A natural gas oscillation defoaming device

Abstract

This invention provides a natural gas oscillation defoaming device, comprising: a main support frame, which is cylindrical in shape to match a natural gas pipeline and has a hollowed-out portion on its circumference; an oscillation component, including multiple oscillation strings disposed in the hollowed-out portion; and a power component, including an impeller disposed inside the main support frame and an elastic extension member connected to the impeller shaft, the end of the elastic extension member having a hammer head facing the oscillation strings; wherein, the impeller can drive the elastic extension member to rotate under the drive of natural gas flow, so that the hammer head strikes the oscillation strings under the action of rotational centrifugal force to generate oscillation and break up the foam. Based on the technical solution of this invention, the device is driven by the power of the natural gas flow itself and the foam is eliminated by the oscillation generated by striking the oscillation strings, which is environmentally friendly, pollution-free, simple in structure, and low in operating cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of natural gas defoaming technology, and particularly to a natural gas oscillation defoaming device. Background Technology

[0002] During natural gas extraction, the drainage gas production process generates significant amounts of foam within surface pipelines. As natural gas pressure, temperature, and flow velocity fluctuate, some of this foam repeatedly bursts, forming condensate. This condensate, under pressure from airflow disturbances, then foams again, creating a continuous cycle. The liquid water formed during foam bursting deposits in low-lying areas of the pipeline, reducing its inner diameter and increasing the pipeline pressure differential. This, in turn, increases wellhead back pressure and reduces gas production. In severe cases, it can even create a throttling effect, leading to hydrate blockages. Foam in natural gas pipelines not only affects the gas production efficiency of surface gathering networks but also increases the transmission differential and results in high water content in the natural gas. Currently, existing defoaming methods for natural gas mainly fall into two categories: chemical defoaming and physical defoaming.

[0003] Chemical defoaming involves injecting chemical agents into the wellhead pipeline via a pump. While it is convenient to operate and has a relatively good defoaming effect, the addition of chemical agents leads to high wastewater treatment costs and significant environmental impact. Furthermore, the high cost of chemical agents necessitates additional electrical infrastructure, resulting in substantial upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs.

[0004] Physical defoaming methods utilize alterations to change the viscosity or other physical properties of foam, thereby causing it to break down. Common methods include thermal methods, vacuum methods, acoustic methods, and cryogenic electrical methods. Thermal methods use heating to increase the temperature and evaporate the liquid film of the foam, thus eliminating it. Vacuum methods create a vacuum environment, relying on the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the bubbles to eliminate them. Acoustic methods use high-frequency (above 12 kHz) oscillating sound waves to break the foam. Cryogenic electrical methods are based on the characteristic that foam becomes unstable at low temperatures due to decreased elasticity; the voltage is adjusted according to the foam's composition and state to control foam production.

[0005] It can be seen that physical defoaming methods are more in line with the current environmental protection concept in terms of technology. However, the current physical defoaming methods require a certain scale of equipment and facilities to be used, which is not conducive to widespread application. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the problems of chemical defoaming agent pollution and high investment in physical defoaming equipment in existing natural gas defoaming methods, this application proposes a natural gas oscillation defoaming device.

[0007] This invention proposes a natural gas oscillation defoaming device, comprising:

[0008] The main support structure is cylindrical in shape to match a natural gas pipeline, and has hollowed-out sections on its circumference.

[0009] An oscillating component includes multiple oscillating strings, which are disposed at the hollowed-out portion;

[0010] The power component includes an impeller disposed inside the main support and an elastic extension connected to the impeller shaft, the end of the elastic extension having a hammer head facing the oscillating string.

[0011] The impeller can drive the elastic extension to rotate under the influence of natural gas flow, so that the hammer head strikes the oscillating string under the action of rotational centrifugal force to generate oscillation and break the foam.

[0012] In one embodiment, the two ends of the oscillating string are respectively connected to the edges of the main support corresponding to the hollowed-out portion. One end of the oscillating string is connected to the edge via an adjusting bolt, which is used to adjust the tension of the oscillating string. With this embodiment, when it is necessary to adjust the tension of the oscillating string, the adjusting bolt is loosened to stretch or loosen the oscillating string, and then the adjusting bolt is tightened again.

