the well will pass through output line 95, and when valve 80 is closed, flow from the well will not pass through output line 95. In this configuration, pneumatically closing valve 85 will shut in the well.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the use of well gas to pneumatically control valves in the system, such as valve 80, effects the system's ESG rating because such gas eventually escapes to the ambient atmosphere when it is used to pneumatically control such valves. It is, therefore, one object of the present invention to provide a new method and apparatus for pneumatic source selection and another object to improve such systems' ESG ratings through a different, more ESG-efficient design.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following disclosure may be understood by reference to the description herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention, except where the drawings are indicated to illustrate the prior art. The present invention should not be considered limited to the following drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a typical prior art well system;

FIG. 2 is well system including an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic of an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various features and advantageous details are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the description herein. Descriptions of well-known starting materials, processing techniques, components, and equipment are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and/or rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

The words and phrases used herein should be understood and interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the understanding of those words and phrases by those skilled in the relevant art. No special definition of a term or phrase, i.e., a definition that is different from the ordinary and customary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art, is intended or implied. To the extent that a term or phrase is intended to have a special meaning, i.e., a meaning other than that understood by skilled artisans, such special definition will be expressly set forth in the specification in a definitional manner that directly and unequivocally provides the special definition for the term or phrase.

The present exemplary embodiments describe an improved method and apparatus for pneumatic source selection. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates well system 200 as including an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, FIG. 2 includes the primary elements and architecture of FIG. 1, but it is modified to port gas passageway 90 to solenoid valve 220, as opposed to porting gas passageway 90 directly to electronic control box 85 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown, solenoid valve 220 also receives a compressed air input 91 from air tank 240. Because solenoid valve 220 receives well gas from gas passageway 90 and compressed air from air tank 240, solenoid valve 220 can output either well gas or compressed air to electronic control box 85. The compressed air can be compressed ambient air or any other gas more ESG friendly than well gas.

As those skilled in the art know, a solenoid valve consists of an electromagnetic coil that, when energized, generates a magnetic field to move a plunger or armature, which either opens or closes the valve. This action controls the flow of fluid through the valve, allowing for precise management of fluid systems in various applications. Here, controller 210 sends control signal 251 to solenoid valve 220 to cause solenoid valve 220 to switch/select between outputting (to electronic control box 85) either well gas from gas passageway 90 or compressed gas from compressed air input 91 over the gas or air output 260.

In this embodiment, controller 210 can deliver and/or receive signals to/from air compressor 230 over control line 252. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, these signals can include one or more of a variety of signals/instructions, such as a power signal, a start/stop instruction, a status/state signal, etc. When energized, air compressor 230 delivers compressed air to air tank 240 over link 253. Pressure switch/gauge 250 may be attached to or incorporated into air tank 240 to monitor the air pressure in air tank 240. Pressure switch/gauge 250 is coupled to controller 210 via connection 254, thereby allowing controller 210 to at least assess the air pressure in air tank 250. If the pressure is determined to be sufficient (and/or controller 210 detects other satisfactory conditions, such as on control line 252), then controller 250 will send a signal via connection 251 to solenoid valve 220 causing compressed air from tank 240 to be delivered to electronic control box 85 as described above. In this manner, the system can opt to use compressed air—as opposed to well gas—to pneumatically control valve 80, thereby making the system more ESG efficient. If the pressure in air tank 240 is determined not to be sufficient (and/or controller 210 detects other non-satisfactory conditions, including from control line 252), then controller 250 will send a signal via connection 251 to solenoid valve 220 causing well gas from gas passageway 90 to be delivered to electronic control box 85 as also described above. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, solenoid valve 220 can be set to a “default” condition such that it selects/ports one of well gas or gas from air tank 240 to electronic control box 85 without receiving a signal from controller 210. In other words, solenoid valve 220 will only switch its output selection in response to receiving a signal from controller 210.

