Comprehensive Guide to Jet Pump Applications: Unlocking the Versatility of Fluid Handling

Jet pumps are versatile devices capable of handling and transporting a wide range of motive fluids, including gas, steam, and liquid. These pumps are commonly used in various applications such as oil wells, residential wells, aquariums, and nuclear reactors, where they function as mixers or circulators based on the Venturi effect of Bernoulli’s principle. When selecting jet pumps, key specifications to consider include flowrate, pump head, pressure, horsepower, power rating, outlet diameter, and operating temperature.

Jet Pumps in Oil Well Applications

In the context of oil wells, jet pumps have been successfully deployed in the giant Mangala field situated in the Barmer basin in Rajasthan, India. This field is characterized by multi-Darcy rocks with a mix to oil-wet nature and contains more than a billion barrels of STOIIP (Stock Tank Oil Initially in Place) in high-quality reservoirs. Jet pumps have been selected as the preferred artificial lift method for the deviated wells, as they have proven effective in restoring the liquid productivity of the wells and cleaning up deviated wells completed with sand screens.

The real-time monitoring of jet pump parameters, facilitated by Digital Oil Field (DOF) technology, has played a crucial role in efficient performance monitoring and reducing response times in case of any issues. Some key performance metrics and design considerations for jet pumps in oil well applications include:

  • Flowrate: Jet pumps in the Mangala field have been designed to handle flowrates ranging from 100 to 1,000 barrels per day (bpd) to meet the diverse production requirements of the wells.
  • Pump Head: The jet pumps are capable of generating pump heads up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) to overcome the high static and dynamic pressures encountered in the deep, deviated wells.
  • Pressure: The jet pumps are designed to operate at pressures up to 350 bar (5,076 psi) to match the reservoir conditions and ensure reliable performance.
  • Power Rating: The jet pump systems in the Mangala field are powered by electric motors ranging from 30 to 150 horsepower (HP) to provide the necessary motive force for the fluid transport.

Jet Pumps in Nuclear Reactor Applications

jet pump applications

In the context of nuclear reactors, jet pumps can be utilized in test devices for high-flow amplification applications. Researchers have designed a miniature jet pump capable of achieving a flow amplification greater than 3, which is a critical requirement for certain nuclear reactor systems.

Experimental investigations were conducted to validate the design and evaluate the performance of the jet pump under various operating conditions. Some key findings and design considerations include:

  • Minimum Pressure Requirement: A minimum pressure of 0.6 bar (g) for the secondary fluid inside the jet pump was necessary to ensure cavitation-free performance at high amplification levels.
  • Nozzle-Mixing Chamber Spacing: The spacing between the nozzle tip and the mixing chamber entry point had a significant effect on the jet pump’s performance, highlighting the importance of precise geometric design.
  • Operational Parameters: Variations in primary flow, temperature, and area ratio also affected the jet pump’s performance, underscoring the need for comprehensive testing and optimization.
  • Analytical vs. Experimental Discrepancies: At high flow amplification, the analytical solutions differed significantly from the experimental results due to the very large velocities encountered in the miniature jet pump design.

Jet Pump Technical Specifications

Jet pumps typically consist of three main sections: a centrifugal pump, a jet ejector package, and a foot valve. The centrifugal pump generates the motive force that circulates the fluid through the ejector, often using an impeller powered by an electric motor. The jet ejector package is engineered to match the specific flow rate requirements of the pump, and is often installed separately before the final assembly.

The foot valve is the section connected to the well or target reservoir, responsible for receiving the fluid into the system, filtering out debris and sediment, and maintaining the pump’s prime to prevent backflow. Key technical specifications for jet pumps include:

Specification Range
Flowrate 100 to 1,000 bpd (oil wells)
Pump Head Up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet)
Pressure Up to 350 bar (5,076 psi)
Horsepower 30 to 150 HP
Power Rating Dependent on motor size
Outlet Diameter Varies based on application
Operating Temperature Dependent on fluid and environment

Conclusion

Jet pumps are versatile devices that find applications in a wide range of industries, from oil and gas to nuclear power. Their ability to handle and transport various motive fluids, coupled with their operating principles based on the Venturi effect, make them a valuable tool in many industrial and commercial settings.

By understanding the key technical specifications and design considerations for jet pump applications, engineers and operators can optimize the performance, efficiency, and reliability of these pumps in their respective fields. The successful deployment of jet pumps in challenging environments, such as the Mangala oil field and nuclear reactor test setups, demonstrates the adaptability and problem-solving capabilities of this technology.

As the demand for efficient and reliable fluid handling solutions continues to grow, the role of jet pumps in various industries is expected to expand, driving further innovation and advancements in their design and application.

References:
– GlobalSpec, Jet Pumps Selection Guide: Types, Features, Applications, https://www.globalspec.com/learnmore/flow_transfer_control/pumps/jet_pumps
– SLB, The Defining Series: Jet Pumps, https://www.slb.com/resource-library/oilfield-review/defining-series/defining-jet-pumps/
– ScienceDirect, Experimental investigation of jet pump performance used for high flow amplification in nuclear applications, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1738573323002802
– LinkedIn, Real-Time Data Analysis for Hydraulic Jet Pump Systems, https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/how-can-real-time-data-analysis-optimize-hydraulic-jet-pump-system-performance-using-different-methods-tools?trk=public_post_main-feed-card_feed-article-content
– OnePetro, SPE 163116 Selection and Successful Application of Jet Pumps in Giant Mangala Field, https://onepetro.org/SPEMEAL/proceedings-abstract/12ALCE/All-12ALCE/SPE-163116-MS/155984?redirectedFrom=PDF