Control of a pressure exchanger system

Abstract

A system includes a pressure exchanger configured to receive a first fluid via a first inlet and a second fluid via a second inlet. The pressure exchanger is to exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid and provide the first fluid at the first outlet and the second fluid at the second outlet. The system also includes a first sensor providing first sensor data associated with the first fluid prior to the first fluid entering the first inlet; and a second sensor providing second sensor data associated with the second fluid before the second fluid enters the second inlet. The system also includes a controller to receive a user input and to cause a first adjustment of a flow rate of the first fluid into the first inlet and a second adjustment of a flow rate of the second fluid into the second inlet.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application with an application date of July 8, 2022, application number 202280061200.0 (international application number PCT / US2022 / 036570), and invention name “Control of Pressure Exchanger System”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to control of systems, and more particularly, to control of pressure exchanger systems. Background Art

[0003] The system uses fluids at different pressures. A pump can be used to increase the pressure of the fluid used by the system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures.

[0005] Figure 1A FIG. 1D shows a schematic diagram of a fluid handling system including a hydraulic energy transfer system according to certain embodiments.

[0006] Figure 2A -2E is an exploded perspective view of a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments.

[0007] Figure 3A 3D is a schematic diagram of a fluid handling system including a pressure exchanger according to certain embodiments.

[0008] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a fluid treatment system according to certain embodiments.

[0009] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Embodiments described herein relate to control of a pressure exchanger system (eg, a fluid handling system, a system including a pressure exchanger that is a low-pressure slurry pump).

[0011] The systems can use fluids at different pressures. These systems can include hydraulic fracturing (e.g., hydraulic fracturing or fracking) systems, desalination systems, refrigeration systems, slurry pumping systems, slurry pumping systems, industrial fluid systems, waste systems, fluid delivery systems, etc. Pumps can be used to increase the pressure of the fluid used by the system.

[0012] Typically, systems use pumps to increase the head (pressure) of fluids containing solid particles (e.g., particle-laden fluids, slurry fluids), chemicals, and / or fluids with a viscosity that meets a threshold. Typically, over time, solid particles (e.g., sand, powders, chips, ceramics, etc.), chemicals, and / or viscosity damage and reduce the efficiency of the pump. Conventional systems then experience more downtime so that the pump can be maintained, repaired, and replaced.

[0013] Some conventional systems use special pumps with large clearances, can use expensive special materials or hardened materials, and / or can be rubber lined to reduce damage caused by solid particles (e.g., abrasives), chemicals and / or fluid-related viscosity. These pumps may be inefficient and require multiple pumps to be used in series in an attempt to provide the desired head (pressure). These pumps are still subject to abrasion and erosion. These pumps used in conventional systems may increase material costs, increase manufacturing complexity and reduce overall system efficiency. Erosion and / or abrasion in the pump shortens life, reduces efficiency, increases leakage, increases maintenance intervals, increases parts replacement and reduces production (e.g., desalination, fracturing, refrigeration, slurry pumping), etc.

[0014] The system, device and method of the present disclosure provide control of a pressure exchanger system. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger system includes a pressure exchanger (PX). The pressure exchanger can be configured to receive a first fluid (e.g., a fluid substantially free of particles, a fluid conforming to a first threshold viscosity, a fluid substantially free of specific chemicals, a non-corrosive fluid, a non-acidic fluid, etc.) via a first inlet (e.g., a high-pressure inlet). The pressure exchanger can be configured to receive a second fluid (e.g., a fluid with particles, a fluid conforming to a second threshold viscosity higher than the first threshold viscosity, a fluid containing specific chemicals, a corrosive fluid, an acidic fluid, etc.) via a second inlet (e.g., a low-pressure inlet). When entering the pressure exchanger, the first fluid can have a higher pressure than the second fluid. The pressure exchanger can be configured to exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid. The first fluid can leave the pressure exchanger via a first outlet (e.g., a low-pressure outlet), and the second fluid can leave the pressure exchanger via a second outlet (e.g., a high-pressure outlet). When leaving the pressure exchanger, the second fluid can have a higher pressure than the first fluid (e.g., pressure has been exchanged between the first fluid and the second fluid).

[0015] The pressure exchanger system may also include a first sensor configured to provide first sensor data associated with the first fluid before the first fluid enters the first inlet of the pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, the first sensor is a pressure sensor configured to provide pressure data of the first fluid before the first fluid enters the pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, the first sensor is a flow rate sensor configured to provide flow rate data (e.g., volume flow rate, mass flow rate, etc.) of the first fluid before the first fluid enters the pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, the first sensor may be a velocity sensor or a pressure sensor.

[0016] The pressure exchanger system may also include a second sensor configured to provide second sensor data associated with the second fluid before the second fluid enters the second inlet of the pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, the second sensor is a pressure sensor configured to provide pressure data of the second fluid before the second fluid enters the pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, the second sensor is a flow rate sensor configured to provide flow rate data of the second fluid before the second fluid enters the pressure exchanger.

[0017] In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger system further comprises a controller (e.g., a processing device, etc.). The controller may be configured to receive a user input associated with a flow rate of a first fluid of a target entering the pressure exchanger. The user input may be a desired flow rate set by a user (e.g., a technician, an operator, an engineer, etc.) based on local requirements (e.g., factory requirements, mine requirements, pumping requirements, etc.). The controller may cause a first adjustment of a first flow rate of a first fluid entering a first inlet of the pressure exchanger based on the user input and the first sensor data. For example, the controller may cause an adjustment of the first flow rate so that the first flow rate matches the user input (e.g., the target flow rate). The controller may also cause a second adjustment of a second flow rate of a second fluid entering a second inlet of the pressure exchanger based on the first sensor data and the second sensor data. In some embodiments, the controller causes a first adjustment and / or a second adjustment by actuating one or more valves (e.g., a high pressure inlet flow valve and a low pressure outlet flow valve). In some embodiments, the controller causes a first adjustment and / or a second adjustment by controlling one or more supply pumps (e.g., one or more high pressure fluid pumps and / or one or more low pressure fluid pumps).

[0018] The system, device and method of the present disclosure have the advantage of surpassing conventional solutions.Compared with conventional systems, the present disclosure can use the amount of reduction of pumping capacity (for example, use less pumps, use less energy to power the pump).This causes that compared with conventional solutions, the present disclosure has the efficiency of improvement and experiences less maintenance.By using the pump capacity of reduction (for example, the number of pumps of reduction), compared with conventional systems, the present disclosure uses less energy to improve the pressure head (pressure) of fluid.In addition, compared with conventional systems, the present disclosure reduces the wear on parts (for example pumps, valves, sensors).Compared with the conventional solutions of using high-pressure pumps to directly promote the pressure head of fluid with particles, fluids with higher speeds, fluids including specific chemicals, etc., the present disclosure uses a pump (for example high-pressure pump) that promotes the pressure head (for example pressure) of fluids with particles, fluids with lower viscosity, fluids that do not include specific chemicals, etc. to promote the pressure head (for example pressure) of fluids with particles, fluids with higher speeds, fluids including specific chemicals, etc. Compared with the conventional system that only directly controls the flow rate of the fluid with particles, the present disclosure uses valves and / or pumps to control the flow rate of the fluid without particles to control the flow rate of the fluid with particles. Compared with the conventional solution of the sensor that only has the sensor data that directly provides the fluid with particles, the present disclosure uses sensors to provide sensor data associated with the fluid without particles. This allows the present disclosure to have improved reliability, less component maintenance, improved component service life, shortened system downtime, and improved output (such as desalination, fracturing, refrigeration, slurry pumping, etc.). The present disclosure can use a pressure exchanger that allows longer system component service life, which improves system efficiency, allows end users to select from a wider range of pumps, reduces maintenance and downtime of repairing pumps, and allows new instruments and control devices.

[0019] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure are described with respect to pressure exchangers, energy recovery devices, and hydraulic energy transfer systems, the present disclosure may be applied to other systems and devices (e.g., non-isobaric pressure exchangers, rotating components that are not pressure exchangers, non-rotating pressure exchangers, etc.).

[0020] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure are described with respect to exchanging pressure between fluids used in fracturing systems, desalination systems, slurry pumping systems, and / or refrigeration systems, the present disclosure can be applied to other types of systems. Fluids can refer to liquids, gases, transcritical fluids, supercritical fluids, subcritical fluids, and / or combinations thereof.

[0021] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure are described with respect to fluids with particles and fluids that are substantially particle-free, the present disclosure may also be applied to other types of fluids, such as fluids with higher flow rates and fluids with lower flow rates, fluids with more than a threshold amount of chemicals and fluids with less than a threshold amount of chemicals, and the like.

[0022] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 100A including a hydraulic energy transfer system 110 is shown, according to certain embodiments.

[0023] In some embodiments, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 includes a pressure exchanger (e.g., a pressure exchanger). The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., a pressure exchanger) receives a low pressure fluid IN 120 from a low pressure (LP) IN system 122 (e.g., via a low pressure inlet). The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 also receives a high pressure fluid IN 130 from a high pressure (HP) IN system 132 (e.g., via a high pressure inlet). The flow of the high pressure fluid IN 130 can be controlled by the high pressure in the flow valve 131. The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., a pressure exchanger) exchanges pressure between the high pressure fluid IN 130 and the low pressure fluid IN 120 to provide a low pressure fluid OUT 140 to a low pressure fluid OUT system 142 (e.g., via a low pressure outlet), and to provide a high pressure fluid OUT 150 to a high pressure fluid OUT system 152 (e.g., via a high pressure outlet). The flow of the low pressure fluid OUT 140 can be controlled by a low pressure OUT flow valve 141. Controller 180 may cause regulation of the flow rate of high pressure fluid in 130 and low pressure fluid out 140 via high pressure inlet flow valve 131 and low pressure outlet flow valve 141, respectively. Controller 180 may cause high pressure inlet flow valve 131 and low pressure outlet flow valve 141 to actuate.

[0024] In some embodiments, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 includes a pressure exchanger to exchange pressure between the high pressure fluid in 130 and the low pressure fluid in 120. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger is substantially or partially isobaric (e.g., an isobaric pressure exchanger (IPX)). The pressure exchanger can be a device that transfers fluid pressure between the high pressure fluid in 130 and the low pressure fluid in 120 with an efficiency (e.g., pressure transfer efficiency, substantially isobaric) greater than about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more (e.g., without using centrifugal technology). High pressure (e.g., high pressure fluid in 130, high pressure fluid out 150) refers to a pressure that is higher than a low pressure (e.g., low pressure fluid in 120, low pressure fluid out 140). The low pressure fluid inlet 120 of the pressure exchanger can be pressurized and leave the pressure exchanger at a high pressure (e.g., high pressure fluid outlet 150, which has a higher pressure than the pressure of the low pressure fluid inlet 120), while the high pressure fluid inlet 130 can be depressurized and leave the pressure exchanger at a low pressure (e.g., low pressure fluid outlet 140, which has a lower pressure than the pressure of the high pressure fluid inlet 130). The pressure exchanger can operate with the high pressure fluid inlet 130 directly applying force to pressurize the low pressure fluid inlet 120, with or without a fluid separator between the fluids. Examples of fluid separators that can be used with the pressure exchanger include, but are not limited to, pistons, bladders, diaphragms, and the like. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger can be a rotary device. Rotary pressure exchangers, such as those manufactured by Energy Recovery, Inc. of San Leandro, California, may not have any separate valves because the effective valve adjustment action is completed inside the device via the relative movement of the rotor relative to the end cover. A rotary pressure exchanger can be designed to operate with an internal piston to isolate fluid and transfer pressure with relatively little mixing of the inlet fluid streams. A reciprocating pressure exchanger can include a piston that moves back and forth in a cylinder to transfer pressure between the fluid streams. Any pressure exchanger or multiple pressure exchangers can be used in the present disclosure, such as but not limited to a rotary pressure exchanger, a reciprocating isobaric pressure exchanger, or any combination thereof. In addition, the pressure exchanger can be set on a skid that is separated from other components of the fluid treatment system 100 (for example, in the case where the pressure exchanger is attached to an existing fluid treatment system). For example, the pressure exchanger can be fastened to a structure that can be moved from one location to another. The pressure exchanger can be connected to a system that has been built on site (such as a pipe of the system, etc.). The structure to which the pressure exchanger is fastened can be referred to as a "skid".

