WO2020263349A1 - Fluid pump system for groundwater wells with intelligent cycle count and air supply valve monitoring - Google Patents
Fluid pump system for groundwater wells with intelligent cycle count and air supply valve monitoring Download PDFInfo
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- WO2020263349A1 WO2020263349A1 PCT/US2020/018214 US2020018214W WO2020263349A1 WO 2020263349 A1 WO2020263349 A1 WO 2020263349A1 US 2020018214 W US2020018214 W US 2020018214W WO 2020263349 A1 WO2020263349 A1 WO 2020263349A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- air supply
- electronic controller
- control valve
- fluid pump
- supply control
- Prior art date
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- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 116
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 title description 6
- 239000003673 groundwater Substances 0.000 title description 2
- 235000014676 Phragmites communis Nutrition 0.000 claims description 26
- 230000006854 communication Effects 0.000 claims description 22
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 22
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000007175 bidirectional communication Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000005355 Hall effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- QVFWZNCVPCJQOP-UHFFFAOYSA-N chloralodol Chemical compound CC(O)(C)CC(C)OC(O)C(Cl)(Cl)Cl QVFWZNCVPCJQOP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001351 cycling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013480 data collection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005070 sampling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/008—Monitoring of down-hole pump systems, e.g. for the detection of "pumped-off" conditions
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/12—Methods or apparatus for controlling the flow of the obtained fluid to or in wells
- E21B43/121—Lifting well fluids
- E21B43/13—Lifting well fluids specially adapted to dewatering of wells of gas producing reservoirs, e.g. methane producing coal beds
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B47/00—Pumps or pumping installations specially adapted for raising fluids from great depths, e.g. well pumps
- F04B47/06—Pumps or pumping installations specially adapted for raising fluids from great depths, e.g. well pumps having motor-pump units situated at great depth
- F04B47/08—Pumps or pumping installations specially adapted for raising fluids from great depths, e.g. well pumps having motor-pump units situated at great depth the motors being actuated by fluid
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B49/06—Control using electricity
- F04B49/065—Control using electricity and making use of computers
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B51/00—Testing machines, pumps, or pumping installations
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B9/00—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members
- F04B9/08—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid
- F04B9/12—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid the fluid being elastic, e.g. steam or air
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04F—PUMPING OF FLUID BY DIRECT CONTACT OF ANOTHER FLUID OR BY USING INERTIA OF FLUID TO BE PUMPED; SIPHONS
- F04F1/00—Pumps using positively or negatively pressurised fluid medium acting directly on the liquid to be pumped
- F04F1/06—Pumps using positively or negatively pressurised fluid medium acting directly on the liquid to be pumped the fluid medium acting on the surface of the liquid to be pumped
- F04F1/08—Pumps using positively or negatively pressurised fluid medium acting directly on the liquid to be pumped the fluid medium acting on the surface of the liquid to be pumped specially adapted for raising liquids from great depths, e.g. in wells
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to fluid pumps for use with wells, and more particularly to electronically controlled pump systems for use in dewatering a wellbore of a well or in well gas extraction applications, and enabling control over fluid discharge and admission cycles of a pump component while interpreting information from a well-head based component to ensure that pump cycling is being carried out in accordance with controller generated fluid discharge and fluid admission cycle commands.
- a cycle counter has often been included as a subsystem of the pump for counting the number of cycles that the pump cycles on and off.
- these pulse counter subsystems have involved the use of a non-mechanical counter, or in some instances the use of a magnetic sensing component, such as a Hall effect switch (HES) or a Ratiometric Hall effect Sensor , which works together with a linearly movable component, often referred to as a“shuttle”.
- HES Hall effect switch
- a Ratiometric Hall effect Sensor which works together with a linearly movable component, often referred to as a“shuttle”.
- the shuttle typically includes a magnet, and the magnet is typically positioned in a center of the shuttle.
- the shuttle typically uses a spring which applies a spring force to the shuttle which biases the shuttle towards a home location.
- the shuttle includes an air passage that is able to receive an air flow signal, and when the air flow signal is acting on the shuttle, an air pressure differential is created.
- the air flow differential creates pressure that pushes the shuttle to an equilibrium position.
- the reed switch e.g., HES
- the reed switch generates a first signal when the shuttle is in its home position, and a different second signal when the shuttle has been moved out of the home position in response to a pressurized airflow signal.
- the controller will typically allow the compressed air to be applied to the pump for a predetermined time to carry out a fluid discharge cycle (e.g., five seconds), once the signal from the controller is removed from the air supply solenoid valve, the controller would not be apprised that compressed air is still being injected into the pump. Put differently, the controller will“assume” that the air supply solenoid valve has closed, and that the next fill cycle is commencing.
- a fluid discharge cycle e.g., five seconds
- Another error mode which can arise is when the pump controller sends a signal to open the air valve to start a pumping (i.e., fluid discharge) cycle. If the air valve fails to open, the fluid ejection which is supposed to occur during the pumping cycle will not happen.
- Still another error mode which can arise is when the pump controller sends a signal to open the air valve to start a pumping (fluid discharge) cycle.
- the air valve opens but the air water separator or air supply line to the pump is plugged or blocked; in this instance the fluid ejection that is supposed to occur during the pumping cycle will not happen.
- Still another error mode which can arise is when the pump controller sends a signal to open the air valve to start a pumping cycle.
- the air valve opens but the fluid discharge line is blocked; so the fluid ejection that is supposed to occur during the pumping cycle will not happen.
- Still another error mode which can arise is when the pump controller sends a signal to open the air valve to start a pumping cycle.
- the air valve opens, but Force Main is blocked; in this instance the fluid ejection which is supposed to occur during the pumping cycle will not happen.
- the Force Main plugging is a common occurrence which can be seasonally created when leachate in a wellbore freezes in the force main, and particles obstruct the line. In any of these later conditions, the cycle counter will not be able to index to keep an accurate cycle count.
- the present disclosure relates to a pump system for use in a well bore of a well.
- the system comprises a pneumatically actuated fluid pump, an electronic controller for controlling operation of the fluid pump; an air supply control valve; and a sensing component.
- the air supply control valve is responsive to commands from the electronic controller and in communication with the fluid pump for admitting a pressurized airflow from a compressed air source into the fluid pump in response to a first command received from the electronic controller, and interrupting the pressurized airflow to the fluid pump when a second command is received from the electronic controller.
- the sensing component is in communication with the air supply control valve for counting a number of fluid discharge cycles carried out by the fluid pump.
- the sensing component generates a first signal when the movable element is in a first position, indicating the pressurized airflow is not flowing through the sensing component to the fluid pump; and a second signal when the movable element is in a second position indicative of a condition where the pressurized airflow is flowing through the sensing component to the fluid pump.
- the electronic controller may be configured to use the first and second signals to detect when the air supply control valve has become stuck in the open state after being commanded by the electronic controller to assume a closed state.
- the present disclosure relates to a pump system for use in a well bore of a well.
- the system may comprise a pneumatically actuated fluid pump; an electronic controller for controlling operation of the fluid pump; an air supply control valve responsive to commands from the electronic controller; and a cycle counter.
- the cycle counter may be in communication with the air supply control valve and the fluid pump for receiving the pressurized airflow prior to the pressurized airflow reaching the fluid pump, and assisting the electronic controller in counting a number of fluid discharge cycles carried out by the fluid pump.
- the cycle counter may include an axially movable magnet and a reed switch component for sensing movement of the magnet in response to the presence of the pressurized airflow being supplied through the cycle counter to the fluid pump.
- the cycle counter generates a first signal when the magnet is in a first position, indicating the pressurized airflow is not flowing through the cycle counter to the fluid pump; and a second signal when the magnet is in a second position indicative of a condition where the pressurized airflow is flowing through the cycle counter to the fluid pump.
