Pump

Abstract

A system and method for a pump. The pump has a pump cover which has an upstream end and a downstream end. An inlet valve is coupled to the pump. An outlet valve is also coupled to the pump. There is an expanding element housed within the pump cover, creating an annulus between the expanding element and the pump cover. The annulus has a volume which can be filled with a fluid. The expanding element has a non-expanded state and an expanded state. The volume of the annulus changes between states of the expanding element. When a pressure is applied to the expanding element, fluid which was drawn into the pump is expelled due to the closing annulus. Therefore, fluid is pumped from the inlet valve through the pump and out of the outlet valve via pressure applied to the expanding element.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system and method for a pump.

Description of Related Art

Pumps move fluid from one location to a second location. Various pumps exist. However, there is a need for a pump which can utilize a pressured line to move a fluid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pump in one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pump with the expanding element in the expanded state;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a downhole embodiment utilizing a packer in one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section continuation of the tube in FIG. 3 showing the beginning of the expanding element utilizing a casing;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section continuation of the tube in FIG. 4 which illustrates a plug in one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section continuation of the tube in FIG. 5 with a one-way valve in one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section continuation of the tube in FIG. 6 with a perforated outlet in one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section of a tube in one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section continuation of the system in FIG. 8 in one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pump in one embodiment. As will be described, in this figure, the expanding element 101 is in the non-expanded state. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pump with the expanding element in the expanded state. As will be shown, in this figure the expanding element 101 is in an expanded state, reducing the volume of the annulus 102.

As shown the pump 100 is coupled to a fluid line 109. The fluid line 109 is in fluid connection with a fluid source. The fluid line 109 can house a liquid or a gas. It can be pneumatic, hydraulic, etc. In one embodiment the fluid line 109 comprises a high-pressure fluid, whether it is a liquid or a gas.

The pressurized fluid line 109 has potential to move other fluids. The pump 100 described herein, in one embodiment, utilizes this potential to move fluids.

As shown the pump 100 is in fluid connection with the fluid line 109, as discussed above. The pump 100 has an upstream end 110 which is illustrated at the top of the figure and a downstream end 111 which is illustrated closer to the bottom of the figure. As used herein, upstream and downstream refer to relative locations within the pump. The upstream end is 110 closer to the incoming fluid line 109, whereas the downstream end 111 is closer to exit of the fluid line 109.

The pump 100, in one embodiment, has a cover 103. The cover can comprise virtually any material. The cover 103 can comprise plastics, rubber, metals, and combinations thereof. The cover 103 provides a space in which the pumped fluid can be drawn and displaced. As noted below, the cover 103 defines the annulus 102, which is the void space in the pump 100 which can receive fluid. In one embodiment, the cover 103 is the casing of a hole. In other embodiments, the cover 103 is a separate and distinct portion of the pump 100.

The pumped fluid can comprise virtually any fluid. It can comprise oil, water, salt water, etc. Virtually any fluid which can be pumped by traditional fluids can be pumped with the pump disclosed herein.

As depicted, the upstream end 110 of the pump 100 has an inlet valve 104. The inlet valve 104 is where adjacent fluid can enter into or be expelled from the pump 100. As will be discussed in more detail below, the pump 100 can operate in both directions-meaning pumping fluid down or up depending upon the direction of flow through the fluid line 109. Thus, while the inlet valve 104 is depicted as being on the upstream end 110, in other embodiments, the inlet valve 104 is located on the downstream end 111. The inlet valve 104, in one embodiment, comprises a check valve. A check valve allows flow in one direction but not in an opposite direction.

In an embodiment wherein the pumped fluid is to be pumped in a downward position, the fluid is pulled into the inlet valve 104. Once the pump 100 is full, the inlet valve 104 closes, or prevents outward flow through the inlet valve 104. Those skilled in the art will understand the various check valves which can be utilized. The fluid pulled into the pump is fluid which is adjacent to the inlet valve 104. In embodiment, the pump 100 separates a hole into two portions—an upstream portion which is upstream of the pump 100 and a downstream portion which is downstream of the pump 100. The system discussed herein allows the pump 100, in some embodiments, to isolate and separate the portions. A fluid from an upstream portion can be pumped and removed downstream, or to a remote location. Thus, in one embodiment, the fluid which is drawn into the pump through the inlet valve 104 is located adjacent to the inlet valve 104. In one embodiment, the inlet valve 104 is in fluid communication with the fluid to be drawn within the inlet valve 104.

As noted, the pump 100 need not be directly adjacent to the various valves. The valves can be close to the pump (the portion which moves fluid with the expanding element), or they can be located remotely from the pump.

As noted, the pump 100 has an annulus 102. The annulus 102 is the volume between the outer cover 103 and the internal components (expanding element 101, port 108, fluid line 109, etc.). The annulus 102 defines the volume of pumped fluid which can be housed and then expelled from the pump 100 in a single cycle. Thus, to increase the volume of pumped fluid, either the outer diameter of the cover 103 can be increased, or the length of the pump cover 103 can be increased.