[0025] In some embodiments, the motor 160 is coupled to the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., coupled to a pressure exchanger). In some embodiments, the motor 160 controls the speed of the rotor of the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., to increase the pressure of the high pressure fluid output 150, to decrease the pressure of the high pressure fluid output 150, etc.). In some embodiments, the motor 160 generates energy based on the pressure exchange in the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., functions as a generator).

[0026] The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 can be a hydraulic protection system (e.g., a hydraulic buffer system, a hydraulic isolation system) that can prevent or limit contact between fluids with solid particles (e.g., fracturing fluids, slurry fluids) or corrosive fluids (e.g., corrosive fluids, acidic fluids) and various equipment (e.g., hydraulic fracturing equipment, high-pressure pumps) while exchanging work and / or pressure with another fluid. By preventing or limiting contact between one or more equipment (e.g., hydraulic fracturing equipment, high-pressure pumps, etc.) and fluids containing solid particles or corrosive fluids, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 improves the life and performance of one or more equipment (e.g., hydraulic fracturing equipment, high-pressure pumps, etc.) while reducing abrasion and wear thereof. By using equipment (e.g., high-pressure fluid pumps) that is not designed for use with abrasive fluids (e.g., fracturing fluids, slurry fluids, fluids with particles and / or corrosive fluids, etc.), equipment that is lower in cost, has looser tolerance requirements, and is made of different materials can be used in the fluid treatment system 100.

[0027] The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 may include a hydraulic turbocharger or a hydraulic pressure exchanger, such as a rotary pressure exchanger. The isobaric pressure exchanger may include one or more chambers (e.g., 1 to 100) to facilitate pressure transfer between a first fluid and a second fluid (e.g., a gas, a liquid, a multiphase fluid). In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger may transfer pressure between a first fluid (e.g., a pressure exchanger fluid, such as a fluid without proppant, a fluid without proppant, a fluid with a lower viscosity, a fluid with a certain chemical below a threshold amount, a non-corrosive fluid, a non-acidic fluid, etc.) and a second fluid, the second fluid may have a higher viscosity (e.g., a high viscosity), include certain chemicals exceeding a threshold amount (e.g., a corrosive fluid, an acidic fluid, etc.), and / or contain solid particles (e.g., a fracturing fluid containing sand, proppant, powder, debris, ceramics, etc.). The second fluid may contain residues (e.g., waste and / or debris) to be taken away from the process. For example, the second fluid may include ground chicken bones suspended in water to be taken away from a chicken processing operation.

[0028] The fluid handling system 100A may additionally include one or more sensors to provide sensor data (e.g., flow rate data, pressure data, velocity data, etc.) associated with the fluid of the fluid handling system 100A. The high pressure inlet valve 131 may control the flow rate of the high pressure fluid inlet 130 based on sensor data received from a sensor associated with the high pressure fluid inlet 130 (e.g., a sensor disposed in a pipeline of the high pressure fluid inlet 130). The high pressure inlet valve 131 may control the flow rate of the high pressure fluid inlet 130 based on a target flow rate. The target flow rate may be determined by the controller 180 based on user input from a user (e.g., a technician, an operator, an engineer, etc.). The low pressure outlet valve 141 may control the flow rate of the low pressure fluid outlet 140 based on sensor data received from one or more sensors. In some embodiments, the controller 180 causes the high pressure inlet valve 131 and / or the low pressure outlet valve 141 to actuate based on the received sensor data.

[0029] The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 may be used in various types of systems, such as a fracturing system (e.g. Figure 1B ), desalination systems (e.g. Figure 1C ), refrigeration system (e.g. Figure 1D ), slurry pumping systems, industrial fluid systems, waste fluid systems, fluid delivery systems, etc.

[0030] Figure 1B 1 shows a schematic diagram of a fluid processing system 100B including a hydraulic energy transfer system 110 according to certain embodiments. The fluid processing system 100B may be a fracturing system. In some embodiments, the fluid processing system 100B includes a hydraulic energy transfer system 110. Figure 1B More components, fewer components, same routes, different routes, and / or the like are shown. Figure 1B Zhongyu Figure 1A Some of the features with similar reference numerals in the Figure 1A Features, functions and / or structures similar to those in the

[0031] The low pressure fluid in 120 and the high pressure fluid out 150 may be fracturing fluids (e.g., fluids including solid particles, proppant fluids, etc.). The high pressure fluid in 130 and the low pressure fluid out 140 may be fluids substantially free of solid particles (e.g., fluids free of proppant, water, filtered fluids, etc.).

[0032] The low pressure inlet system 122 may include one or more low pressure fluid pumps to provide the low pressure fluid in 120 to the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., a pressure exchanger). The high pressure inlet system 132 may include one or more high pressure fluid pumps 134 to provide the high pressure fluid in 130 to the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 via the high pressure inlet flow valve 131. The controller 180 may control the high pressure fluid pump 134, the low pressure fluid pump 124, the high pressure inlet flow valve 131, and / or the low pressure outlet flow valve 141.

[0033] The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 exchanges pressure between the low pressure fluid IN 120 (e.g., low pressure fracturing fluid) and the high pressure fluid IN 130 (e.g., high pressure water) to provide the high pressure fluid OUT 150 (e.g., high pressure fracturing fluid) to the high pressure OUT system 152, and provides the low pressure fluid OUT 140 (e.g., low pressure water) to the low pressure OUT system 142 via the low pressure OUT flow valve 141. The high pressure OUT system 152 may include a formation 154 (e.g., a well) that includes fractures 156. Solid particles (e.g., proppant) from the high pressure fluid OUT 150 may be provided into the fractures 156 of the formation.

[0034] In some embodiments, the low pressure fluid out 140, the low pressure out flow valve 141, the high pressure fluid pump 134, the high pressure in flow valve 131, and the high pressure fluid in 130 are part of a first loop (e.g., a proppant-free fluid loop). The low pressure fluid out 140 can be provided to the high pressure fluid pump 134 to generate the high pressure fluid in 130, which becomes the low pressure fluid out 140 when leaving the hydraulic energy transfer system 110.

[0035] In some embodiments, the low pressure fluid in 120, the high pressure fluid out 150, and the low pressure fluid pump 124 are part of a second circuit (e.g., a fluid circuit containing proppant). The high pressure fluid out 150 can be provided into the formation 154 and then pumped from the formation 154 by the low pressure fluid pump 124 to produce the low pressure fluid in 120. The controller 180 can control the low pressure fluid pump 124. In some embodiments, the controller 180 can control the high pressure inlet flow valve 131 and the low pressure outlet flow valve 141.

[0036] In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 100B is used in a well completion operation in the oil and gas industry to perform hydraulic fracturing (e.g., hydraulic fracturing, fracking) to increase the release of oil and gas in a rock formation 154. A high pressure out system 152 may include a rock formation 154 (e.g., a well). Hydraulic fracturing may include pumping a high pressure fluid out 150 containing a combination of water, chemicals, and / or solid particles (e.g., sand, ceramics, proppants) under high pressure into the well (e.g., rock formation 154). The low pressure fluid in 120 and the high pressure fluid out 150 may include a fluid with particles that increases the release of oil and gas in the rock formation 154 by propagating and increasing the size of fractures 156 in the rock formation 154. The high pressure of the high-pressure fluid out 150 initiates and increases the size and propagation of the fractures 156 through the rock formation 154 to release more oil and natural gas, while solid particles (e.g., powders, fragments, etc.) enter the fractures 156 to keep the fractures 156 open (e.g., preventing the fractures 156 from closing once the high-pressure fluid out 150 is depressurized).

[0037] To pump such a particle-laden fluid into the formation 154 (e.g., a well), the fluid handling system 100B may include one or more high-pressure fluid pumps 134 and / or one or more low-pressure fluid pumps 124 coupled to a hydraulic energy transfer system 110. For example, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 may be a hydraulic turbocharger or a pressure exchanger (e.g., a rotary pressure exchanger). In operation, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 transfers pressure between a first fluid (e.g., high-pressure fluid IN 130, a fluid without proppant) pumped by the high-pressure fluid pump 134 and a second fluid (e.g., low-pressure fluid IN 120, a fluid containing proppant, a fracturing fluid, a fluid pumped by the low-pressure fluid pump 124, a gravity-fed fluid, etc.) pumped by the low-pressure fluid pump 124 without any substantial mixing between the two. In this way, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 prevents or limits wear on the high pressure fluid pump 134 while enabling the fluid handling system 100B to pump high pressure fracturing fluid (e.g., high pressure fluid out 150) into the rock formation 154 to release oil and gas. To operate in a corrosive and abrasive environment, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 may be made of a material that is resistant to corrosive and abrasive substances in any of the first and second fluids. For example, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 may be made of a ceramic (e.g., alumina, cermets such as carbide, oxide, nitride, or boride hard phase) in a metal matrix (e.g., Co, Cr, or Ni or any combination thereof), such as tungsten carbide in a CoCr, Ni, NiCr, or Co matrix.

[0038] In some embodiments, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 includes a pressure exchanger (e.g., a rotary pressure exchanger) and a high pressure fluid in 130 (e.g., a first fluid, a high pressure solid particle free fluid) enters via a first inlet of the pressure exchanger where it contacts a low pressure fluid in 120 (e.g., a second fluid, a low pressure fracturing fluid) entering the pressure exchanger via a second inlet. Contact between the fluids and / or contact of the fluids with components of the pressure exchanger (e.g., pistons, turbines, compressor wheels, etc.) can cause the high pressure fluid in 130 to increase the pressure of the second fluid (e.g., low pressure fluid in 120), which drives the second fluid out of the pressure exchanger (e.g., high pressure fluid out 150) and down in the well (e.g., formation 154) for hydraulic fracturing operations. The first fluid (e.g., low pressure fluid out 140) similarly exits the pressure exchanger but is at a low pressure after exchanging pressure with the second fluid. The second fluid can be a low pressure fracturing fluid, which can include abrasive particles.