It should be appreciated that controller 210 and controller 85 may be the same controller and that switches/valves other than a solenoid can be used to switch between well gas and compressed gas (such as pneumatic relays, electronic relays, actuators, etc.). Likewise, as indicated above, the compressed gas can be any gas that is ESG friendly or at least more ESG friendly than well gas. Still further, as described in more detail below in connection with other embodiments of the present invention, controller 210/85 can receive inputs other than and/or in addition to signal 254 and/or 252 to make the decision on how to control/select the output of solenoid 220.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, FIG. 3 is an apparatus (with inherent method) for pneumatic source selection. One of the sources is well gas or other source gas 310. As such, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to porting or using well gas as one of the pneumatic sources, but rather the invention includes embodiments broader than that since any gas can be one of the pneumatic sources. In this embodiment, source 310 may be ported to regulator 312, then to gauge 314, then to solenoid 316, then to check valve 318, then to tee 320, then to gauge 322, and finally to output 324. This embodiment also includes another source identified as air compressor source 326. Source 326 may be ported to regulator 328, then to pressure sensor 330, then to gauge 332, then to solenoid 334, then to check valve 336, then to tee 320, then to gauge 322, and finally to output 324. Output 324 can be any device that makes use of a pneumatic source, such as valve 80 in FIG. 2.

Source 310 is selected to be delivered to output 324 when pressure sensor 330 delivers a signal to circuit 338 indicating that the pressure from source 326 is insufficient. This signal will result in circuit 340 allowing solenoid 316 to pass source 310 to output 324, while simultaneously causing circuit 342 to prevent solenoid 334 from passing source 326 to output 324. Indeed, note that circuit 340 and 342 are biased in opposite directions by power supplies 346 and 348, respectively, thereby alternately activating either solenoid 316 or 334 depending on the state of double pole single throw relay 344. Conversely, source 326 is selected to be delivered to output 324 when pressure sensor 330 delivers a signal to circuit 338 indicating that the pressure from source 326 is sufficient. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that activation of double pole single throw relay 344 could be triggered by a signal from something other than pressure sensor 330. Likewise, those skilled in the art will appreciate that selection of the pneumatic sources need not be via a double pole single throw relay 344 or separate solenoids.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, FIG. 4 is an apparatus (with inherent method) for pneumatic source selection that is the same as that of FIG. 3 except for the addition of control element 410. Control element 410 adds the capability to add additional functionality to the embodiment. For example, control element 410 could be one or more sensors (such as power, temperature, voltage, current, resistance, photoelectric, light, bypass, condensation, gas, door switch, bypass lever, weather, safety, etc.), switches (such as manual, electronic, wireless, radio activated, etc.), transducers, alarms, faults, indicators, microcontrollers, remote controllers, receivers, transmitters, databases, data services, and/or communication devices. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of the added flexibility that can be added to the embodiment through use of control element 410. Non-limiting examples include the ability to remotely communicate (both transmitting and receiving) with the embodiment for control and/or monitoring purposes, and/or to read measured data from the embodiment.

While the embodiment of FIG. 3 addresses measuring the pressure of source 326, the embodiment of FIG. 4 could add or substitute measurements of a host of other parameters concerning the embodiment to make the decision to activate circuit 338, such as whether power is being supplied to source 326 or whether an override signal has been received either manually or remotely. As another non-limiting example, control element 410 could be a switch, the position of which could select between “normal operations” (where pneumatic source selection is based on one or more monitored/measured parameters) or “well source only” (where only well gas is selected by the embodiment) or “alternate source only” (where only a source other than well gas is selected by the embodiment). Again, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples given, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is not so limited.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, FIG. 5 is an apparatus (with inherent method) for pneumatic source selection that is the same as that of FIG. 4 except for the addition of hard bypass 510. Hard bypass 510 can be activated manually or electronically (either locally or remotely) to physically isolate the system and send well gas (source 310) to output 324.

Although the invention(s) is/are described herein with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention(s), as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and Figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention(s). Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are described herein with regard to specific embodiments are not intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims.

Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The terms “coupled” or “operably coupled” are defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless stated otherwise. The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Similarly, a method or process that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more operations possesses those one or more operations but is not limited to possessing only those one or more operations.

Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A pneumatic source selection apparatus, comprising: a first pneumatic source;a second pneumatic source; anda switching apparatus receiving at least one input and, based on the at least one input, selecting between delivering a gas from the first pneumatic source or a gas from the second pneumatic source to an output.

2. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first pneumatic source is a gas well and the gas from the first pneumatic source is well gas.

3. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 2 wherein the second pneumatic source is a compressed gas source and the gas from the second pneumatic source is a gas more ESG friendly than the well gas.

4. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 3 wherein the output includes a pneumatic valve associated with a wellhead.

5. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a controller that receives at least a first controller input and outputs at least a controller output.

6. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 5 wherein the controller output is the same as the at least one input to the switching apparatus.

7. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 6 wherein the controller output is based at least in part on a pressure of the second pneumatic source.

8. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 7 wherein the switching apparatus is a solenoid valve that receives as an input the gas from the first pneumatic source and the gas from the second pneumatic source and outputs either the gas from the first pneumatic source or the gas from the second pneumatic source.

9. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 8 wherein the solenoid valve outputs either the gas from the first pneumatic source or the gas from the second pneumatic source based at least in part on the controller output.

10. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 9 wherein second pneumatic source is a tank for housing compressed gas.

11. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a compressor coupled to the tank.

12. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 11 wherein the controller is coupled to the compressor to receive or transmit signals between the compressor and the controller.

13. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 12 wherein the controller output is based at least upon data received from the compressor.

14. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 1 wherein the switching apparatus includes a first solenoid valve for receiving and outputting the gas from the first pneumatic source and a second solenoid valve for receiving and outputting the gas from the second pneumatic source.

15. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 14 wherein the at least one input to the switching apparatus includes at least a first state and a second state, wherein the first solenoid valve outputs the gas from the first pneumatic source and the second solenoid valve does not output the gas from the second pneumatic source when the at least one input is in its first state, and wherein the first solenoid valve does not output the gas from the first pneumatic source and the second solenoid valve outputs the gas from the second pneumatic source when the at least one input is in its second state.

16. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 15 wherein the at least one input to the switching apparatus is based at least in part on a pressure of the gas from the second pneumatic source.

17. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 16 wherein the switching apparatus includes a double pole single throw relay.

18. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 17 wherein the at least one input to the switching apparatus controls a state of the double pole single throw relay.

19. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 18 wherein the state of the double pole single throw relay controls a state of the first solenoid valve and a state of the second solenoid valve.

20. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 19 wherein the at least one input to the switching apparatus is based at least in part on a second input to the switching apparatus.

21. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 20 further comprising a hard bypass.

22. A pneumatic source selection apparatus, comprising: a first pneumatic source;a second pneumatic source; anda switching apparatus receiving at least one input and, based on the at least one input, selecting between delivering a first gas from the first pneumatic source or a second gas from the second pneumatic source to an output.

23. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 22 wherein the second gas is more ESG friendly than the first gas.

24. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 23 wherein the output includes a pneumatic valve associated with a wellhead.

25. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 24 further comprising a controller that receives at least a first controller input and outputs at least a controller output.

26. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 25 wherein the controller output is the same as the at least one input to the switching apparatus.

27. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 26 wherein the controller output is based at least in part on a pressure of the second pneumatic source.

28. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 27 wherein the switching apparatus is a solenoid valve that receives as an input the first gas from the first pneumatic source and the second gas from the second pneumatic source and outputs either the first gas from the first pneumatic source or the second gas from the second pneumatic source.

29. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 28 wherein the solenoid valve outputs either the first gas from the first pneumatic source or the second gas from the second pneumatic source based at least in part on the controller output.

30. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 29 wherein second pneumatic source is a tank for housing compressed gas.

31. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 30 further comprising a compressor coupled to the tank.

32. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 31 wherein the controller is coupled to the compressor to receive or transmit signals between the compressor and the controller.

33. The pneumatic source selection apparatus of claim 32 wherein the controller output is based at least upon data received from the compressor.