[0013] In one embodiment, the other end of the oscillating string opposite to the end where the adjusting bolt is located has a mounting hole on its corresponding edge, and the end of the oscillating string passes through the mounting hole.

[0014] In one embodiment, the main support includes a first end and a second end, which are connected by a plurality of circumferentially distributed, axially extending connecting portions, and the space between adjacent connecting portions is the hollow portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the elastic extension is a spring, one end of which is connected to the impeller shaft and the other end to the hammer.

[0016] In one embodiment, the elastic extension is coaxially aligned with the impeller's shaft and located at the axis of the main support. In this embodiment, since the flow conditions of natural gas vary at different locations across the cross-section of the natural gas pipeline, including flow rate and velocity, the impeller's shaft is positioned at the axis of the main support, directly facing the internal flow channel of the natural gas pipeline. This arrangement has the advantage that the impeller is symmetrically impacted by the natural gas flow about its axis, resulting in symmetrical force distribution and ensuring structural stability. Furthermore, the elastic extension and its end hammer are identical to those at various points along the circumference of the main support, ensuring consistent striking of the oscillating string at each location and the same degree of impact.

[0017] In one embodiment, the system further includes a flange short section, which comprises a central cylindrical body and two flanges at both ends. One flange is used to connect to the natural gas pipeline, and the other flange is used to connect to the main support. In this embodiment, the flange short section accommodates the main support, thus integrating the main support and its internal functional components with the flange short section to form a functional module. This facilitates the overall assembly and disassembly of the natural gas pipeline, and is beneficial for both initial installation and subsequent maintenance.

[0018] In one embodiment, a flange fixing ring is also provided on the outer periphery of one end of the main support, and the flange fixing ring is used to realize the flange connection between the main support and other structures.

[0019] In one embodiment, the multiple oscillating strings are evenly and spaced apart along the circumference of the main support. This embodiment ensures uniform distribution of the oscillating strings, resulting in uniform oscillation intensity throughout the natural gas pipeline. Furthermore, the spacing between adjacent oscillating strings provides space for oscillation, facilitating full oscillation and improving the defoaming effect.

[0020] In one embodiment, the length direction of the oscillating string is parallel to the axial direction of the main support. In this embodiment, the closer the hammer's striking direction is to being perpendicular to the length direction of the oscillating string, the better the oscillation effect of the oscillating string. Since the hammer's rotational trajectory is along the circumference of the main support, when the length direction of the oscillating string is parallel to the axial direction of the main support, the hammer's striking direction is perpendicular to the length direction of the oscillating string, resulting in the best defoaming effect from the oscillation.

[0021] The above-mentioned technical features can be combined in various suitable ways or replaced by equivalent technical features, as long as the purpose of the present invention can be achieved.

[0022] The natural gas oscillation defoaming device provided by this invention has at least the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0023] This invention discloses a natural gas oscillation defoaming device, driven by the inherent power of the natural gas flow itself. It breaks up foam in the natural gas by physically striking an oscillating string. Compared to existing chemical defoaming methods, this invention's device does not add any chemical agents, making it environmentally friendly and pollution-free. Compared to existing physical defoaming methods, this invention's device is driven by the inherent power of natural gas, eliminating the need for additional power equipment, resulting in a simple structure and low application cost. Furthermore, this defoaming device can be directly installed in existing natural gas pipelines without requiring additional equipment space or large-scale pipeline modifications, facilitating its widespread application on existing natural gas pipelines. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the main structure of the defoaming device of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the main support structure of the defoaming device of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the defoaming device of the present invention is shown.

[0028] In the accompanying drawings, the same parts use the same reference numerals. The drawings are not to scale.

[0029] Figure label:

[0030] 1-Main support, 11-Hollowed-out part, 12-First end, 13-Second end, 14-Connecting part, 15-Flange fixing ring, 16-Assembly hole, 2-Oscillating component, 21-Oscillating string, 22-Adjusting bolt, 3-Power component, 31-Impeller, 32-Elastic extension, 33-Hammer, 4-Flange short section, 41-Cylinder, 42-Flange. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] This invention provides a natural gas oscillation defoaming device, comprising:

[0033] The main support 1 is cylindrical in shape to match a natural gas pipeline, and has a hollow part 11 on its circumference.

