Systems and Methods for Automatic Forward Phasing Determination in a Downhole Pump System

A system comprising:

• a drive unit configured to drive a downhole pump;
• wherein the drive unit includes a control module that controls operation of the drive unit;
• wherein in a first mode of operation, the control module causes the drive unit to generate an initial drive signal having an initial phasing for an initial period of time,
• discontinue driving the pump and thereby allowing the column of fluid to fall through the pump and cause the pump to backspin in a reverse rotational direction,
• determine a first phasing of a signal generated by rotation of the pump in the reverse rotational direction, and
• identify a second phasing which is opposite the first phasing as a forward phasing which drives the pump in the forward rotational direction.

A method for automatically starting a downhole pump which is positioned in the borehole of a well in a forward rotational direction, the method comprising:

• generating a first drive signal having a first phasing and thereby driving the pump for a first period of time which is insufficient to produce fluid at the surface out of the well;
• making at least a first measurement of one or more characteristics that is associated with a first direction of rotation of the pump that results from the first drive signal;
• generating a second drive signal having a second phasing which is opposite the first phasing and thereby driving the pump for a second period of time which is insufficient to produce fluid at the surface out of the well;
• making at least a second measurement of the one or more characteristics that is associated with a second direction of rotation of the pump that results from the second drive signal;
• and
• determining based on the first and second measurements which of the first and second phasing is associated with the forward rotational direction of the pump.

A system comprising:

• a drive unit configured to drive a downhole pump;
• wherein the drive unit includes a control module that controls operation of the drive unit;
• and
• wherein in a first mode of operation, the control module causes the drive unit to generate a first drive signal having a first phasing for a first period of time,
• make at least a first measurement of one or more characteristics that is associated with a first direction of rotation of the pump that results from the first drive signal,
• generate a second drive signal having a second phasing which is opposite the first phasing for a second period of time,
• make at least a second measurement of the one or more characteristics that is associated with a second direction of rotation of the pump that results from the second drive signal, and
• determine based on the first and second measurements which of the first and second phasing is associated with a forward rotational direction of the pump.