Fluidly coupled to the fluid line 109 is the expanding element 101. The expanding element 101 can comprise virtually any material which can expand and compress. The expanding element 101 can comprise plastic, rubbers, etc. The expanding element 101 expands outwardly in response to pressure. In so doing, the expanding element 101 forces the pumped fluid out of the annulus 102 through the lower valve 105. Because the fluid cannot escape through the inlet valve 104, the only option is flowing through the outlet valve 105.

The outlet valve 105 can comprise the same or different valve as the inlet valve 104. The outlet valve 105, in one embodiment, comprises a check valve. In one embodiment, when fluid is being pumped downstream, the outlet valve 105 allows fluid to be expelled out of the pump 100 but does not allow fluid to be drawn into the pump 100. In this manner, fluid which has been pumped out of the pump 100 cannot return back to the pump.

It should be noted that while one inlet valve 104 and one outlet valve 105 has been depicted, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. There can be a plurality of inlet valves 104 and a plurality of outlet valves 105. Additionally, the inlet 104 and outlet valves 105 have been illustrated as being located on the pump and adjacent to the cover 103. However, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. As an example, in other embodiments the system can utilize a tube or series of tubes to relocate the outlet valve 105 away from the pump 100, for example. In such embodiments, the pump 100 is coupled to a tube or line which extends away from the pump 100. The tube or line has one or more outlet valves 105. Such an embodiment provides a way to distance the outlet valve 105 from the body of the pump 100. Such embodiments could be helpful when the user desires to place the pumped fluid at a location which is separate and remote from the location of the pump 100. One example would be a water hose. The water hose is connected to the pump 100. When the pump 100 pushes the pumped fluid, rather than being pumped through an adjacent outlet valve 105, the pumped fluid is directed to the water hose which has one or more outlet valves 105 where the fluid can exit. As noted, this allows an opportunity to place the fluid at a desired location which may be remote from the pump. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments the outlet valves 105 are located on the pump 100 and the fluid exit port is located on a remote point. For a water hose, for example, the outlet valve 105 can be located adjacent to the pump 100, but the port through which the fluid exits is located at the end of a water hose which is remote from the pump. This allows for direction of the pumped fluid away and remote from the pump 100.

As noted, the expanding element 101 can expand or retract in response to pressure. When pressure from the fluid line 109 is directed to the expanding element 101, the expanding element 101, depending upon the material, can expand outwardly in response to the pressure. This reduces the volume of the annulus 102 and causes fluid which has been drawn into the pump 100 to be expelled from the pump. As noted, if the inlet valve 104 is a check valve, or the equivalent, the fluid cannot escape through the inlet valve 104. Instead, it must escape through the outlet valve 105. FIG. 1 shows the expanding element 101 in the natural and non-expanded state. In this state, the annulus 102 is at the maximum volume. Conversely, FIG. 2 shows the expanding element 101 in the expanded state. In this state, the annulus has the minimum volume and the pumped fluid is expelled from the pump 101.

It can be seen that controlling the pressure directed to the expanding element 101 controls the pressure and volume of the annulus. This in turn pumps fluid through the pump 100. In one embodiment the system utilizes a blanking plug 107. A blanking plug 107 is used to plug the line and stop the flow therethrough. The blanking plug 107, in some embodiments, stops the flow beyond the expanding element 101. This causes pressure within the expanding element 101 to build. This causes the expanding element 101 to expand outward.

In one embodiment, the system further comprises a port 108 located downstream of the blanking plug 107. As the expanding element 101 expands in an outward direction, in some embodiments, the expanding element 101 also expands laterally. The port 108 is the location which allows the fluid within the fluid line 109 to bypass the blanking plug 107. This allows the fluid within the fluid line 109 to flow beyond the expanding element 101. When fluid is allowed to bypass the blanking plug 107, the pressure within the expanding element 101 is reduced. This allows the expanding element 101 to return to its normal, non-expanded state.

The expanding element 101, in one embodiment, comprises a material with a memory shape. Thus, it desires to reach and maintain a specified shape. In one embodiment the expanding element 101 has a natural state of a non-expanded cylinder. When it expands under pressure it reaches its expanded shape. When pressure is relieved, the expanding element 101 naturally seeks its non-expanded shape.

In still other embodiments, however, the expanding element 101 comprises an external force to force it to retain its non-expanded shape. The external force can comprise springs, metallic mesh, etc. which provides a force and forces the expanding element 101 back to its non-expanded shape.