[0034] The oscillating component 2 includes multiple oscillating strings 21, which are disposed at the hollowed-out portion 11.

[0035] The power component 3 includes an impeller 31 disposed inside the main support 1 and an elastic extension 32 connected to the shaft of the impeller 31. The end of the elastic extension 32 has a hammer 33, which faces the oscillating string 21.

[0036] The impeller 31 can drive the elastic extension 32 to rotate under the drive of natural gas flow, so that the hammer 33 can strike the oscillating string 21 under the action of rotational centrifugal force to generate oscillation and break the foam.

[0037] Specifically, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the defoaming device of the present invention is placed inside the natural gas pipeline during use, so the overall shape of the defoaming device is a cylindrical shape that matches the natural gas pipeline.

[0038] The main support 1 serves as the main frame of the defoaming device. It is formed by creating multiple hollow sections 11 on the circumference of a complete cylinder. The hollow sections 11 are the notches cut out on the circumference. The oscillating component 2 includes multiple oscillating strings 21, which are positioned at the hollow sections 11. The overall distribution of the multiple oscillating strings 21 fills the notches on the circumference corresponding to the hollow sections 11. The oscillating strings 21 can be made of various materials, as long as they have good elasticity; plastic, metal, and other materials are all acceptable. The power component 3 includes an impeller 31 installed inside the main support 1. The axis of the impeller 31 coincides with the axis of the main support 1. The impeller 31 does not have an active power structure. The impeller 31 is located near the end of the main support 1, and its axis is parallel to the axis of the main support 1. The end of the impeller 31's shaft near the center of the main support 1 is connected to an elastic extension of a certain length. The end of the elastic extension is a free end connected to a hammer 33. The position of the hammer 33 corresponds to the hollow section 11, i.e., to the oscillating string 21.

[0039] In use, the defoaming device is placed inside the natural gas pipeline and fixed to the pipeline. When natural gas is extracted, the natural gas flow impacts the impeller 31 of the defoaming device. The impeller 31 rotates under the action of the air flow, which in turn drives the elastic extension to rotate around the axis of the impeller 31. The elastic extension extends under the action of the centrifugal force of the rotating hammer 33. The hammer 33 at the end contacts the vibrating string 21 and continuously strikes all the vibrating strings in sequence under the action of rotation. The vibrating string 21 vibrates under the action of the strike and breaks the foam flowing with the air flow to the defoaming device, thereby achieving the defoaming effect.

[0040] The degree of deformation of the elastic extension 32 and the force of the hammer 33 striking the oscillating string 21 can be adjusted based on the rotational speed of the impeller 31. When the natural gas flow rate and flow volume are constant, the rotational damping of the impeller 31 can be set to reduce the rotational speed, or the lubrication of the impeller 31 can be improved to increase the rotational speed. In addition, the rotational speed of the impeller 31 can also be adjusted by adjusting the natural gas flow rate and flow volume in the pipeline.

[0041] Furthermore, the connection structure between the elastic extension and the shaft of the impeller 31 can be adjusted according to the specific situation, mainly based on the structure of the elastic extension itself, that is, the direction in which the elastic extension can deform.

[0042] If the elastic extension can only deform (bend) in a direction perpendicular to its own length, then its connection structure with the shaft can be as shown in the attached figure. Figure 1 and Figure 2The structure shown is parallel to the axis of rotation or has an acute angle with the axis of rotation. When the elastic extension is parallel to the axis of rotation, under the action of centrifugal force, the elastic extension itself undergoes a bending elastic deformation, causing the part near the end to gradually deviate from its own axis, eventually causing the end hammer 33 to contact the oscillating string 21.

[0043] If the elastic extension can only deform (elongate) along its own length direction, then its connection structure with the shaft can be a shaft perpendicular to the impeller 31. In this way, under the action of centrifugal force, the elastic extension directly elongates along its own length direction until the hammer 33 at the end contacts the oscillating string 21.

[0044] Furthermore, if the elastic extension can deform both along its own length, then there will be no restriction on how it is connected to the shaft.

[0045] It should be noted that, depending on the actual situation, a motor can also be added to drive the impeller 31, giving the impeller 31 additional active power to adapt to different actual needs.