[0039] The fluid handling system 100B may also include one or more sensors configured to provide sensor data associated with the first fluid and the second fluid. The high pressure inlet flow valve 131 may control the flow rate of the high pressure fluid inlet 130 based on sensor data received from a sensor providing sensor data associated with the flow of the high pressure fluid inlet 130. The high pressure inlet flow valve 131 may control the flow rate of the high pressure fluid inlet 130 based on a target flow rate. The target flow rate may be determined by the controller 108 based on user input provided by a user (e.g., a technician, an operator, an engineer, etc.). The low pressure outlet flow valve 141 may control the flow rate of the low pressure fluid outlet 140 (e.g., which causes control of the flow rate of the low pressure fluid inlet 120) based on sensor data received from one or more sensors. In some embodiments, the controller 180 causes the high pressure inlet flow valve 131 and / or the low pressure outlet flow valve 141 to actuate based on the received sensor data.

[0040] Figure 1C 1 shows a schematic diagram of a fluid processing system 100C including a hydraulic energy transfer system 110 according to some embodiments. The fluid processing system 100C may be a desalination system (e.g., removing salt and / or other minerals from water). In some embodiments, the fluid processing system 100C includes a Figure 1C More components, fewer components, same routes, different routes, and / or the like are shown. Figure 1C Zhongyu Figure 1A and / or Figure 1B Some of the features with similar reference numerals in the Figure 1A and / or Figure 1B Features, functions and / or structures similar to those in the

[0041] The low pressure inlet system 122 may include a feed pump 126 (e.g., a low pressure fluid pump 124) that receives seawater in 170 (e.g., feed water from a reservoir or directly from the ocean) and provides the low pressure fluid in 120 (e.g., low pressure seawater, feed water) to the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., a pressure exchanger). The feed pump 126 may be controlled by a controller 180. The high pressure inlet system 132 may include a membrane 136 that provides the high pressure fluid in 130 (e.g., high pressure salt water) to the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., a pressure exchanger) via a high pressure inlet flow valve 131. The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 exchanges pressure between the high-pressure fluid in 130 and the low-pressure fluid in 120 to provide the high-pressure fluid out 150 (e.g., high-pressure seawater) to the high-pressure out system 152, and provides the low-pressure fluid out 140 (e.g., low-pressure brine) to the low-pressure out system 142 (e.g., geological body, ocean, sea, waste, etc.) via the low-pressure out flow valve 141.

[0042] The membrane 136 may be a membrane separation device configured to separate fluids passing through the membrane, such as a reverse osmosis membrane. The membrane 136 may provide a high pressure fluid in 130 to the hydraulic energy transfer system 110, the high pressure fluid in being a concentrated feed water or concentrate (e.g., brine). The pressure of the high pressure fluid in 130 may be used to compress a low pressure feed water (e.g., low pressure fluid in 120) into a high pressure feed water (e.g., high pressure fluid out 150). For simplicity and purposes of illustration, the term "feed water" is used. However, fluids other than water may be used in the hydraulic energy transfer system 110.

[0043] A circulation pump 158 (e.g., a turbine) provides a high pressure fluid out 150 (e.g., high pressure seawater) to the membrane 136. The circulation pump 158 may be controlled by a controller 180. The membrane 136 filters the high pressure fluid out 150 to provide low pressure drinking water 172 and high pressure fluid in 130 (e.g., high pressure brine). The low pressure out system 142 provides a brine out 174 (e.g., to a geological body, ocean, sea, waste, etc.).

[0044] In some embodiments, a high pressure fluid pump 176 is disposed between the feed pump 126 and the membrane 136. The high pressure fluid pump 176 increases the pressure of low pressure seawater (e.g., low pressure fluid inlet 120, providing high pressure feed water) to be mixed with the high pressure seawater provided by the circulation pump 158. The high pressure fluid pump 176 may be controlled by a controller 180.

[0045] In some embodiments, the use of the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 reduces the load on the high pressure fluid pump 176. In some embodiments, the fluid treatment system 100C provides low pressure drinking water 172 without using the high pressure fluid pump 176. In some embodiments, the fluid treatment system 100C provides low pressure drinking water 172 by intermittently using the high pressure fluid pump 176.

[0046] In some examples, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., a pressure exchanger) receives a low pressure fluid IN 120 (e.g., low pressure feed water) at approximately 30 pounds per square inch (PSI), and receives a high pressure fluid IN 130 (e.g., high pressure brine or concentrate) at approximately 980 PSI. The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., a pressure exchanger) transfers pressure from the high pressure concentrate (e.g., high pressure fluid IN 130) to the low pressure feed water (e.g., low pressure fluid IN 120). The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., a pressure exchanger) outputs a high pressure fluid OUT 150 (e.g., high pressure (compressed) feed water) at approximately 965 PSI, and outputs a low pressure fluid OUT 140 (e.g., low pressure concentrate) at approximately 15 PSI. Therefore, the efficiency of the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (eg, pressure exchanger) may be approximately 97% because the input volume is approximately equal to the output volume of the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (eg, pressure exchanger) and 965 PSI is approximately 97% of 980 PSI.

[0047] The fluid handling system 100C may also include one or more sensors configured to provide sensor data associated with the first fluid and the second fluid. The high pressure inlet flow valve 131 may control the flow rate of the high pressure fluid inlet 130 based on sensor data received from a sensor providing sensor data associated with the flow of the high pressure fluid inlet 130. The high pressure inlet flow valve 131 may control the flow rate of the high pressure fluid inlet 130 based on a target flow rate. The target flow rate may be determined by the controller 108 based on user input provided by a user (e.g., a technician, an operator, an engineer, etc.). The low pressure outlet flow valve 141 may control the flow rate of the low pressure fluid outlet 140 (e.g., which causes control of the flow rate of the low pressure fluid inlet 120) based on sensor data received from one or more sensors. In some embodiments, the controller 180 causes the high pressure inlet flow valve 131 and / or the low pressure outlet flow valve 141 to actuate based on the received sensor data.

[0048] Figure 1D 1 shows a schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 100D including a hydraulic energy transfer system 110 according to some embodiments. The fluid handling system 100D may be a refrigeration system. In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 100D includes a Figure 1D More components, fewer components, same routes, different routes, and / or the like are shown. Figure 1D Zhongyu Figure 1A , Figure 1B and / or Figure 1C Some of the features with similar reference numerals in the Figure 1A , Figure 1B and / or Figure 1C Features, functions and / or structures similar to those in the

[0049] The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., a pressure exchanger) may receive a low pressure fluid IN 120 from a low pressure IN system 122 (e.g., a low pressure lift device 128, a low pressure fluid pump, a low pressure compressor, etc.) and a high pressure fluid IN 130 from a high pressure IN system 132 (e.g., a condenser 138, a gas cooler, a heat exchanger, etc.) via a high pressure IN flow valve 131. The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., a pressure exchanger) may exchange pressure between the low pressure fluid IN 120 and the high pressure fluid IN 130 to provide a high pressure fluid OUT 150 to a high pressure OUT system 152 (e.g., a high pressure lift device 159, a high pressure fluid pump, a high pressure compressor, etc.) and provide a low pressure fluid OUT 140 to a low pressure OUT system 142 (e.g., an evaporator 144, a heat exchanger, etc.) via a low pressure OUT flow valve 141. The evaporator 144 may provide fluid to the compressor 178 and the low pressure lift device 128. The condenser 138 may receive fluid from the compressor 178 and the high pressure riser 159. The controller 180 may control one or more components of the fluid treatment system 100D.

[0050] The fluid treatment system 100D may be a closed system. The low pressure fluid in 120, the high pressure fluid in 130, the low pressure fluid out 140 and the high pressure fluid out 150 may all be fluids (eg, refrigerant, the same fluid) circulating in the closed system of the fluid treatment system 100D.

[0051] In some embodiments, the fluid of the fluid treatment system 100D may include solid particles. For example, pipelines, equipment, connections (e.g., pipe welding parts, pipe brazing parts), etc. may introduce solid particles (e.g., solid particles from welding parts, brazing parts, and / or corrosion parts) into the fluid in the fluid treatment system 100D.

[0052] The fluid handling system 100D may additionally include one or more sensors configured to provide sensor data associated with the fluid. The high pressure inlet flow valve 131 may control the flow rate of the high pressure fluid inlet 130 based on sensor data received from a sensor providing sensor data associated with the flow of the high pressure fluid inlet 130. The high pressure inlet flow valve 131 may control the flow rate of the high pressure fluid inlet 130 based on a target flow rate. The target flow rate may be determined by the controller 108 based on user input provided by a user (e.g., a technician, an operator, an engineer, etc.). The low pressure outlet flow valve 141 may control the flow rate of the low pressure fluid outlet 140 (e.g., which causes control of the flow rate of the low pressure fluid inlet 120) based on sensor data received from one or more sensors. In some embodiments, the controller 180 causes the high pressure inlet flow valve 131 and / or the low pressure outlet flow valve 141 to actuate based on the received sensor data.

[0053] Figure 2A 2E is an exploded perspective view of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 (eg, a rotary pressure exchanger, a rotary liquid piston compressor (LPC), etc.) according to certain embodiments. Figure 2A - Some of the features in one or more of the diagrams in 2E may have Figure 1A - similar properties, functions and / or structures to those features in one or more of the Figures in 1D.

[0054] The pressure exchanger 40 is configured to transfer pressure and / or work between a first fluid (a particle-free fluid, a non-corrosive fluid, a non-acidic fluid, a proppant-free fluid, or supercritical carbon dioxide, a high-pressure fluid in 130) and a second fluid (e.g., a slurry fluid, a corrosive fluid, an acidic fluid, a fracturing fluid, or superheated gaseous carbon dioxide, a low-pressure fluid in 120) with minimal mixing of the fluids. The rotary pressure exchanger 40 may include a generally cylindrical body portion 42 including a sleeve 44 (e.g., a rotor sleeve) and a rotor 46. The rotary pressure exchanger 40 may also include two end caps 48 and 50, which include manifolds 52 and 54, respectively. The manifold 52 includes respective inlet ports 56 and outlet ports 58, while the manifold 54 includes respective inlet ports 60 and outlet ports 62. In operation, these inlet ports 56, 60 enable the first and second fluids to enter the rotary pressure exchanger 40 to exchange pressures, while the outlet ports 58, 62 enable the first and second fluids to subsequently exit the rotary pressure exchanger 40. In operation, the inlet port 56 can receive a high-pressure first fluid (e.g., high-pressure fluid in 130), and after exchanging pressures, the outlet port 58 can be used to direct the low-pressure first fluid (e.g., low-pressure fluid out 140) out of the rotary pressure exchanger 40. Similarly, the inlet port 60 can receive a low-pressure second fluid (e.g., low-pressure slurry fluid, low-pressure fluid in 120), and the outlet port 62 can be used to direct the high-pressure second fluid (e.g., high-pressure slurry fluid, high-pressure fluid out 150) out of the rotary pressure exchanger 40. The end caps 48, 50 include respective end covers 64, 66 (e.g., end plates) disposed within the respective manifolds 52, 54, which can achieve fluid-tight contact with the rotor 46.

