Bipolar Electrode Ion Depletion Zone Saline Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The disposal of saline fluids produced during oil and gas extraction is costly and environmentally challenging, and their production delays the recovery of oil and gas due to displacement in fluid flow, necessitating effective control methods.
Innovation Solution
A well system incorporating well screen assemblies with bipolar electrodes that generate an ion depletion zone to restrict saline fluid flow, allowing non-saline fluids to pass through while redirecting saline fluids, thereby reducing their presence in the fluid flow to the surface and facilitating easier disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If saline fluids are produced during oil and gas extraction, then the well can be operated, but disposal costs increase and environmental challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes saline fluids from the production stream using a flow separator that divides the fluid flow into a saline fluid stream and a non-saline fluid stream. By separating the harmful saline component from the valuable oil and gas production, the system eliminates disposal costs and environmental challenges while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of saline fluid production into a benefit by using the saline fluid stream as a controlled disposal pathway. The flow separator directs saline fluids to a designated stream that can be managed and disposed of more efficiently, transforming what was previously a cost burden into a manageable byproduct stream.
2Productivity
If saline fluids are produced through the well, then the well operates, but oil and gas recovery is delayed due to displacement in fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The flow separator extracts saline fluids from the mixed fluid stream before they can displace oil and gas production. By removing the saline fluid volume from the production stream, the system prevents displacement effects and allows oil and gas to be recovered without time delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary separation of saline fluids at the source, before the fluids can cause displacement and delay oil and gas recovery. The flow separator is positioned to intercept and divert saline fluids early in the production process, preventing the harmful displacement effect from occurring.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional disposal methods are used for saline fluids, then the fluids can be disposed of, but costs increase and environmental regulations become more difficult to meet
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fluid production system into distinct streams: a saline fluid stream and a non-saline fluid stream. This segmentation allows each stream to be managed separately with appropriate disposal or utilization methods, simplifying compliance with environmental regulations and reducing overall disposal complexity compared to handling mixed fluids.
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
This solution reduces the amount of saline fluids produced, delaying oil and gas recovery, and simplifies the disposal of completion fluids, making the process more economical and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
A well tool includes a bipolar electrode, changeable between a first, energized state, and a second, different state. The bipolar electrode, when in the energized state, produces an ion depletion zone that presents a flow restriction to saline fluids in the fluid passage.
Data Source
AI summary
A well tool includes a body defining an enclosed fluid passage. A bipolar electrode is provided in the well tool, changeable between a first, energized state, and a second, different state. The bipolar electrode in the first state produces an ion depletion zone that presents a flow restriction to saline fluids in the fluid passage.