[0046] Preferably, the elastic extension 32 is a spring, with one end of the spring connected to the shaft of the impeller 31 and the other end connected to the hammer head 33.

[0047] Specifically, the elastic extension 32 is a spring, which can be bent and stretched. In principle, there are no restrictions on its connection structure with the impeller 31 shaft. However, because the spring is prone to fatigue due to deformation (elongation) along its own length, especially when the deformation is too great, when the elastic extension 32 is a spring, it is preferable to use a connection method in which the elastic extension 32 is parallel to the shaft to reduce the possibility of fatigue during use.

[0048] Preferably, the elastic extension 32 is coaxially arranged with the shaft of the impeller 31 and is located at the axis of the main support 1.

[0049] Specifically, since the flow of natural gas at different locations on the cross-section of the natural gas pipeline is different, including flow rate and velocity, the impeller 31 is set so that its shaft is located at the axis of the main support 1, that is, directly facing the internal flow channel of the natural gas pipeline. The advantage is that the impeller 31 is symmetrical about its axis in terms of the degree of impact of the natural gas flow, and the force is symmetrical, which ensures the stability of the structure.

[0050] The elastic extension 32 is located at the axis of the main support 1, that is, the axes of the two coincide. In this way, the elastic extension 32 and the hammer 33 at its end are the same as the main support 1 in all directions, so that the impact on the oscillating string 21 at the corresponding locations and the degree of impact can be the same.

[0051] Preferably, the length direction of the oscillating string 21 is parallel to the axial direction of the main support 1.

[0052] Specifically, since the oscillating string 21 oscillates under the impact of the hammer head 33, the closer the hammering direction of the hammer head 33 is to the length direction of the oscillating string 21, the better the oscillation effect of the oscillating string 21. Since the trajectory of the hammer head 33 during rotation is along the circumference of the main support 1, the best defoaming effect is achieved when the length direction of the oscillating string 21 is parallel to the axis of the main support 1 and the hammering direction of the hammer head 33 is perpendicular to the length direction of the oscillating string 21.

[0053] Preferably, the multiple oscillating strings 21 are evenly and intermittently distributed along the circumference of the main support 1.

[0054] Specifically, the oscillating strings 21 are evenly distributed, and thus the degree of oscillation is uniform throughout the circumference of the natural gas pipeline. There is a certain interval between adjacent oscillating strings 21, which provides space for oscillation and is conducive to the full oscillation of the oscillating strings 21. All of the above are conducive to improving the oscillation defoaming effect.

[0055] In one embodiment, the two ends of the vibrating string 21 are respectively connected to the edge of the main body support 1 corresponding to the hollow part 11, and one end of the vibrating string 21 is connected to the edge by an adjusting bolt 22. The adjusting bolt 22 is used to adjust the tension of the vibrating string 21.

[0056] Specifically, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 1 As shown, when the adjusting bolt 22 is tightened, the end of the oscillating string 21 is fixedly connected to the edge of the main support 1. When it is necessary to adjust the tension of the oscillating string 21, loosen the adjusting bolt 22 to stretch or loosen the oscillating string 21 to achieve the tension adjustment, and then retighten the adjusting bolt 22.

[0057] In one embodiment, the other end of the oscillating string 21 relative to the end where the adjusting bolt 22 is located has a mounting hole 16 on its corresponding edge, and the end of the oscillating string 21 passes through the mounting hole 16.

[0058] Specifically, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 1 As shown, the end of the oscillating string 21 passes through the mounting hole 16 and is fixed relative to the edge of the corresponding main body bracket 1. The specific connection structure between the oscillating string 21 and the mounting hole 16 can be adjusted according to specific circumstances. For example, the end of the oscillating string 21 can be connected to a locking block that engages with the mounting hole 16 to achieve relative fixation; alternatively, the end of the oscillating string 21 can penetrate the mounting hole 16 and have a locking block at the end with a diameter larger than that of the mounting hole 16, thereby achieving relative fixation when the oscillating string 21 is tensioned.

[0059] In one embodiment, the main support 1 includes a first end 12 and a second end 13, which are connected by a plurality of circumferentially distributed connecting portions 14 extending axially, and the space between adjacent connecting portions 14 is a hollow portion 11.