[0055] One or more components of the pressure exchanger 40, such as the rotor 46, the end cap 64, and / or the end cap 66, may be constructed of a wear-resistant material (e.g., carbide, sintered carbide, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, etc.) having a hardness greater than a predetermined threshold (e.g., a Vickers hardness number of at least 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, 2000, 2250, or more). For example, tungsten carbide may be more durable and provide improved wear resistance to abrasive fluids compared to other materials such as alumina ceramics. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more components of the pressure exchanger 40, such as the rotor 46, the end cap 64, the end cap 66, and / or other sealing surfaces of the pressure exchanger 40, may include an insert. In some embodiments, the insert may be composed of one or more wear-resistant materials (e.g., carbide, sintered carbide, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, etc.) having a hardness greater than a predetermined threshold (e.g., a Vickers hardness number of at least 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, 2000, 2250 or more) to provide improved wear resistance.

[0056] The rotor 46 may be cylindrical and disposed within the sleeve 44, which enables the rotor 46 to rotate about the axis 68. The rotor 46 may have a plurality of passages 70 (e.g., ducts, rotor ducts) extending substantially longitudinally through the rotor 46 with openings 72 and 74 (e.g., rotor ports) at each end symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal axis 68. The openings 72 and 74 of the rotor 46 are arranged to be in hydraulic communication with inlet apertures 76 and outlet apertures 78 (e.g., end cap inlet ports and end cap outlet ports) in the end cover 64 and inlet apertures 80 and outlet apertures 82 (e.g., end cap inlet ports and end cap outlet ports) in the end cover 66, so that the passages 70 are exposed to fluids at high pressure and fluids at low pressure during rotation. As shown, the inlet apertures 76 and outlet apertures 78 and the inlet apertures 80 and outlet apertures 82 may be designed in the form of arcs or segments of a circle (e.g., C-shaped).

[0057] In some embodiments, a controller (e.g., Figure 1A The controller 180 in FIG. 1D can use sensor data (e.g., revolutions per minute measured by a tachometer or photoelectric encoder or volume flow rate measured by a flow meter) to control the degree of mixing between the first fluid and the second fluid in the rotary pressure exchanger 40, which can be used to improve the fluid processing system (e.g., Figure 1A For example, the volume flow rate of the first fluid and / or the second fluid entering the rotary pressure exchanger 40 (e.g., via Figure 1A-1D) allows an equipment operator (e.g., a system operator) to control the amount of fluid mixing within the pressure exchanger 40. In addition, varying the rotational speed of the rotor 46 (e.g., via a motor) also allows the operator to control mixing. Three features of the rotary pressure exchanger 40 that affect mixing are: (1) the aspect ratio of the rotor channel 70; (2) the duration of exposure between the first fluid and the second fluid; and (3) the formation of a fluid barrier (e.g., an interface) between the first fluid and the second fluid within the rotor channel 70. First, the rotor channel 70 (e.g., a pipe) is generally long and narrow, which stabilizes flow within the rotary pressure exchanger 40. In addition, the first fluid and the second fluid can move through the channel 70 in a piston flow state with minimal axial mixing. Second, in some embodiments, the speed of the rotor 46 reduces contact between the first fluid and the second fluid. For example, the speed of the rotor 46 (e.g., a rotor speed of about 1200 revolutions per minute (RPM)) can reduce the contact time between the first fluid and the second fluid to less than about 0.15 seconds, 0.10 seconds, or 0.05 seconds. Third, a small portion of the rotor channel 70 is used for pressure exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid. Therefore, a certain volume of fluid is retained in the channel 70 as a barrier between the first fluid and the second fluid. All of these mechanisms can limit mixing within the rotary pressure exchanger 40. In addition, in some embodiments, the rotary pressure exchanger 40 can be designed to operate with an internal piston or other barrier that completely or partially isolates the first fluid and the second fluid while enabling pressure transfer.

[0058] Figure 2B 2E is an exploded view of an embodiment of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 showing the sequence of positions of individual rotor channels 70 in the rotor 46 as the channels 70 rotate through a complete cycle. It is noted that Figure 2B 2E is a simplified diagram of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 showing one rotor channel 70, and the channel 70 is shown as having a circular cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the rotary pressure exchanger 40 may include multiple channels 70 having the same or different cross-sectional shapes (e.g., circular, elliptical (oval), square, long rectangular, polygonal, etc.). Thus, Figure 2B -2E is a simplified diagram for illustration purposes, and other embodiments of the rotary pressure exchanger 40 may have different Figure 2A-2E. As described in detail below, the rotary pressure exchanger 40 facilitates pressure exchange between a first fluid and a second fluid by enabling the first fluid and the second fluid (e.g., a particle-free fluid and a slurry fluid) to briefly contact each other within the rotor 46. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger facilitates pressure exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid by enabling the first and second fluids to contact opposite sides of a barrier (e.g., a reciprocating barrier, a piston, not shown). In certain embodiments, the exchange occurs at a speed that results in limited mixing of the first fluid with the second fluid. The speed of the pressure wave traveling through the rotor channel 70 (once the channel is exposed to the orifice 76), the diffusion rate of the fluid, and / or the rotational speed of the rotor 46 may determine whether any mixing occurs and the extent of mixing.

[0059] Figure 2B is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 (eg, a rotary liquid piston compressor) according to certain embodiments. Figure 2B , the channel opening 72 is in a first position. In the first position, the channel opening 72 is in fluid communication with the orifice 78 in the end cap 64, and is therefore in fluid communication with the manifold 52, while the opposite channel opening 74 is in fluid communication with the orifice 82 in the end cap 66, and is in fluid communication with the manifold 54 by extension. The rotor 46 can rotate in a clockwise direction indicated by arrow 84. In operation, a low-pressure second fluid 86 (e.g., a low-pressure slurry fluid) passes through the end cap 66 and enters the channel 70, where the low-pressure second fluid 86 contacts the first fluid 88 at the dynamic fluid interface 90. The second fluid 86 then drives the first fluid 88 to leave the channel 70, pass through the end cap 64, and leave the rotary pressure exchanger 40. However, due to the short duration of contact, mixing between the second fluid 86 (e.g., a slurry fluid) and the first fluid 88 (e.g., a particle-free fluid) is minimal. In some embodiments, the low pressure second fluid 86 contacts a first side of a barrier (e.g., a piston, not shown) disposed in the channel 70 that contacts (e.g., on the opposite side of the barrier) the first fluid 88. The second fluid 86 drives the barrier, which pushes the first fluid 88 out of the channel 70. In this case, mixing between the second fluid 86 and the first fluid 88 is negligible.

[0060] Figure 2C is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 (eg, a rotary liquid piston compressor) according to certain embodiments. Figure 2C , the passage 70 has rotated clockwise through an arc of approximately 90 degrees. In this position, the opening 74 (e.g., outlet) is no longer in fluid communication with the orifices 80 and 82 of the end cap 66, and the opening 72 is no longer in fluid communication with the orifices 76 and 78 of the end cap 64. Thus, the low pressure second fluid 86 is temporarily contained within the passage 70.

[0061] Figure 2D is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 (eg, a rotary liquid piston compressor) according to certain embodiments. Figure 2D In the channel 70, Figure 2B The illustrated position is rotated through an arc of approximately 60 degrees. The opening 74 is now in fluid communication with the orifice 80 in the end cap 66, and the opening 72 of the passage 70 is now in fluid communication with the orifice 76 of the end cap 64. In this position, the high pressure first fluid 88 enters and pressurizes the low pressure second fluid 86, driving the second fluid 86 out of the rotor passage 70 and through the orifice 80.

[0062] Figure 2E is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 (eg, a rotary liquid piston compressor) according to certain embodiments. Figure 2E In the channel 70, Figure 2B 6 is rotated through an arc of approximately 270 degrees. In this position, opening 74 is no longer in fluid communication with orifices 80 and 82 of end cap 66, and opening 72 is no longer in fluid communication with orifices 76 and 78 of end cap 64. Thus, first fluid 88 is no longer pressurized and is temporarily contained within passage 70 until rotor 46 rotates another 90 degrees to begin the cycle again.

[0063] Figure 3A 3D are schematic diagrams of fluid handling systems 300A-300D including pressure exchangers according to certain embodiments. Figure 3A - Some of the features in one or more of the 3D images may have Figure 1A - 1D and / or Figure 2A - similar properties, functions and / or structures to those features in one or more of the Figures in 2E.

[0064] Figure 3A 300A is a schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 300A including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the fluid handling system includes a pressure exchanger (PX) 310. The pressure exchanger 310 can be a rotary pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 310 is an isobaric or substantially isobaric pressure exchanger. The pressure exchanger 310 can be configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 310 is coupled to a motor 390 (e.g., the rotation of the rotor of the pressure exchanger 310 is controlled by the motor 390).

[0065] In some embodiments, the fluid treatment system 300A includes a high pressure (HP) source 320 (e.g., Figure 1A-1D) and a low pressure (LP) source 322 (e.g., Figure 1A -1D into the system 122). The high pressure source 320 can be a source of a first fluid. The first fluid can be a particle-free fluid (e.g., water, a proppant-free fluid, a filtered fluid, etc.). In some embodiments, the first fluid is a non-corrosive fluid (e.g., a non-alkaline fluid, a fluid having a pH value between about 5 and 10). In some embodiments, the first fluid is a non-acidic fluid. The high pressure source 320 can include one or more high pressure pumps to supply the first fluid at high pressure. The low pressure source 322 can be a source of the first fluid. The second fluid can be a fluid with particles (e.g., a slurry fluid, a fracturing fluid, etc.). The second fluid can contain abrasives and / or solid particles. In some embodiments, the second fluid is a corrosive fluid (e.g., a highly alkaline fluid, a fluid having a pH value greater than about 10, etc.). In some embodiments, the second fluid is an acidic fluid (e.g., a highly acidic fluid, a fluid having a pH value less than about 5, etc.). In some embodiments, the first fluid can include particles, and the second fluid spans a fluid that is substantially particle-free.

[0066] The fluid handling system 300A may include a controller 380 (e.g., Figure 1A -1D). Controller 380 can control pumps and / or valves of system 300A. Controller 380 can receive sensor data from one or more sensors of system 300A. In some embodiments, controller 380 controls motor 390. In some embodiments, controller 380 receives motor data from one or more motor sensors associated with motor 390. The motor data received from the motor sensors may include the current motor speed (e.g., revolutions per minute), the total motor run time, the motor run time between two maintenance operations, and / or the total number of motor revolutions. The motor data may indicate a performance status of motor 390.

[0067] In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 310 receives a first fluid at a high pressure (eg, Figure 1A -1D high pressure fluid into 130). The pressure exchanger 310 can receive the first fluid via the high pressure inlet. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 310 is to receive a second fluid at a low pressure (e.g., Figure 1A-1D low-pressure fluid inlet 120). The pressure exchanger 310 can receive a second fluid via a low-pressure inlet. Although "high pressure" and "low pressure" are mentioned herein, "high pressure" and "low pressure" may be relative to each other and may not mean a specific pressure value (for example, the pressure of the high-pressure fluid inlet 130 is higher than the pressure of the low-pressure fluid inlet 120). The pressure exchanger 310 can exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid. The pressure exchanger 310 can provide a first fluid via a low-pressure outlet (for example, a low-pressure fluid out 140), and can provide a second fluid via a high-pressure outlet (for example, a high-pressure fluid out 150). In some embodiments, the first fluid provided via the low-pressure outlet is at a low pressure, and the second fluid provided via the high-pressure outlet is at a high pressure.

