Adjustable Cyclone Inlet Assembly for Variable Well Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cyclone separators face efficiency issues due to changing fluid flow rates, which require offline nozzle swaps to adjust, disrupting production and causing frequent maintenance from abrasive particulates.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable inlet assembly with a movable rod that controls fluid flow into the cyclone separator, allowing configuration changes without interrupting operation, using actuators to adjust the cross-sectional flow path area based on flow conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different sized nozzles are provided to adjust fluid velocity, then separator efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet assembly incorporates a movable rod that can be adjusted to different positions within the nozzle to dynamically change the flow path cross-sectional area. This allows the separator to adapt to varying fluid flow rates and maintain optimal separation efficiency without requiring multiple separate nozzles or offline replacements, thereby reducing device complexity and maintenance requirements while preserving adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If nozzles are swapped to adjust fluid velocity, then separator efficiency is improved, but productivity decreases due to production interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The movable rod mechanism allows real-time adjustment of the flow path cross-sectional area while the separator is operating online. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to changing fluid flow rates without shutting down for nozzle replacements, thereby maintaining continuous production capability and improving productivity while preserving separator efficiency adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet assembly is designed to allow continuous operation with real-time adjustment of flow characteristics through the movable rod. This ensures that the separator can maintain optimal performance across varying operating conditions without interrupting the continuous flow of fluid through the system, thereby eliminating production interruptions and sustaining high productivity levels.
3Ease of operation
If abrasive fluids are processed, then separator function is maintained, but reliability decreases due to frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The movable rod is designed to be easily removable and replaceable, allowing the abrasive fluid passage to be isolated and cleaned separately from the main separator body. This extraction approach enables maintenance personnel to access and service the critical flow path area without disassembling the entire separator, thereby maintaining separator function while reducing maintenance time and improving reliability by minimizing downtime.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Maintains separator efficiency by dynamically adapting to fluid flow changes, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
The cyclone separator includes a cyclone housing defining an internal chamber. A cyclone is at least partially positioned within the internal chamber and is configured to separate a mixed fluid.
Implementation Method 2
The adjustable inlet assembly is selectively configurable between at least a first inlet configuration and a second inlet configuration for controlling fluid flow from the well into the cyclone based on one or more flow conditions from the well.
Data Source
AI summary
A cyclone separator for use with a well is disclosed. The cyclone separator includes a cyclone housing defining an internal chamber. A cyclone is at least partially positioned within the internal chamber and is configured to separate a mixed fluid. The cyclone separator further includes a first outlet connected to the cyclone housing, through which a substantial portion of solids from the mixed fluid may exit. The cyclone separator also includes a second outlet connected to the cyclone housing, through which a substantial portion of fluids from the mixed fluid may exit. Additionally, the cyclone separator includes an adjustable inlet assembly positioned between the cyclone and the well. The adjustable inlet assembly is selectively configurable between at least a first inlet configuration and a second inlet configuration for controlling fluid flow from the well into the cyclone based on one or more flow conditions from the well.