[0060] Specifically, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the main support 1 includes a first end 12 and a second end 13 connected by connecting parts 14. The first end 12 is connected to one end of the oscillating string 21 and has an adjusting bolt 22. The second end 13 corresponds to the impeller 31 and has an impeller 31 bracket inside for fixing the impeller 31 shaft. The adjacent connecting parts 14 are separated by a hollow section 11. To improve the defoaming effect, the distribution range of the oscillating string 21 needs to be as large as possible; that is, the larger the proportion of the area of ​​the hollow section 11 to the entire circumference of the main support 1, the better.

[0061] In one embodiment, it further includes: a flange stub 4, which includes a central cylinder 41 and two flanges 42 located at both ends, one flange 42 for connecting a natural gas pipeline and the other flange 42 for connecting a main support 1.

[0062] Specifically, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 3 As shown, the flange short section 4 is used to accommodate the main support 1, thus integrating the main support 1 and its internal functional components with the flange short section 4 into a functional module. This facilitates the overall assembly and disassembly of the natural gas pipeline, and is beneficial for both initial installation and subsequent maintenance.

[0063] In one embodiment, a flange fixing ring 15 is also provided on the outer periphery of one end of the main support 1. The flange fixing ring 15 is used to realize the flange connection between the main support 1 and other structures.

[0064] Specifically, as shown in the attached diagram. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the main support 1 can be directly inserted into the natural gas pipeline, in which case the flange fixing ring 15 is directly connected to the flange of the natural gas pipeline; or it can be connected to the natural gas pipeline based on the flange short section 4, in which case the flange fixing ring 15 is fixedly connected to the flange 42 at one end of the flange short section 4.

[0065] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "bottom", "top", "front", "rear", "inner", "outer", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0066] While the invention has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely examples of the principles and applications of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that many modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments, and other arrangements can be designed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It should be understood that different dependent claims and features described herein can be combined in ways different from those described in the original claims. It is also understood that features described in conjunction with individual embodiments can be used in other described embodiments.

Claims

1. A natural gas oscillation defoaming device, characterized in that, The utility model relates to a natural gas pipeline foam breaker, comprising: a main support, which is in the shape of a cylinder matching the natural gas pipeline and has a hollow part on its circumferential surface; an oscillation component, which comprises a plurality of oscillation strings arranged at the hollow part; a power component, which comprises an impeller arranged inside the main support and an elastic extension member connected to the rotating shaft of the impeller, the end of the elastic extension member having a hammer head, which is opposite to the oscillation strings; wherein the impeller can drive the elastic extension member to rotate under the driving of the natural gas flow, so that the hammer head hits the oscillation strings to produce oscillation and break the foam under the action of the rotating centrifugal force; the two ends of the oscillation strings are respectively connected to the edges of the main support corresponding to the hollow part, one end of the oscillation strings is connected to the edge through an adjusting bolt, and the adjusting bolt is used to adjust the tension of the oscillation strings; the elastic extension member is a spring, one end of which is connected to the rotating shaft of the impeller and the other end of which is connected to the hammer head.

2. The natural gas oscillation defoaming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the other end of the oscillation strings opposite to the end where the adjusting bolt is located has an assembly hole on the edge corresponding to it, and the end of the oscillation strings is arranged in the assembly hole.

3. The natural gas oscillation defoaming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main support comprises a first end and a second end, and the first end and the second end are connected through a plurality of axially extending connecting parts distributed in the circumferential direction, and the hollow part is between adjacent connecting parts.

4. The natural gas oscillation defoaming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic extension member is coaxial with the rotating shaft of the impeller and is located at the axis of the main support.

5. The natural gas oscillation defoaming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further comprising: a flange short section, which comprises a cylindrical body in the middle and two flange plates at both ends, one of which is used to connect the natural gas pipeline and the other of which is used to connect the main support.

6. The natural gas oscillation defoaming device according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, The outer periphery of one end of the main support is further provided with a flange fixing ring, which is used to realize the flange connection of the main support and other structures.

7. The natural gas oscillation defoaming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of oscillation strings are uniformly and spacedly distributed along the circumferential direction of the main support.

8. The natural gas oscillation defoaming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length direction of the oscillation strings is parallel to the axis direction of the main support.

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