As can be seen, each cycle the pump 100 fills with the pumped fluid, and when the expanding element 101 expands, the pumped fluid is expelled through the lower valve 105. A cycle will now be explained where the fluid in the fluid line 109 is moving in a downward, downstream direction. When pressure has been relieved on the expanding element 101, the expanding element 101 attains its non-expanded shape. At this point, pumped fluid enters pump 100 through the inlet valve 104. Fluid fills the annulus 102. When sufficient pressure is reached in the expanding element 101, the expanding element 101 begins to expand. The fluid within the annulus 102 must go somewhere, and accordingly, it is expelled through the outlet valve 105. In this manner, fluid is pumped through the pump: received by the inlet valve 104 and exits the pump via the outlet valve 105. This is accomplished, in one embodiment, solely due to the expansion and contraction of the expanding element 101.

In some embodiments, once the expanding element 101 reaches a point where it can bypass the blanking plug 107, the pressure within the expanding element 101 is relieved and the expanding element can once again attain its non-expanded shape. The cycle can then continue as long as necessary until the necessary volume of liquid has been pumped.

In one embodiment, and as depicted in FIG. 1, the system further includes a seal 106. A seal 106 can be used in downhole operations, as an example. It can create an outer boundary separating the discharge of the pump 100 from the remainder of the hole. This allows the pump 100 to become isolated. It further allows the discharge of the pump 100 to be isolated as desired.

While one embodiment has been described wherein the expanding element 101 expands outward to expel a fluid, in another embodiment, the expanding element 101 collapses inward to expel a fluid. In such an embedment the expanding element 101 collapses around an internal cavity which forces fluid within the cavity.

Further, in another embodiment rather than using external pressure, the expanding element 101 can be controlled electrically or mechanically.

While a system of using a pump has been described, a method of using the pump will now be described. The method uses a pump which comprises a pump cover having an upstream end and a downstream end. The pump has an inlet valve coupled to said pump cover. The pump also has an outlet valve coupled to said pump cover. As noted, the pump has an expanding element housed within the pump cover to create an annulus between the expanding element and the pump cover. The method comprises the steps of allowing fluid to enter into said annulus through the inlet valve. As noted, the inlet valve can comprise a one-way valve such as a check valve. This allows fluid to enter through the inlet valve in one direction only; fluid cannot exit through the inlet valve.

A high-pressure fluid is directed through the fluid line in communication with said expanding element. In response to the high-pressure fluid, the expanding element is expanded to obtain an extended state. As noted, in one embodiment the expanding element has two separate states: an unexpanded state and an expanded state. In the expanded state the volume of the annulus is decreased compared to the volume of the annulus when the expanding element is in its non-expanded state. It is this change in volume which allows for the pumping of fluid through the pump.

As noted, the expanding element is expanded to reach an expanded state. In so doing, fluid is expelled through the outlet valve.

While one embodiment using a pump cover has been described, this is for illustrative purposes and should not be deemed limiting. The pump cover 103 can be a separate item accompanying the pump. Or, the pump cover 103 can be a pre-existing hole or casing, for example. As an example, consider an existing well which has a casing. In such embodiments the casing acts as the pump cover 103. Specifically, the casing defines the annulus 102—the distance between the expanding element 101 and, in this case, the casing.

Turning to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a downhole embodiment utilizing a packer in one embodiment. The tube string can be coupled to an upstream pressure control line. The system in FIGS. 3-7 describe a system with a tube string utilizing a variety of tools. These tools can be added or removed using various techniques, including wireline.

As shown in FIG. 3, a packer 112 is shown. The packer 112, as shown, has a variety of seals. The packer 112 also shows a one-way valve, which can function as the inlet valve 104.

Also illustrated are various seals 106 which can be used to isolate the pump 100 as desired.

Turning to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a cross-section continuation of the tube in FIG. 3 showing the beginning of the expanding element utilizing a casing. Downstream of the seals 106 is the expanding element 101. As noted, the expanding element 101 can expand due to pressure forces within the pressure line 109. When additional pressure is applied, the expanding element 101 expands. Since there is no separate pump cover 103, the casing 113 serves as the pump cover 103. Thus, the annulus 102 is defined as the space and volume between the expanding element 101 and the casing 113/pump cover 103. The fluid line 109, as shown, has a plurality of tube perforations which allow fluid/pressure to flow within the expanding element 101. As previously, when the expanding element 101 expands, fluid stuck between the expanding element 101 and the casing 113 must release somewhere, depending upon the location of the one-way valves. In this manner, the expanding element 101 functions as a pump.

As noted, there are various ways to relieve the pressure within the expanding element 101 to allow it to obtain its non-expanded state. One such method is to relieve the pressure at the surface. Thus, the operator will control the pressure achieved in the expanding element 101. The pressure can be added or decreased as needed to expand or contract the expanding element 101. Another option, as noted, is that the expanding element 101 has a force-inducing feature. This can comprise a mesh, spring, or the equivalent which applies a force upon the expanding element 101 forcing it to achieve the non-expanded state.

