Impulse pumping is a new method to pump fluids. The method is described briefly and then numerical simulations were carried out to illustrate the nature of impulse pumping. The simulations are based on the linear ideal wave equation and the numerical approach is based on a second-order Godunov scheme. The work illustrates how sinusoidal pressure waves are reflected at open and closed boundaries, representing open and closed non-return valves in impulse pumping. An impulse pumping example was presented for 40 m lifting of water. It was shown how the wellhead pressure used determines the lifting depth and flow rate achievable; the greater the wellhead pressure, the greater the lifting and rate. In impulse pumping the wellhead pressure is controlled by the cracking pressure of a non-return outlet valve. Fluid enters the production tubing through a non-return inlet valve downhole. The stroke length of a pressure wave generator determines the wellhead pressures achievable in impulse pumping. It was suggested that the water hammer equation can be used to estimate the flow rate in impulse pumping.
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