- the electronic controller may be configured to use the first and second signals to detect when the air supply control valve has become stuck in the open state after a fluid discharge cycle has completed.
- the present disclosure relates to a method for forming a pumping system for use in a well bore of a well.
- the method may comprise providing a pneumatically actuated fluid pump disposed in the well bore, using an electronic controller to control operation of the fluid pump; using an air supply control valve for admitting a pressurized airflow from a compressed air source into the fluid pump in response to a first command received from the electronic controller, and interrupting the flow of the pressurized airflow to the fluid pump when a second command is received from the electronic controller.
- the method may further include using a sensing component in communication with the air supply control valve for counting a number of fluid discharge cycles carried out by the fluid pump.
- the cycle counter may include a movable element and a sensing element for sensing movement of the movable element in response to the presence of the pressurized airflow being supplied to the fluid pump.
- the sensing component may be used to generate a first signal when the movable element is in a first position, indicating the pressurized airflow is not flowing through the sensing component to the fluid pump; and further used to generate a second signal indicative of the movable element being in a second position when the pressurized airflow is flowing through the sensing component to the fluid pump.
- the method may further comprise using the electronic controller to monitor the first and second signals to detect when the air supply control valve has become stuck in the open state after being commanded by the electronic controller to assume a closed state.
- Figure 1 is a high level illustration illustrating an intelligent pump system which is able to detect when an air supply solenoid valve has become stuck in the open position;
- Figure 2 is one example of a look-up table which may be used by the electronic controller of the pumping system of Figure 1 to help determine when an error condition involving the solenoid valve exists, based on information supplied by the cycle counter shown in Figure 1 ;
- Figure 3 is a high level flowchart illustrating operations in accordance with one example of a method carried out by the electronic controller of Figure 1 to detect when an error condition has arisen with operation of the air supply solenoid valve.
- the pump system 10 in this example may include a pump 12 disposed in a well bore 14 for pumping fluids collecting within the well bore 14.
- the pump 12 is in communication with a wellhead 16.
- the system 10 also includes a compressed air source 18, an air supply solenoid control valve 20 (hereinafter simply“air supply control valve 20”) having a primary valve 20a and a redundant valve 20b, an air valve 22, an optional quick exhaust valve 24, a cycle counter subsystem 26, a quick exhaust valve 28, and a water separator 30.
- An electronic controller 32 is included which may include a processor 32a, a non volatile memory 32b (RAM, ROM, etc.), an input/output communication system 32c, a look-up table 32d, a first counter 32e and a second (“overdrive”) counter 32f.
- the input/output subsystem may include one or more of a BLUETOOTH® protocol radio, a LORA radio, a plug-in controller component, or any other form of wired or wireless communication subsystem/circuit/device, etc., which enables either one-directional or bi- bi-directional communications with the electronic controller.
- the electronic controller 32 may generate a signal to turn on the compressed air source to begin a fluid discharge cycle for the pump 12, and to cause the compressed air source to be turned off as well by removing the turn-on signal.
- the electronic controller 32 also communicates with the air supply control valve 20 and applies commands to open and close the air supply control valve 20, in this example, specifically, the primary air supply control valve 20a. It is an important feature of the pump system 10 that the electronic controller 32 also receives signals from the cycle counter 26, from which it uses the received signals to monitor for and detect an error condition arising with the air supply control valve 20, that being that the primary air supply control valve 20a does not close, in which case the electronic controller 32 can command the secondary air supply control valve 20b to close to block the flow of pressurized air to the pump 12.
- the cycle counter 26 is a standard cycle counter for counting pump cycles which employs a magnet 26a and at least one reed switch, for example a well-known HES, a well-known Ratiometric sensor, etc., which will be referred to throughout the following discussion simply as“reed switch” 26b, and where the magnet is movable axially in response to the compressed air flowing through the cycle counter during a fluid discharge cycle.
- a second reed switch 26c may be used, although the pump system 10 may operate with just one reed switch in the cycle counter 26.
- the reed switch 26b senses a position of the magnet 26a and generates signals in accordance therewith.
