Downhole fluid transport plunger with motor and propeller and associated method

摘要

A method for lifting fluids within a subterranean well includes lowering an elongated plunger to a lower region of a bore of the subterranean well. The plunger includes a motor assembly operably connected to a propeller. A seal can be created between the plunger and an inner surface of the bore of the subterranean well. A thruster, such as motor assembly connected to a propeller, generates thrust to lift the plunger to a plunger retainer located proximate to a wellhead of the subterranean well.

主权项

1. A method for lifting fluids within a subterranean wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) positioning an elongated self-propelled plunger in the wellbore, the plunger having a thruster and a power supply, the power supply being operatively connected to the thruster; (b) causing the plunger to descend to a lower region of the wellbore; (c) actuating the thruster, the thruster accelerating a wellbore fluid in a downward direction to urge the plunger upward toward the surface of the earth; (d) displacing wellbore fluid toward the surface of the earth as the plunger moves upward in the wellbore; and (e) catching and supporting the plunger in a plunger receiver.