[0068] The fluid handling system 300A may include one or more valves. In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300A includes a high pressure inlet flow valve 332 (e.g., Figure 1A -1D) and the low pressure flow valve 334 (for example, Figure 1A -1D). The high pressure inlet flow valve 332 can be fluidly coupled to a first inlet (e.g., a high pressure inlet) of the pressure exchanger 310. The high pressure inlet flow valve 332 can be fluidly coupled to the high pressure source 320. The high pressure inlet flow valve 332 can receive a high pressure first fluid from the high pressure source 320 and provide the high pressure first fluid to the high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The high pressure inlet flow valve 332 can be located upstream of the high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The high pressure inlet flow valve 332 can adjust the flow rate of the high pressure first fluid provided to the pressure exchanger 310 via the high pressure inlet.

[0069] The low pressure outflow valve 334 can be fluidly coupled to a first outlet (e.g., a low pressure outlet) of the pressure exchanger 310. The low pressure outflow valve 334 can receive a low pressure first fluid from the low pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310 and provide the low pressure fluid to the clean fluid discharge. The low pressure outflow valve 334 can be located downstream of the low pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The low pressure outflow valve 334 can adjust the flow rate of the first fluid from the low pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, depending on the properties of the pressure exchanger system (e.g., the fluid treatment system 300A), adjusting the flow rate of the low pressure first fluid from the low pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310 will also adjust the flow rate of the low pressure second fluid entering the low pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310.

[0070] The fluid handling system 300A may include one or more sensors. In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300A includes one or more flow sensors (e.g., volume flow rate sensors, mass flow rate sensors, velocity sensors, etc.) and / or pressure sensors. In some embodiments, the flow sensors of the fluid handling system 300A include a high pressure inlet flow sensor 342, a low pressure outlet flow sensor 344, and / or a low pressure inlet flow sensor 346. The high pressure inlet flow sensor 342 may detect the flow rate of the high pressure first fluid entering the high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The low pressure inlet flow sensor 346 may detect the flow rate of the low pressure second fluid entering the low pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The low pressure outlet flow sensor 344 may detect the flow rate of the low pressure first fluid after the low pressure first fluid leaves the low pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The controller 380 may receive sensor data from the high pressure inlet flow sensor 342, the low pressure inlet flow sensor 346, and / or the low pressure outlet flow sensor 344.

[0071] In some embodiments, the pressure sensor of the fluid handling system 300A includes a high pressure inlet pressure sensor 352, a low pressure inlet pressure sensor 356, a low pressure outlet pressure sensor 354, and / or a high pressure outlet pressure sensor 358. The high pressure inlet pressure sensor 352 can detect the pressure of the high pressure first fluid flowing to the high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The low pressure inlet pressure sensor 356 can detect the pressure of the low pressure second fluid flowing to the low pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The low pressure outlet pressure sensor 354 can detect the pressure of the low pressure first fluid flowing out of the low pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The high pressure outlet pressure sensor 358 can detect the pressure of the high pressure second fluid flowing out of the high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310.

[0072] The controller 380 can receive sensor data from sensors of the system. In some embodiments, the controller 380 receives user input associated with a target flow rate of the high pressure first fluid. For example, the controller 380 can receive user input (e.g., from a client device, from a user) indicating that the target flow rate of the high pressure first fluid is to be 300 gallons per minute.

[0073] The flow rate of the first fluid and the second fluid to the pressure exchanger can be controlled by the controller 380. In some embodiments, the controller 380 is configured to control the flow rate of the first fluid and the second fluid by actuating a control valve (e.g., a high pressure inlet flow valve 332 and a low pressure outlet flow valve 334) fluidly connected to the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, the controller 380 controls one or more corresponding supply pumps configured to supply the first fluid and / or the second fluid to the pressure exchanger 310 (e.g., a high pressure pump providing a high pressure source 320 of the first fluid, and / or a low pressure pump providing a low pressure source 322 of the second fluid). For example, the controller 380 can control a high pressure supply pump that supplies the first fluid to the high pressure inlet. The controller 380 can control a low pressure supply pump that supplies the second fluid to the low pressure inlet. In some embodiments, the controller 380 controls the high pressure inlet flow valve 332 to adjust the flow of the first fluid entering the high pressure inlet. In some embodiments, the controller 380 controls the low pressure outflow valve 334 to adjust the flow rate of the first fluid out of the pressure exchanger 310 , and adjusts the flow rate of the second fluid into the low pressure inlet according to the properties of the pressure exchanger 310 .

[0074] The controller 380 may receive a user input associated with a target flow rate of the first fluid entering the high pressure inlet. For example, the user input may indicate that the target flow rate of the first fluid is 300 gallons per minute. The user input may come from a user (e.g., provided by an operator, technician, engineer, etc.). The user input may be provided by the user via a graphical user interface (GUI) of a computer system (e.g., a client device) in communication with the controller 380.

[0075] The controller 380 can cause an adjustment of the flow rate of the first fluid, the adjustment of the flow rate of the first fluid being provided via the high pressure inlet based on user input and sensor data from one or more of the high pressure inlet pressure sensor 352 or the high pressure inlet flow sensor 342. In some embodiments, the controller 380 causes the adjustment by causing the high pressure inlet flow valve 332 to open or close. For example, if the sensor data from the high pressure inlet flow sensor 342 indicates that the flow rate of the first fluid to the high pressure inlet is less than the target flow rate indicated by the user input, the controller 380 can cause the high pressure inlet flow valve 332 to open. Opening the high pressure inlet flow valve 332 can increase the flow rate of the first fluid to the high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. If the sensor data from the high pressure inlet flow sensor 342 indicates that the flow rate of the first fluid to the high pressure inlet is greater than the target flow rate indicated by the user input, the controller 380 can cause the flow valve 332 to close. Closing the high pressure inlet flow valve 332 can reduce the flow rate of the first fluid to the high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310.

[0076] In some embodiments, the controller 380 causes the regulation of the flow rate of the high pressure first fluid by controlling the high pressure supply pump (e.g., the pump of the high pressure source 320). For example, when the sensor data received from the high pressure inflow sensor 342 indicates that the flow rate of the first fluid to the high pressure inlet is less than the target flow rate indicated by the user input, the controller 380 can cause the high pressure supply pump to increase the pressure of the first fluid provided by the high pressure supply pump. The high pressure supply pump increasing the pressure of the first fluid can increase the flow rate of the first fluid to the high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. If the sensor data received from the high pressure inflow sensor 342 indicates that the flow rate of the first fluid to the high pressure inlet is greater than the target flow rate indicated by the user input, the controller 380 can cause the high pressure supply pump to reduce the pressure of the first fluid provided by the high pressure supply pump. The high pressure supply pump reducing the pressure of the first fluid can reduce the flow rate of the first fluid to the high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, the high pressure supply pump is a centrifugal pump. In some embodiments, the high pressure supply pump is a positive displacement pump. The high pressure supply pump can be configured to output the first fluid under high pressure.

[0077] The controller 380 may cause regulation of the flow rate of the low-pressure second fluid provided to the inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 based on sensor data received from one or more of the high-pressure inlet flow sensor 342, the high-pressure inlet pressure sensor 352, the low-pressure inlet pressure sensor 356, and / or the low-pressure inlet flow sensor 346. In some embodiments, the controller 380 may cause regulation of the flow rate of the second fluid provided to the low-pressure inlet based on the ratio of the flow rate of the first fluid provided to the high-pressure inlet to the flow rate of the second fluid provided to the low-pressure inlet. A ratio greater than one (e.g., the flow rate of the first fluid provided to the high-pressure inlet is greater than the flow rate of the second fluid provided to the low-pressure inlet) is referred to as a lead flow. A ratio less than one (e.g., the flow rate of the first fluid provided to the high-pressure inlet is less than the flow rate of the second fluid provided to the low-pressure inlet) is referred to as a lag flow. A ratio equal to one (e.g., the flow rate of the first fluid provided to the high-pressure inlet is equal to the flow rate of the second fluid provided to the low-pressure inlet) is referred to as a balanced flow.

[0078] In some embodiments, the controller 380 causes regulation of the flow rate of the second fluid to the low pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 by opening or closing the low pressure outflow valve 334. For example, to increase the ratio of the flow rate of the first fluid to the inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 to the flow rate of the second fluid, the controller 380 can cause the low pressure outflow valve 334 to close. Closing the low pressure outflow valve 334 can cause less second fluid to be supplied to the low pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310, which can increase the ratio of the flow rate of the first fluid to the flow rate of the second fluid. To reduce the ratio, the controller 380 can cause the low pressure outflow valve 334 to open. Opening the low pressure outflow valve 334 can cause an increase in the pressure (e.g., flow rate, amount, etc.) of the second fluid supplied to the low pressure inlet, which can reduce the ratio of the flow rate of the first fluid to the flow rate of the second fluid. The controller 380 can cause regulation of the flow rate of the second fluid to the low pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 to achieve a predetermined ratio of the flow rate of the first fluid to the flow rate of the second fluid. The predetermined ratio of the flow rate of the first fluid to the flow rate of the second fluid may be based on the amount and / or type of particles, abrasives, contaminants, etc. in the second fluid. Operating the pressure exchanger 310 with a pilot flow may result in less wear and undue damage on the pressure exchanger 310 .

[0079] In some embodiments, the controller 380 causes the regulation of the flow rate of the second fluid to the low pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 by controlling a low pressure supply pump (e.g., a low pressure supply pump of the low pressure source 322). For example, in order to increase the ratio of the flow rate of the first fluid to the inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 to the flow rate of the second fluid, the controller 380 can cause the low pressure supply pump to provide the second fluid at a lower pressure (e.g., a lower flow rate, a lower amount). The low pressure supply pump outputs the second fluid at a lower pressure to cause the pressure of the second fluid supplied to the low pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 to decrease, which increases the ratio of the flow rate of the first fluid to the flow rate of the second fluid. In order to reduce the ratio of the flow rate of the first fluid to the flow rate of the second fluid, the controller 380 can cause the low pressure supply pump to increase the pressure of the second fluid (e.g., increase the flow rate, increase the amount). The low pressure supply pump outputs the second fluid at a higher pressure to cause the second fluid provided to the low pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 to be at an increased pressure, which increases the ratio of the flow rate of the first fluid to the flow rate of the second fluid. In some embodiments, the low pressure supply pump is a centrifugal pump.

