US 2016/0024898 A1 · Oil Well Pump Apparatus

Abstract

An oil well pumping apparatus for pumping oil from a well to a wellhead provides a tool body that is sized and shaped to be lowered into the production tubing string of the oil well. A working fluid is provided that can be pumped into the production tubing. A prime mover is provided for pumping the working fluid. A flow channel into the well bore enables the working fluid to be circulated from the prime mover via the production tubing to the tool body at a location in the well and then back to the wellhead area. A pumping mechanism is provided on the tool body, the pumping mechanism including upper and lower spur gear or gears. The upper spur gear is driven by the working fluid. The lower spur gear is rotated by the first spur gear. The upper and lower spur gears are connected with a common shaft. If upper pairs and lower pairs of spur gears are employed, each upper and lower gear are connected via a common shaft. The tool body has flow conveying portions that mix the working fluid and the produced oil as the oil is pumped. The pumping mechanism transmits the commingled fluid of oil and working fluid to the wellhead area where they are separated and the working fluid recycled.

Claims29

Dependent claims

An oil pump apparatus for pumping oil from an oil well having a wellhead and a well bore with casing and a production tubing string, comprising:

a) a tool body that is sized and shaped to be lowered into the production tubing string of an oil well;
b) a casing and production tubing;
c) a working fluid that can be pumped into the production tubing;
d) a prime mover for pumping the working fluid;
e) a flow channel in the well bore that enables the working fluid to be circulated from the prime mover via the production tubing to the tool body at a location in the well and then back to the wellhead area;
f) a pumping mechanism on the tool body, the pumping mechanism including a first impeller that is driven by the working fluid and a second impeller that is rotated by the first impeller, the second impeller pumping oil from the well via the tool body;
g) wherein the working fluid flows downwardly through the first impeller;
h) wherein the tool body has flow conveying portions that mix the working fluid and the oil as the oil is pumped;
and
i) wherein the pumping mechanism transmits the commingled fluid of oil and working fluid to the wellhead area.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Oil Well Pump Apparatus

Life of this patent

Oil Well Pump Apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims29