Automated Gas Wellhead Extraction with Remote Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas wellhead extraction devices face challenges in maintaining near 100% runtime across varying weather conditions, requiring cost-effective and easy maintenance, while also needing remote monitoring and control due to difficult access in inclement weather and high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated, variable frequency drive gas wellhead extraction device with a remote monitoring system, featuring a motor component coupled with a gas tight blower or compressor, and an automated control panel for wireless control and data access, allowing for remote operation and maintenance, and incorporating a bypass system to prevent gas flow disruption during maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gas wellhead extraction devices are deployed in remote gas fields, then gas production capability is improved, but access difficulty and maintenance cost increase due to inclement weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated self-diagnosis and self-monitoring capabilities through sensors and control systems that continuously track device status, pressure, temperature, and flow parameters. The device can automatically adjust its operation or alert remote operators without requiring physical site access, enabling the system to serve itself in remote locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual inspection and maintenance operations are replaced with wireless telemetry systems that transmit operational data to remote monitoring centers. This substitution eliminates the need for personnel to physically travel to remote well sites in inclement weather, while maintaining comprehensive monitoring and control capabilities.
2Reliability
If daily visual inspection of each gas wellhead extraction device is performed, then operational reliability is improved, but overhead and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor critical parameters such as pressure, temperature, flow rate, and device status. This data is automatically transmitted to control systems that can detect anomalies and trigger alerts, enabling proactive maintenance and ensuring operational reliability without requiring manual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual visual inspection is replaced with automated electronic monitoring systems that continuously track device performance parameters. This substitution eliminates the labor costs and time requirements of daily visual inspections while providing more comprehensive and consistent monitoring data.
3Reliability
If gas wellhead extraction device maintenance is performed, then device reliability is improved, but gas flow disruption and downtime occur during installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary diagnostics and monitoring to detect potential issues before they cause failures. Predictive maintenance scheduling is implemented based on actual device condition data, allowing maintenance to be performed proactively during planned downtime rather than reactively during unexpected failures that would cause longer disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass system extracts or diverts gas flow around the extraction device during maintenance operations. This allows maintenance personnel to service the device without interrupting overall gas production, as the bypass maintains continuous flow through alternative pathways.
4Loss of energy
If remote monitoring and control systems are implemented, then operational cost efficiency is improved, but device complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed with multi-functionality, serving multiple purposes including real-time monitoring, diagnostic analysis, predictive maintenance scheduling, and remote device control. This universal system consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems, reducing overall complexity while maximizing operational efficiency benefits.
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
Ensures continuous gas extraction and production across extreme temperatures, reduces maintenance downtime, and allows for remote operation and data access, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs by enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment of operating parameters.
Implementation Method 1
A fully automated, variable frequency drive gas wellhead extraction device with a remote monitoring system, featuring a motor component coupled with a gas tight blower or compressor
Implementation Method 2
A gas wellhead extraction device may be utilized to extract additional gas directly from the wellhead, to increase line pressure or move additional gas volume through a gas pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for automating control, remotely monitoring, and controlling a gas extraction assembly, coupled to a gas pipeline section. The gas extraction assembly may be used to increase gas volume, and/or overall gas flow from productive low or high pressure wells, as well as “wake-up” or recover lowered production from depleting wells. Two features of the gas extraction assembly of the present invention is the capability of creating substantial differential pressure, along with the ability to create substantial vacuum pressure on the suction inlet.