[0080] The controller 380 can be configured to cause execution of corrective action based on sensor data (e.g., one or more of flow data received from the low pressure out flow sensor 344, pressure data received from the low pressure out pressure sensor 354, and / or pressure data received from the high pressure out pressure sensor 358). In some embodiments, execution of corrective action is based on a difference between sensor data received from the low pressure in flow sensor 346 and sensor data received from the low pressure out flow sensor 344, and / or a difference between sensor data received from the low pressure in pressure sensor 356 and sensor data received from the low pressure out pressure sensor 354. The corrective action may cause actuation (e.g., causing opening or closing) of one or more valves (e.g., the high pressure in flow valve 332 and / or the low pressure out flow valve 334). In some embodiments, the flow rate data and pressure data received from the low pressure out flow sensor 344 and the low pressure out pressure sensor 354, respectively, are indicative of the health of the pressure exchanger 310. For example, a large difference between the flow rate data received from the low pressure outflow sensor 344 and the flow rate data received from the low pressure inflow sensor 346 may indicate a problem with the pressure exchanger 310. The problem may be due to wear of a component of the pressure exchanger 310 or a malfunctioning component of the pressure exchanger 310. In some examples, the controller 380 may cause maintenance to be performed on one or more components of the fluid treatment system 300A (e.g., on the pressure exchanger 310) (e.g., by providing an alarm, by interrupting operation, etc.). The pressure data received from the high pressure outflow sensor 358 may be used by the controller 380 to control one or more pumps associated with the fluid treatment system 300A.

[0081] In some embodiments, the low pressure source 322 supplies the second fluid to the low pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 via gravity feed. For example, an elevated reservoir (e.g., an elevated tank, a pool of water at an elevation higher than the pressure exchanger 310, etc.) can contain the supply of the second fluid. Gravity can cause the second fluid to be supplied to the low pressure inlet via a conduit (e.g., a tube, etc.).

[0082] In some embodiments, after the pressure exchanger 310 exchanges pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid, the low-pressure first fluid can be provided to the clean fluid discharge portion. In some embodiments, the clean fluid discharge portion is a reservoir (e.g., a holding pool). In some embodiments, the clean fluid discharge portion is fluidically connected to the high pressure source 320, and the first fluid flows from the high pressure source 320 in a closed loop, to the pressure exchanger 310, to the clean fluid discharge portion, and back to the high pressure source 320. The closed loop may include one or more filters, after leaving the pressure exchanger 310 and before returning to the high pressure source 320, filtering the first fluid. After exchanging pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid, the high-pressure second fluid may be provided to a process (e.g., a fracturing process, a slurry pumping process, etc.).

[0083] As an example, the pressure of the slurry fluid (e.g., a fluid with particles, a second fluid) is to be increased. Water (e.g., a particle-free fluid, a first fluid) under high pressure is received by the pressure exchanger 310. The slurry fluid under low pressure is received by the pressure exchanger 310. The pressure exchanger 310 exchanges pressure between water and the slurry fluid, which increases the pressure of the slurry fluid and reduces the pressure of the water. The low-pressure water is provided to a water tank, and the high-pressure slurry fluid is provided to a slurry pipeline process. For example, a slurry pipeline process can be a process for transporting solid particles via a pipeline. Solid particles (e.g., sand, etc.) are suspended in a liquid (e.g., water, etc.) to produce a slurry that can be pumped via a pipeline system.

[0084] Figure 3B FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 300B including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, features having reference numerals similar to reference numerals in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functions to those features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 300B have similar properties, structures, and / or functions to those features described in other figures. Figure 3A Similar characteristics, structure and / or functions of the fluid handling system 300A.

[0085] In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300B includes one or more valves not shown in the fluid handling system 300A. The fluid handling system 300B may include a high pressure supply valve 324. The high pressure supply valve 324 may adjust the pressure from the high pressure supply pump (e.g., Figure 3A The system 300B may include a low pressure supply valve 328 to adjust the supply of a high pressure first fluid from a slurry supply pump (e.g., a particle-carrying fluid supply pump, a corrosive fluid supply pump, an acidic fluid supply pump, Figure 3AThe fluid treatment system 300B may include a high pressure outlet check valve 338 that is fluidly connected to the high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310 and located downstream thereof. The high pressure outlet check valve 338 may cause the high pressure second fluid (e.g., slurry fluid, corrosive fluid, acidic fluid, etc. in the fluid treatment system 300B) to prevent backflow (e.g., return to the high pressure outlet pressure sensor 358, the pressure exchanger 310, etc.). The high pressure second fluid may be discharged to a slurry pipeline (e.g., a fluid pipeline with particles, a corrosive fluid pipeline, an acidic fluid pipeline, etc.). The fluid treatment system 300B may include a low pressure outlet discharge valve 348 to adjust (e.g., stop, start, increase, decrease, etc.) the flow rate of the low pressure first fluid from the low pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310. After the first fluid passes through the low pressure outlet discharge valve 348, the low pressure first fluid may be discharged to a clean supply (e.g., a reservoir of clean first fluid). When the fluid handling system 300B is shut down for maintenance, etc., the low pressure outlet drain valve 348 may be closed by a user (eg, an operator, technician, engineer, etc.) The system 300B may include a bearing valve 374 and a bearing flush line valve 376 .

[0086] In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300B supplies the bearings of the pressure exchanger 310 with the first fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300B includes one or more components configured to flush the bearings of the pressure exchanger 310 with the fluid. The one or more components for supplying the bearings of the pressure exchanger 310 with the fluid and flushing the bearings of the pressure exchanger 310 with the fluid may be the same. In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300B includes a bearing supply line 371. The bearing supply line 371 may be a conduit configured to receive a portion of the high-pressure first fluid upstream of the high-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, the bearing supply line 371 receives the high-pressure first fluid upstream of the high-pressure inlet valve 332. In some embodiments, the bearing supply line 371 may supply the high-pressure first fluid to the bearing filter 372. The bearing filter 372 may filter the high-pressure first fluid. In some embodiments, the bearing filter 372 filters contaminants (e.g., solids, particles, abrasives, etc.) from the high-pressure first fluid. In some embodiments, the bearing filter 372 receives the high-pressure fluid via the bearing supply line 373. The bearing supply line 373 may receive the high-pressure fluid discharged from the pressure exchanger 310 .

[0087] The high pressure first fluid from the bearing supply line 371 can be provided to the bearing valve 374. The bearing valve 374 can include two or more ports. In some embodiments, the bearing valve 374 includes three ports. The controller 380 can control the actuation of the ports of the bearing valve 374 (e.g., control which ports of the bearing valve 374 are open and / or closed, control the degree to which the ports of the bearing valve 374 are open or closed). The bearing valve 374 can be configured to receive the supply of the high pressure first fluid and provide the high pressure first fluid to the housing of the pressure exchanger 310 to flush the bearings of the pressure exchanger 310. The bearing valve 374 can be configured to receive the flushing fluid from the housing of the pressure exchanger 310 and guide the flushing fluid through the bearing flushing discharge line 378, which has an outlet located downstream of the low pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310.

[0088] During operation of the pressure exchanger 310, the controller 380 can cause the first port 381 of the bearing valve 374 to actuate to an open position to cause the bearing valve 374 to receive the filtered high-pressure first fluid from the bearing filter 372. The controller 380 can additionally cause the second port 382 of the bearing valve 374 to actuate to an open position (e.g., and the third port 383 of the bearing valve 374 to actuate to a closed position) to cause the filtered high-pressure first fluid to be supplied to the housing of the pressure exchanger 310 (e.g., without bypassing the pressure exchanger 310). The filtered high-pressure first fluid can be provided to one or more bearings (e.g., bearing surfaces) of the pressure exchanger 310 through the housing. Supplying the filtered high-pressure first fluid to the bearings of the pressure exchanger 310 can lubricate the bearings, reduce wear on the pressure exchanger 310, extend the time between maintenance operations, and provide an extended service life of the pressure exchanger 310.

[0089] During a bearing flushing procedure, the controller 380 may cause the first port 381 to actuate to a closed position to block the flow of the high pressure first fluid from the bearing filter 372 to the pressure exchanger 310. The bearing valve 374 may receive the flushing fluid from the housing of the pressure exchanger 310 via the opened second port 382. The controller 380 may cause the third port 383 of the bearing valve 374 to actuate to an open position to direct the flushing fluid toward the bearing flushing line valve 376 via the bearing flushing discharge line 378. The bearing flushing line valve 376 may be opened during a bearing flushing to cause the flushing fluid to be discharged into the low pressure first fluid exiting the low pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The flushing fluid may contain particles (e.g., solids, particles, abrasives, etc.) flushed from the bearings of the pressure exchanger 310. Flushing particles from the pressure exchanger 310 bearings may reduce wear, extend the time between maintenance operations, and provide an extended service life of the pressure exchanger 310.

[0090] In some embodiments, the fluid treatment system 300B includes a clean exhaust filter 360. The clean exhaust filter 360 can receive the low-pressure first fluid output from the low-pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The clean exhaust filter 360 can be configured to filter the low-pressure first fluid after the first fluid leaves the pressure exchanger 310 to remove contaminants (e.g., particles, solids, abrasives, etc.) from the low-pressure first fluid. In some embodiments, the clean exhaust filter 360 can receive a portion of the high-pressure first fluid as a flushing fluid via a filter flushing line 362. The filter flushing line 362 can be a conduit configured to receive a portion of the high-pressure first fluid upstream of the high-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The portion of the high-pressure first fluid supplied to the clean exhaust filter 360 as a flushing fluid can transport particles, etc. (e.g., filtered out of the low-pressure first fluid by the clean exhaust filter 360) away from the clean exhaust filter 360. In some embodiments, particles can be transported to the low-pressure second fluid, which is to be provided to the low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, particles from the clean exhaust filter 360 are exhausted into a low pressure second fluid. Figure 1B and 1D ), filtering the first fluid through a clean discharge filter 360 can reduce the wear of abrasive particles on the high pressure supply pump.

[0091] Figure 3C FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 300C including a plurality of pressure exchangers (e.g., pressure exchangers 311, 312, and 313) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, features having reference numerals and / or names similar to those in other figures include properties, structures, and / or functions similar to those described in other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 300C have similar properties, structures, and / or functions to those described in other figures. Figure 3A The fluid handling system 300A and / or Figure 3B The fluid handling system 300B features similar properties, structure and / or functionality.

[0092] In some embodiments, the fluid treatment system 300C includes two or more pressure exchangers. In some embodiments (e.g., Figure 3C ), the fluid treatment system 300C includes three pressure exchangers. The fluid treatment system 300C may include a pressure exchanger 311, a pressure exchanger 312, and a pressure exchanger 313. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 311, the pressure exchanger 312, and the pressure exchanger 313 operate in parallel with each other. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 311, the pressure exchanger 312, and the pressure exchanger 313 may operate in series with each other.

[0093] In some embodiments, the corresponding high pressure inlet of each of the pressure exchangers 311, 312, and 313 is fluidly coupled to the high pressure inlet manifold 385. The high pressure inlet manifold 385 can receive the high pressure first fluid (e.g., high pressure fluid inlet 130) from the high pressure inlet flow valve 332. The high pressure inlet of each of the pressure exchangers 311, 312, and 313 can receive a portion of the high pressure first fluid from the high pressure inlet manifold 385.

[0094] The low pressure inlet of each of the pressure exchangers 311, 312, and 313 can be fluidly coupled to the low pressure inlet manifold 384. The low pressure inlet manifold 384 can receive the low pressure second fluid (e.g., low pressure fluid inlet 120) from the low pressure source 322. The low pressure inlet of each of the pressure exchangers 311, 312, and 313 can receive a portion of the low pressure second fluid from the low pressure inlet manifold 384.