- the magnet 26a moves from a first or“home” position, when no compressed air is flowing through the cycle counter 26, to a second or“End of Travel” (“EOT”) position when compressed air is flowing through the cycle counter.
- EOT End of Travel
- the reed switch 26b senses this movement of the magnet 26a and generates electrical signals in accordance with the sensed position of the magnet.
- the electronic controller 32 will receive signals from both reed switches 26b and 26c indicating the position of the magnet (e.g., one by reed switch 26b outputting a“0” signal, indicating the magnet is not present at a first location, while the second reed switch 26c outputs a“1” signal, indicating that the magnet is present at the second location, and vice versa). These electrical signals are transmitted to the electronic controller 32.
- the magnet/reed switch based cycle counter 26 is well known in the industry, and as such further details will not be provided.
- cycle counter 26 may vary from that shown in Figure 1 , but in any event it needs to be located at some point between the air supply control valve 20 and the pump 12, in other words in the path of the pressurized air flowing between air supply control valve 20 and the pump 12.
- the quick exhaust valves 24 and 28 enhance operation of the system 10 but are not absolutely required for satisfactory operation of the system.
- the quick exhaust valve 28 operates automatically to vent either to atmosphere or to a vacuum line connected to its“Vent” port, when a predetermined lower limit of air pressure is reached within the quick exhaust valve 28.
- Optional quick exhaust valve 24 operates in the same manner, and collectively, the two quick exhaust valves 24 and 28 enable rapid venting of the interior of the pump 12 after a fluid discharge cycle is completed, which helps to facilitate the immediate start of another fill cycle.
- the water separator 30 is not essential for operation of the system 10, but nevertheless is desirable for removing water and moisture from the compressed air stream injected into the pump 12, and thus helping to prolong the life of valving components exposed to the compressed air stream.
- a significant problem that can arise is if the primary valve 20a of the air supply control valve 20 becomes stuck in the open position after a fluid discharge cycle is initiated by the electronic controller 32.
- compressed air will flow through the air supply control valve 20, to open and allow the air supply valve 22 to communicate air from the cycle counter 26, thru the air valve, through the quick exhaust valve 28, and through the water separator 30 before entering an airflow line 34 which leads into a pump casing 12a of the pump 12.
- the compressed air stream is used to eject fluid which has collected within the pump casing 12a out through a fluid discharge line 36. While flowing through the cycle counter 26, the magnet 26a will be held in its “EOT” position, and this position will be detected by the reed switch 26b.
- the electronic controller 32 After a predetermined fluid eject cycle time (e.g., 3-10 seconds), the electronic controller 32 will remove the signal to the air supply control valve 20, but because the primary valve 20a of the air supply control valve 20 will have become stuck in the “open” condition, compressed air will continue to be admitted to the interior of the pump casing 12a, and the electronic controller 32 would ordinarily have no way of knowing that this condition has arisen.
- a predetermined fluid eject cycle time e.g. 3-10 seconds
- the pump system 10 addresses the above condition where the primary valve 20a of the air supply control valve 20 has become stuck in the“open” position by monitoring the signals received from the cycle counter 26. Ordinarily, these signals would just be used by the electronic controller 32 to maintain an on-going count of pump cycles, and possibly to save the count in the memory 32b for use in a future evaluation of pump performance and/or to determine when periodic pump maintenance is needed, or for other diagnostic or maintenance purposes. However, the pump system 10 also uses the electronic controller 32 to analyze the cycle counter 26 signals in relation to when expected transitions of the magnet 26a position within the cycle counter 26 should be occurring.
- the electronic controller 32 intelligently determines that at the end of a fluid discharge cycle, which for example may last for a predetermined time period, a change in position of the magnet 26a should trigger a corresponding signal from the reed switch 26b of the cycle counter 26.
- the reed switch 26b should be generating an electrical signal in accordance with the“home” position of the magnet 26a, in this example a Level“1” signal. If the“home” signal from the reed switch 26b is not detected, that is, if the signal being received is still a Level“0” signal, then the electronic controller 32 knows that compressed air is still flowing through the cycle counter 26 and into the pump 12.
- the electronic controller 32 may then use its input/output communications subsystem 32c to generate an alarm signal 38.
- the alarm signal 38 may be a wireless signal which is received by a monitoring station in a vicinity of the well bore 14, but it need not necessarily be in the vicinity of the well bore 14.
- the alarm signal 38 could be transmitted wirelessly to a cloud-based portal which is in turn in communication with a remote monitoring center.
- the alarm signal 28 could be transmitted via a wired connection to a monitoring center.
- the alarm signal may be provided via a Bluetooth® protocol radio (not shown) integrated into the pump system 10 to a user’s laptop, smartphone, etc.
- the alarm signal 28 could be used to set a visual indicator (i.e., LED(s)) at the well head 16.
- the alarm signal 38 could be supplied to a computer connected to a cellular network to notify a technician via a text message on the technician’s smartphone, or possibly even by an email message to the technician, of the error condition. Accordingly, one or more of WiFi, Bluetooth® protocol, and hard wired connections may be used to transmit the alarm signal 38 to an individual or entity as needed by a given application.
- Figure 2 shows one example of the look-up table 32d which may be stored in a suitable memory of the electronic controller 32, and optionally in the memory 32b.
- This example shows how the two reed switch 26b and 26c components may be used, but the electronic controller 32 can be used with just a single reed switch as well.
- the use of two reed switches does provide an additional level of “intelligence” that the electronic controller 32 can use to further determine/verify the location of the magnet 26a at any given time during a pump cycle.
- Error conditions may include any of those expressly set forth above concerning the main air supply valve being stuck open, stuck closed, the discharge line being blocked, and/or the force main being blocked. Also, a restricted air supply can cause similar poppet movements.
- a flowchart 100 illustrates operations that may be performed by the electronic controller 32 during operation of the pump system 10.
- the electronic controller is initially monitoring for a signal indicating that a fluid discharge cycle is to be initiated (i.e., pump 12 is presumed to be full).
- the electronic controller 32 makes a check to determine if a fluid discharge cycle signal has been received. If this check produces a“No” answer, then the monitoring operation for a fluid discharge cycle to start continues as operation 102 is repeated. If the answer at operation 104 is a“Yes” answer, then the electronic controller 32 starts counter 1 32e to begin the predetermined time interval for the fluid discharge cycle.
- the electronic controller 32 then sends a signal to the primary valve 20a of the air supply control valve 20 to begin admitting air into the pump 12 to begin the fluid discharge cycle.
- the electronic controller 32 makes a check to determine if the predetermined time interval (T1 ) has expired. If this check produces a “No” answer, then operations 108 and 1 10 are repeated. If the check at operation 1 10 produces a“Yes” answer, the electronic controller 32 makes a check at operation 1 1 1 to determine if the primary valve 20a of the air supply control valve 20 actually remained open for the T1 time interval.
- the electronic controller 32 makes a determination at operation 126 that an error has occurred, for example, a Level 2 error, indicating that the fluid pump 12 did not actually pump for the T1 interval.
- the electronic controller 32 will then generate an error signal at operation 128, will reset all the counters at operation 130, and the pumping cycle will be terminated at operation 132.
- the electronic controller 32 then starts the second time interval counter 2 32f.
- the second time interval counter 2 32f is an“overdrive” counter intended to provide a short time period to allow the magnet 26a to return to its“home” position.
- a failure to return home within the predetermined time period e.g., twice the pumping time period indicates that the primary air supply valve 20a is hanging open.
- the electronic controller 32 makes a check to determine if the overdrive time interval counter 2 32f has expired. If this produces a“No” answer, then operations 1 14 and 1 16 are repeated.
- the electronic controller 32 makes a check to see if a Level ⁇ ” level signal is now being received from the reed switch 26b (i.e., that the reed switch 26b has returned to its home position). If no Level“1” signal is being received, then from using the look-up table 32d, this indicates to the electronic controller 32 that pressurized air is still being received through the cycle counter 26, which indicates that the primary valve 20a of the air supply control valve 20 is stuck in the open position. At operation 120 the electronic controller 32 generates the error signal 38 indicating this error condition.
- the predetermined and overdrive counters 32e and 32f may then be reset, as indicated at operation 122.
- the electronic controller 32 may command the secondary valve 20b of the air supply control valve 20 to close, as indicated at operation 124, to interrupt the pressurized airflow to the pump 12.
- the check at operation 1 18 indicates that a Level“1” signal is detected after the additional (i.e., overdrive) time interval has expired, then from the look-up table 32d, this enables the electronic controller 32 to verify that the primary valve 20a of the air supply control valve 20 has actually closed after the pump discharge cycle time has completed, and the next fill cycle is beginning.
- the overdrive counter 32f may be then be reset, as indicated at operation 134, and the method repeats at operation 102.
- the pump system 10 thus makes use of the cycle counter 26 for the dual purpose of 1 ) counting fluid discharge cycles, and 2) intelligently using the electrical signals from the cycle counter 26 to determine when the primary valve 20a of the air supply control valve 20 is stuck in the open position.
- the pump system 10 advantageously provides this additional feature of detecting when the air supply control valve 26 is stuck in the open position without the need for any other hardware components to be integrated into the pump system 10, and with virtually no additional cost for the pump system 10. Moreover, the normal control sequence for the pump system 10 does not need to be modified.
- the pump system 10 thus provides a highly beneficial feature that enables field maintenance personnel to be quickly apprised if an air supply control valve associated with a given fluid pump becomes stuck in the open position, as well as a secondary airflow valve that is controlled to interrupt the flow of pressurized air to the pump under such condition.
- the pump system 10 can be constructed to use any type of wireless communication, or even a plug-in hand held controller, for example a gas analyzer, to enable making changes in configuration to the pump system 10, or to make notes about the well site like gas quality, vacuum vale setting, orifice plate used, etc.
- the data can be stored on the non-volatile memory 32b of the electronic controller 32 for future use, or even sent via a desired wireless protocol, (e.g., BLUETOOTH® protocol radio, to a smartphone which is in communication with the a cloud-based subsystem, or by use of a radio communication link like LoRa to send the data to a local gateway for storage, or to be sent to the cloud for remote data collection.
- a desired wireless protocol e.g., BLUETOOTH® protocol radio
- Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well- known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
- first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
- spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as“below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented“above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term“below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below.
- the device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
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Abstract
Description
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Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA3126282A CA3126282A1 (en) | 2019-06-26 | 2020-02-14 | Fluid pump system for groundwater wells with intelligent cycle count and air supply valve monitoring |
EP20833517.4A EP3891358A4 (en) | 2019-06-26 | 2020-02-14 | Fluid pump system for groundwater wells with intelligent cycle count and air supply valve monitoring |
CN202080026384.8A CN113728150A (en) | 2019-06-26 | 2020-02-14 | Fluid pump system for subterranean water wells with intelligent cycle counting and air supply valve monitoring |
AU2020301062A AU2020301062A1 (en) | 2019-06-26 | 2020-02-14 | Fluid pump system for groundwater wells with intelligent cycle count and air supply valve monitoring |