Turning to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a cross-section continuation of the tube in FIG. 4 which illustrates a plug 107 in one embodiment;

Turning to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a cross-section continuation of the tube in FIG. 5 with a one-way valve in one embodiment. The plug 107, which can be a blanking plug or any other type of plug, isolates pressure. This allows pressure to be created within the expanding element 101.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section continuation of the tube in FIG. 6 with a perforated outlet 115 in one embodiment. The perforated outlet 115 provides a downhole disposal system.

The system discussed in FIG. 3-7 illustrates how a pump, using off-the-shelf tools, can create a downhole pump. The system, in embodiment, utilizes the casing as the pump cover 103. Fluid can be isolated and pumped as desired. It can also function as a downhole disposal system, depending on where the operator desires to pump the fluid.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section of a tube in one embodiment. In this embodiment the casing 113 has perforations 116.

FIG. 8 shows the tube string in communication with the fluid line 109. The pressure control line can be located at the surface. FIG. 8 also shows the fluid level. Downstream is a one-way valve, which can be the inlet valve 104 depending upon the desired direction of flow.

FIG. 8 also shows a packer 112 which can be located on the string, if desired.

There is casing 113 which is surrounded by cement 117. This is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting.

Between the packer and the pump 100 (the portion comprising the expanding element 101) there are communication holes or slots.

As shown there is the expanding element 101 illustrated in the non-expanded state. The dashed lines represent the expanding element 101 in the expanded state. As can be seen, any fluid between the expanding element 101 and the casing 113 will be pumped/expelled.

As previously, tube perforation 114 allows the flow of high pressure fluid to and within the expanding element 101.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section continuation of the system in FIG. 8 in one embodiment. As shown there is a second one-way valve, which can be the outlet valve 105. This allows the pumped fluid to be expelled through the casing perforations 117.

The system and method have many benefits. First, in one embodiment, the system and method utilizes the high pressure of a line to drive a pump. In one embodiment not additional external electricity or power is required to operate the pump, aside from the pressure of the fluid line. Thus, there is no separate electrical power, for example, required to power the pump. Instead, the pre-existing energy of the high pressure line is utilized. Because a second source of power or electricity is not utilized, there is no need to run power to the pump.

Second, aside from the expanding element, there are no other moving parts. There are no complicated mechanical parts required to operate the pump. Instead, the pump operates entirely from the energy of the high-pressure fluid line.

Another benefit, as noted, is the ability, in some embodiments, to remove the outlet ports to direct the flow of fluid remotely away from the pump.

Yet another benefit is the ability to utilize a pre-existing hole. If the hole has casing, then the casing can operate as the pump cover. If the hole does not have casing, then temporary casing or the equivalent, can be added to function as the pump cover and provide a surface with which to define the annulus.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for a pump, said system comprising: a pump cover having an upstream end and a downstream end;an inlet valve coupled to said pump;an outlet valve coupled to said pump;an expanding element housed within said pump cover to create an annulus between said expanding element and said pump cover;wherein said annulus comprises a volume;wherein said expanding element comprises a non-expanded state and an expanded state, and wherein the volume of the annulus changes depending upon the state of the expanding element.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a fluid line in fluid communication with said expanding element.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said expanding element comprises a memory shape.

4. The system of claim 2 wherein said fluid line comprises a high pressure fluid.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said non-expanded state comprises a cylinder.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said expanding element further comprises an external force to retain its non-expanded state.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein said external force comprises metallic mesh.

8. The system of claim 1 further comprising a blanking plug.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein said blanking plug relieves pressure within said expanding element.

10. The system of claim 1 further comprising a seal downstream of said pump.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein said outlet valve is located remotely from said pump cover.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein said inlet valve comprises a check-valve, and wherein said outlet valve comprises a check-valve.

13. The system of claim 1 comprising a plurality of inlet valves.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein no separate electrical power is required to power the pump.

15. The system of claim 1 wherein said pump cover comprises casing in a hole.

16. A method for pumping with a pump, said pump comprising: a pump having an upstream end and a downstream end;an inlet valve coupled to said pump;an outlet valve coupled to said pump;an expanding element housed within said pump to create an annulus between said expanding element and said pump cover; said method of pumping comprising: a) allowing fluid to enter into said annulus through said inlet valve;b) directing a high-pressure fluid through a fluid line in communication with said expanding element;c) expanding said expanding element to reach an expanded state;d) expelling fluid through said outlet valve.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein said expanding of step c) utilizes the high-pressure fluid to expand the expanding element.

18. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of reducing pressure within the expanding element to achieve a non-extended state.

19. The method of claim 16 wherein said pump cover comprises a casing in a hole, and wherein said pump is lowered downhole.

20. The method of claim 15 wherein no separate electrical power is required to power the pump.