[0095] Each of the pressure exchangers 311, 312, and 313 can exchange pressure between a high-pressure first fluid and a low-pressure second fluid. The low-pressure first fluid can be output to a low-pressure outlet manifold 386 through each of the pressure exchangers 311, 312, and 313 via a low-pressure outlet of each of the pressure exchangers 311, 312, and 313. The low-pressure outlet manifold 386 can guide the low-pressure first fluid (e.g., low-pressure fluid outlet 140) toward the low-pressure outlet flow valve 334. The high-pressure second fluid can be output to a high-pressure outlet manifold 388 through each of the pressure exchangers 311, 312, and 313 via a high-pressure outlet of each of the pressure exchangers 311, 312, and 313. The high-pressure outlet manifold can guide the high-pressure second fluid (e.g., high-pressure fluid outlet 150) toward a process (e.g., a fracturing process, a slurry pumping process). Any embodiment of the present disclosure may include multiple pressure exchangers (e.g., Figure 3C ).

[0096] Figure 3D is a schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 300D including a pressure exchanger 310 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, features having reference numbers and / or names similar to those in other figures include properties, structures, and / or functions similar to those described in other figures. In some examples, the fluid handling system 300D has similar Figure 3A Fluid handling system 300A, Figure 3B The fluid handling system 300B and / or Figure 3COne or more features of the fluid handling system 300C may have similar features and / or functions.

[0097] In some embodiments, the fluid treatment system 300D includes a high-pressure supply pump 323. The high-pressure supply pump can receive a first fluid from a clean fluid reservoir 335. The clean fluid reservoir 335 can be a reservoir for containing a first fluid. In some embodiments, the clean fluid reservoir 335 is a pool or a tank. The high-pressure supply pump 323 can increase the pressure of the first fluid to reach a threshold pressure value. The high-pressure first fluid is supplied to the high-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 via a high-pressure inlet valve 332. The pressure is exchanged in the pressure exchanger 310, and the first fluid leaves the pressure exchanger 310 as a low-pressure first fluid. The low-pressure first fluid is provided to the clean fluid reservoir 335 from the low-pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310 via a low-pressure outlet valve 334.

[0098] In some embodiments, the fluid treatment system 300D includes one or more pump stages (e.g., one or more different pumps) configured to pump the second fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid treatment system 300D includes a pump stage 321 to pump the second fluid from a low pressure source of the second fluid. The pump stage 321 can be a first pump stage. The pump stage 321 can be a centrifugal pump or a positive displacement pump. The pump stage 321 can provide a portion of the second fluid to the low pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 at low pressure. The pressure exchanger 310 can exchange pressure between the high pressure first fluid and the low pressure second fluid. The pressure exchanger 310 can provide a high pressure second fluid at the high pressure outlet. The high pressure second fluid can be directed to a process (e.g., a fracturing process, a slurry pumping process, etc.).

[0099] In some embodiments, one or more additional pump stages (e.g., pump stage 325 and pump stage 327) can receive a portion of the second fluid from pump stage 321 and also increase the pressure of the portion of the second fluid. Pump stages 325 and 327 can operate in parallel with pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, fluid treatment system 300D includes pump stages other than pump stages 325 and 327 that operate in parallel with pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, fluid treatment system 300D includes a single pump stage that operates in parallel with pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, pressure exchanger 310 supplements the flow rate of the second fluid pumped from a low pressure source to the process by one or more pump stages.

[0100] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling a fluid handling system (e.g., Figure 3A3D fluid handling system 300A-300D). In some embodiments, method 400 is performed by processing logic that includes hardware (e.g., circuits, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, processing devices, etc.), software (such as instructions running on a processing device, a general purpose computer system, or a dedicated machine), firmware, microcode, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, method 400 is performed at least in part by a controller (e.g., Figure 1A -1D controller 180, Figure 3A In some embodiments, the non-transitory storage medium stores such instructions, and when the instructions are executed by the processing device (e.g., Figure 1A -1D controller 180, Figure 3A -3D controller 380 or other processing device) is executed, causing the processing device to execute method 400.

[0101] For simplicity of explanation, method 400 is depicted and described as a series of operations. However, operations according to the present disclosure may occur in various orders and / or simultaneously, and occur together with other operations not present and described herein. In addition, in some embodiments, not all operations shown are performed to implement method 400 according to the disclosed subject matter. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that, via a state diagram or event, method 400 may alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states.

[0102] At block 402, processing logic (e.g., Figure 1A -1D controller 180, Figure 3A-3D controller 380) can receive first sensor data associated with the first fluid before the first fluid enters the first inlet of the pressure exchanger (e.g., sensor data associated with the first fluid upstream of the first inlet). In some embodiments, the first sensor data includes flow data of the first fluid before the first fluid enters the first inlet of the pressure exchanger (e.g., volume flow rate data, mass flow rate data, velocity data, etc.). In some embodiments, the first sensor data includes pressure data of the first fluid before the first fluid enters the first inlet of the pressure exchanger. One or more types of data can be calculated from one or more other types of data (e.g., volume flow rate data can be calculated by processing logic based on pressure sensor data). The first fluid can be a substantially particle-free fluid. The first fluid can be at a higher pressure than the second fluid. The first inlet can be a high-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger. The pressure exchanger can be configured to receive the first fluid via the high-pressure inlet and receive the second fluid via the second, low-pressure inlet (e.g., the second fluid is at a lower pressure than the first fluid). The pressure exchanger can be configured to exchange pressure between a high-pressure first fluid and a low-pressure second fluid. The pressure exchanger can provide a low-pressure first fluid via a low-pressure outlet and a high-pressure second fluid via a high-pressure outlet.

[0103] At block 404, processing logic may receive second sensor data associated with the second fluid before the second fluid enters the second inlet of the pressure exchanger (e.g., sensor data associated with the second fluid upstream of the second inlet). In some embodiments, the second sensor data includes flow data (e.g., volume flow rate data, mass flow rate data, velocity data, etc.) of the second fluid before the second fluid enters the second inlet of the pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, the second sensor data includes pressure data of the second fluid before the second fluid enters the second inlet of the pressure exchanger. The second fluid may be a fluid with particles (e.g., a slurry fluid, a fracturing fluid, etc.). The second inlet of the pressure exchanger may be a low pressure inlet.

[0104] At block 406, processing logic may receive a user input associated with a target flow rate of the first fluid into the first inlet of the pressure exchanger. The user input may indicate a target flow rate of the high pressure first fluid into the high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger. The user input may be provided by a user via a GUI associated with the controller.

[0105] At block 408, processing logic may cause a first adjustment of a first flow rate of a first fluid into a first inlet based on the user input and the first sensor data. The first adjustment may be caused via one or more of a control valve or a supply pump. In some embodiments, processing logic may cause a first adjustment of a first flow rate of a first fluid into a first inlet based on the user input and the first sensor data. The first adjustment may be caused via one or more of a control valve or a supply pump. Figure 1A -1D high pressure inlet flow valve 131, Figure 3A -3D high pressure inlet flow valve 332) or a high pressure supply pump (e.g., Figure 3D The processing logic may cause a first adjustment to cause the flow rate of the high pressure first fluid provided to the high pressure inlet to substantially match the target flow rate indicated by the user input.

[0106] At block 410, processing logic may cause a second adjustment of a second flow rate of a second fluid provided to a second inlet based on the first sensor data and the second sensor data. In some embodiments, processing logic may provide a second flow rate of a second fluid provided to a second inlet via a low pressure flow control valve (e.g., Figure 1A -1D low pressure outflow valve 141, Figure 3A -3D low pressure outflow valve 334) or a low pressure supply pump (e.g. Figure 3D The processing logic may cause a second adjustment based on sensor data (e.g., pressure data and / or flow data) to achieve a ratio of the flow rate of the first fluid to the flow rate of the second fluid (e.g., see Figure 3A ). The ratio of the flow rate of the first fluid to the flow rate of the second fluid can be based at least on the concentration of particles in the second fluid. In some embodiments, the concentration of particles can be provided by user input. In some embodiments, the concentration of particles can be determined by processing logic based on sensor data (e.g., sensor data collected by a particle counter or similar sensor).

[0107] In some embodiments, the processing logic may cause the second adjustment based on a lookup table. The lookup table may be stored in a memory accessible to the processing logic (e.g., a memory of a processing device). The lookup table may be a matrix of values. The lookup table may map the value of the first sensor data and / or the value of the second sensor data to a corresponding adjustment. For example, by referring to the lookup table, the processing logic may determine that for a first given input of the first sensor data and a second given input of the second sensor data, the processing logic is to perform an indicative (e.g., by a lookup table) adjustment on the flow rate of the second fluid. The lookup table may be generated from historical sensor data collected during operation of the system. The processing logic may identify the lookup table based on historical sensor data (e.g., historical data from the first sensor and / or the second sensor) and historical performance data. The historical performance data may be based on the performance of the fluid handling system (e.g., total flow, maintenance data, pressure difference, etc.). The processing logic may determine the second adjustment from the lookup table based on the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the motor data received from the motor driving the pressure exchanger (e.g., revolutions per minute, total operating time, operating time between each maintenance, total revolutions, etc.), and the particle concentration in the second fluid.

[0108] The present disclosure addresses the problem of abrasive slurries causing damage and wear to pumps used to pump the slurries.The present disclosure includes using a pressure exchanger (PX) as a pump isolator to prevent the pump from coming into contact with the slurry.

[0109] In some embodiments, for high pressure inflow, any type of pump can be used to provide clean power flow. In some embodiments, for low pressure inflow, a pump or any process can give the required positive head to drive the used cleaning fluid away from the pipeline and fill the pipeline with the slurry to be pumped.

[0110] The high pressure outflow may be the slurry that needs to be moved or pressurized in the process. The low pressure outflow may be the clean fluid that was once the high pressure inlet fluid.

[0111] The present disclosure includes a method for pumping an abrasive / solids laden flow.

[0112] In some embodiments, there is a flow control valve on the "high pressure out" of the system to set the flow from the slurry supply into the pressure exchanger.

[0113] The "high pressure in" flow is adjusted to ensure proper slurry delivery and minimize the loss of clean fluid to the "high pressure out". In some embodiments, there may be a positive displacement pump feeding the "high pressure in" of the trolley or there may be a flow control valve on the "high pressure in" of the system to set the flow from the clean supply pump (if it is a dynamic pump or centrifugal pump). In some embodiments, there may be a motor driving the pressure exchanger to set the distance the flow travels in the filter element.

[0114] In some embodiments, a pressure exchanger is used for low pressure solid or abrasive transport via a pipeline.

[0115] The present disclosure may be used in one or more of the following: wastewater; mining; dredging; construction; mineral processing; upstream oil and gas (O&G); downstream O&G; agricultural processing facilities; food processing; industrial / residential waste; and / or the like. The present disclosure may be used in many industries where abrasives or solids are pumped or transported. The present disclosure may be used for cleaning fluids. The present disclosure may be used for slurries (e.g., at sand mines).

[0116] Figure 5 5 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system 500 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 is a client device. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 is a controller device (e.g., a server, Figure 1A -1D controller 180, Figure 3A -3D controller 380).