US17/431,967 US20220136381A1 (en) | 2019-06-26 | 2020-02-14 | Fluid pump system for groundwater wells with intelligent cycle count and air supply valve monitoring |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201962866977P | 2019-06-26 | 2019-06-26 | |
US62/866,977 | 2019-06-26 |
Publications (1)
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WO2020263349A1 true WO2020263349A1 (en) | 2020-12-30 |
Family
ID=74060662
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2020/018214 WO2020263349A1 (en) | 2019-06-26 | 2020-02-14 | Fluid pump system for groundwater wells with intelligent cycle count and air supply valve monitoring |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20220136381A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3891358A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN113728150A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2020301062A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3126282A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020263349A1 (en) |
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US6354345B1 (en) * | 1990-02-02 | 2002-03-12 | Isco, Inc. | Pumping system |
US20170147012A1 (en) * | 2010-08-04 | 2017-05-25 | Safoco, Inc. | Safety valve control system and method of use |
US20190101937A1 (en) * | 2017-10-03 | 2019-04-04 | Rotex Automation Limited | Solenoid operated unit for detecting and removing undesired fluid with diagnostic metering |
WO2019089714A1 (en) * | 2017-10-31 | 2019-05-09 | Q.E.D. Environmental Systems, Inc. | Fluid pump for groundwater wells with cycle counter |
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US4967792A (en) * | 1984-07-18 | 1990-11-06 | Magee Anthony J | Sensing the open and/or closed condition of valves |
US5358037A (en) * | 1993-03-29 | 1994-10-25 | Qed Environmental Systems, Inc. | Float operated pneumatic pump |
US5373897A (en) * | 1993-04-29 | 1994-12-20 | Skarvan; Richard | Underground fluid recovery device |
US5611672A (en) * | 1993-11-24 | 1997-03-18 | Transnational Instruments, Inc. | Pumping chamber movement activated downhole pneumatic pump |
US7004728B2 (en) * | 2004-04-07 | 2006-02-28 | Spirax Sarco, Inc. | Gas pressure driven fluid pump having an electronic cycle counter and method |
US7461670B1 (en) * | 2004-07-23 | 2008-12-09 | Curtis Roys | Cycle indicator for fluid distribution systems |
US20090101354A1 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2009-04-23 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Water Sensing Devices and Methods Utilizing Same to Control Flow of Subsurface Fluids |
US9605664B2 (en) * | 2014-01-07 | 2017-03-28 | Ingersoll-Rand Company | Pneumatic piston pump metering and dispense control |
US11306742B2 (en) * | 2017-05-01 | 2022-04-19 | Michael K. Breslin | Submersible pneumatic pump with air-exclusion valve |
US10940447B2 (en) * | 2017-06-30 | 2021-03-09 | Pulsair Systems, Inc. | Control circuit for stopping the flow of fluid in a primary circuit, and related methods and devices |
US10597988B2 (en) * | 2017-11-28 | 2020-03-24 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Systems and methods for operating downhole inflow control valves |
-
2020
- 2020-02-14 US US17/431,967 patent/US20220136381A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2020-02-14 WO PCT/US2020/018214 patent/WO2020263349A1/en unknown
- 2020-02-14 CA CA3126282A patent/CA3126282A1/en active Pending
- 2020-02-14 EP EP20833517.4A patent/EP3891358A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2020-02-14 CN CN202080026384.8A patent/CN113728150A/en active Pending
- 2020-02-14 AU AU2020301062A patent/AU2020301062A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3918843A (en) * | 1974-03-20 | 1975-11-11 | Dresser Ind | Oil well pumpoff control system utilizing integration timer |
US6354345B1 (en) * | 1990-02-02 | 2002-03-12 | Isco, Inc. | Pumping system |
US20170147012A1 (en) * | 2010-08-04 | 2017-05-25 | Safoco, Inc. | Safety valve control system and method of use |
US20190101937A1 (en) * | 2017-10-03 | 2019-04-04 | Rotex Automation Limited | Solenoid operated unit for detecting and removing undesired fluid with diagnostic metering |
WO2019089714A1 (en) * | 2017-10-31 | 2019-05-09 | Q.E.D. Environmental Systems, Inc. | Fluid pump for groundwater wells with cycle counter |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN113728150A (en) | 2021-11-30 |
AU2020301062A1 (en) | 2021-07-29 |
EP3891358A4 (en) | 2022-08-17 |
US20220136381A1 (en) | 2022-05-05 |
EP3891358A1 (en) | 2021-10-13 |
CA3126282A1 (en) | 2020-12-30 |
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