[0117] In some embodiments, the computer system 500 is connected to other computer systems (e.g., via a network such as a local area network (LAN), an intranet, an extranet, or the Internet). The computer system 500 operates in the capacity of a server or client computer in a client-server environment, or as a peer computer in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 is provided by a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, a network appliance, a server, a network router, a switch or a bridge, or any device capable of executing a group of instructions (sequential or otherwise) specifying the action to be taken by the device. In addition, the term "computer" shall include any collection of computers that execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions, either individually or in combination, to perform any one or more of the methods described herein.

[0118] In some embodiments, computer system 500 includes a processing device 502, a volatile memory 504 (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), a non-volatile memory 506 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)), and / or a data storage device 516, which communicate with each other via a bus 508.

[0119] In some embodiments, the processing device 502 is provided by one or more processors, such as a general-purpose processor (e.g., a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a microprocessor that implements other types of instruction sets, or a microprocessor that implements a combination of various instruction sets) or a special-purpose processor (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a network processor). In some embodiments, the processing device 502 is provided by one or more of a single processor, multiple processors, a single processor with multiple processing cores, and / or the like.

[0120] In some embodiments, the computer system 500 further includes a network interface device 522 (e.g., coupled to the network 574). In some embodiments, the computer system 500 includes one or more input / output (I / O) devices. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 further includes a video display unit 510 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)), an alphanumeric input device 512 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 514 (e.g., a mouse), and / or a signal generating device 520.

[0121] In some embodiments, the data storage device 518 (e.g., disk drive storage, fixed and / or removable storage, fixed disk drive, removable memory card, optical storage, network attached storage (NAS), and / or storage area network (SAN)) includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 524 on which instructions 526 encoding any one or more of the methods or functions described herein are stored and used to implement the methods described herein.

[0122] In some embodiments, during execution of instructions 526 by computer system 500, instructions 526 also reside, in whole or in part, within volatile memory 504 and / or within processing device 502, and thus, in some implementations, volatile memory 504 and processing device 502 also constitute machine-readable storage media.

[0123] Although the computer-readable storage medium 524 is shown as a single medium in the illustrative example, the term "computer-readable storage medium" shall include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database and / or associated caches and servers) that store one or more sets of executable instructions. The term "computer-readable storage medium" shall also include any tangible medium that can store or encode a set of instructions for execution by a computer, which instructions cause the computer to perform any one or more of the methods described herein. The term "computer-readable storage medium" shall include, but is not limited to, solid-state memories, optical media, and magnetic media.

[0124] The methods, components and features described herein may be implemented by decentralized hardware components, or may be integrated in the functionality of other hardware components such as ASICS, FPGAs, DSPs or similar devices. In addition, the methods, components and features may be implemented by firmware modules or functional circuits within a hardware device. In addition, the methods, components and features may be implemented in any combination of hardware devices and computer program components or in a computer program.

[0125] Unless otherwise specifically stated, terms such as "actuate", "regulate", "cause", "control", "determine", "identify", "provide", "receive", etc. refer to actions and processes performed or implemented by a computer system that manipulate and transform data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within computer system registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. used herein are intended to be labels for distinguishing between different elements and may not have ordinal meanings according to their numerical names.

[0126] The examples described herein also relate to an apparatus for performing the methods described herein. The apparatus may be specially configured to perform the methods described herein, or it may include a general-purpose computer system selectively programmed by a computer program stored in the computer system. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer-readable tangible storage medium.

[0127] The methods and illustrative examples described herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other device. Various general purpose systems may be used in accordance with the teachings described herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized equipment to perform the methods described herein and / or their respective functions, routines, subroutines, or operations. Architectural examples of various such systems are set forth in the description above.

[0128] The foregoing description presents many specific details, such as examples of specific systems, components, methods, etc., in order to provide a good understanding of several embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that at least some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, well-known components or methods are not described in detail, or are presented in a simple block diagram format to avoid unnecessary confusion of the present disclosure. Therefore, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. Specific embodiments may differ from these exemplary details and may still be expected to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0129] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that the specific features, structures or characteristics associated with the description of the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in one embodiment" appearing in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, the term "or" is intended to represent an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". When the terms "approximately", "substantially" or "roughly" are used herein, this means that the nominal values ​​presented are accurate to within ±10%. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. used herein are meant to be labels that distinguish between different elements and do not necessarily have ordinal meanings according to their numerical names.

[0130] As used herein, the terms "above," "below," "between," "disposed on," and "on" refer to the relative position of one material layer or component with respect to other layers or components. For example, a layer disposed on, over, or below another layer may be in direct contact with the other layer, or may have one or more intervening layers. Additionally, a layer disposed between two layers may be in direct contact with the two layers, or may have one or more intervening layers. Similarly, unless expressly stated otherwise, a feature disposed between two features may be in direct contact with the adjacent feature, or may have one or more intervening layers.

[0131] Although the operations of the methods herein are shown and described in a particular order, the order of operations of each method can be changed so that certain operations can be performed in reverse order, or so that certain operations can be performed at least partially simultaneously with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of different operations can be performed in an intermittent and / or alternating manner. In one embodiment, multiple metal bonding operations are performed as a single step.

[0132] It should be understood that the above description is intended to illustrate rather than to limit. After reading and understanding the above description, many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the attached claims and the full range of equivalents covered by each claim.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a pressure exchanger including a housing and configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid; a bearing valve fluidly coupled to a housing of the pressure exchanger and configured to provide the first fluid to the housing; as well as A controller, wherein the controller is configured to: causing a first adjustment of a first flow rate of the first fluid into the pressure exchanger based on a target flow rate of the first fluid into the pressure exchanger and a first flow rate of the first fluid into the pressure exchanger; as well as A second adjustment of a second flow rate of the second fluid into the pressure exchanger is caused based on the first flow rate and a second flow rate of the second fluid into the pressure exchanger.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The first fluid is a substantially particle-free fluid, and wherein the second fluid is a particle-laden fluid.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The first fluid is a substantially non-corrosive fluid, and wherein the second fluid is a corrosive fluid.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The controller controls a first pump configured to provide the first fluid to the pressure exchanger to further cause a first adjustment of the first flow rate.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The controller controls a second pump configured to provide the second fluid to the pressure exchanger to further cause a second adjustment of the second flow rate.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The first fluid enters the pressure exchanger at a first pressure, which is higher than a second pressure of the second fluid entering the pressure exchanger, and wherein the first fluid leaves the pressure exchanger at a third pressure, which is lower than a fourth pressure of the second fluid leaving the pressure exchanger.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The controller is configured to cause execution of corrective action based on a difference between a first flow rate and a third flow rate of the first fluid out of the pressure exchanger.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The system also includes a filter coupled to the pressure exchanger and disposed downstream of the pressure exchanger, wherein the filter is configured to filter the first fluid after the first fluid exits the pressure exchanger.

9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The system also includes a motor coupled to the pressure exchanger, wherein at least one of the first adjustment of the first flow rate or the second adjustment of the second flow rate is further based on data associated with the motor.

10. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The bearing valve includes a first port fluidly coupled to a first conduit upstream of the pressure exchanger, a second port fluidly coupled to a housing of the pressure exchanger, and a third port fluidly coupled to a second conduit downstream of the pressure exchanger, wherein the controller is further configured to: actuating the first port to a first open position to receive a first portion of the first fluid from the first conduit, and actuating the second port to a second open position to provide a first portion of the first fluid to a housing of the pressure exchanger; and The first port is actuated to a first closed position and the third port is actuated to a third open position to cause a first portion of the first fluid to flow from the housing to the second conduit.

11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that The system also includes a bearing filter disposed between the first conduit and the first port, wherein a first portion of the first fluid passes through the bearing filter and enters the housing to flush a bearing disposed in the housing.

12. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The controller is configured to control a first valve located upstream of the pressure exchanger and a second valve located downstream of the pressure exchanger to control a ratio of flow rates of the first fluid and the second fluid flowing through the pressure exchanger.

13. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The controller is also configured to: The second adjustment is determined from a lookup table based on one or more of the first flow rate, the second flow rate, and a concentration of particles in the second fluid.

14. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that The second adjustment is also based on a pressure difference of the first fluid before entering the pressure exchanger and after leaving the pressure exchanger.

15. A method comprising: causing actuation of a first valve disposed downstream of the pressure exchanger based on a target flow rate of a first fluid entering a pressure exchanger and a first flow rate of the first fluid entering the pressure exchanger to cause a first adjustment of the first flow rate, wherein the pressure exchanger is configured to exchange pressure between the first fluid and a second fluid; causing actuation of a second valve disposed downstream of the pressure exchanger based on the first flow rate and a second flow rate of the second fluid entering the pressure exchanger to cause a second adjustment of the second flow rate; and A bearing valve fluidly coupled to a housing of the pressure exchanger is caused to actuate to provide the first fluid to the housing of the pressure exchanger.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: controlling a first pump configured to provide the first fluid to the pressure exchanger to further cause a first adjustment of the first flow rate; and A second pump is controlled, the second pump being configured to provide the second fluid to the pressure exchanger to further cause a second adjustment of the second flow rate.

17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that Causing the bearing valve to actuate includes: actuating a first port of the bearing valve to a first open position to receive a first portion of the first fluid from a first conduit upstream of the pressure exchanger, and actuating a second port of the bearing valve fluidly coupled to a housing of the pressure exchanger to a second open position to provide the first portion of the first fluid to the housing of the pressure exchanger; and The first port is actuated to a first closed position and a third port of the bearing valve fluidly coupled to a second conduit downstream of the pressure exchanger is actuated to a third open position to cause a first portion of the first fluid to flow from the housing to the second conduit.

18. A controller, comprising: Memory; as well as a processing device coupled to the memory, wherein the processing device is configured to: causing actuation of a first valve disposed downstream of a pressure exchanger based on a target flow rate of a first fluid entering a pressure exchanger and a first flow rate of the first fluid entering the pressure exchanger to cause a first adjustment of the first flow rate, wherein the pressure exchanger is configured to exchange pressure between the first fluid and a second fluid; causing actuation of a second valve disposed downstream of the pressure exchanger based on the first flow rate and a second flow rate of the second fluid entering the pressure exchanger to cause a second adjustment of the second flow rate; and A bearing valve fluidly coupled to a housing of the pressure exchanger is caused to actuate to provide the first fluid to the housing of the pressure exchanger.

19. The controller according to claim 18, characterized in that The processing device is also used for: controlling a first pump configured to provide the first fluid to the pressure exchanger to further cause a first adjustment of the first flow rate; as well as A second pump is controlled, the second pump being configured to provide the second fluid to the pressure exchanger to further cause a second adjustment of the second flow rate.

20. The controller according to claim 18, characterized in that To cause the bearing valve to actuate, the processing device: actuating a first port of the bearing valve to a first open position to receive a first portion of the first fluid from a first conduit upstream of the pressure exchanger, and actuating a second port of the bearing valve fluidly coupled to a housing of the pressure exchanger to a second open position to provide the first portion of the first fluid to the housing of the pressure exchanger; as well as The first port is actuated to a first closed position and a third port of the bearing valve fluidly coupled to a second conduit downstream of the pressure exchanger is actuated to a third open position to cause a first portion of the first fluid to flow from the housing to the second conduit.

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