Candle Filter System High TDS Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Candle filter systems used for recovering glycols from drilling operations face efficiency issues when processing rich MEG streams with high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentrations, leading to rapid blockage, frequent start-up failures, and inefficient cleaning.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining high TDS conditions and switching the candle filter system to a high TDS operating mode, where all units are in filtration mode and none are in standby. This includes enhanced cleaning cycles with steps like draining residual MEG stream volume, pulsing filter candles with compressed gas, and extended sedimentation durations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the candle filter system operates with high TDS rich MEG streams (>=100,000 mg/L), then the system can handle more concentrated streams, but the filter candles blockage increases rapidly and operation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle high TDS streamsVSAvoidfiltration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts operation mode based on TDS concentration measurements. When high TDS conditions are detected (>=100,000 mg/L), the system automatically switches to high TDS operation mode with modified cleaning cycles, extended sedimentation times, and adjusted pulsation parameters to prevent filter candle blockage while maintaining filtration capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters including cleaning cycle duration, pulsation pressure, sedimentation time, and flow rates based on the detected TDS concentration. These parameter adjustments optimize the filtration process for high TDS conditions, preventing rapid blockage while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the candle filter system uses frequent switching between filter units to maintain efficiency, then filtration continues, but system downtime increases and operation becomes interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous filtration capabilityVSAvoiddowntime between unit switches

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary cleaning actions more frequently and aggressively when high TDS conditions are detected. By proactively cleaning filter candles before they become severely blocked, the system extends the operational life of each unit between switches, reducing downtime and maintaining continuous filtration productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the cleaning cycle is extended to remove filter cake more effectively, then filtration efficiency improves, but the time required for cleaning increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiency after cleaningVSAvoidcleaning cycle duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning cycle uses periodic pulsation of compressed gas at optimized intervals and pressures to effectively remove filter cake. The periodic action pattern, combined with extended sedimentation periods, allows for more thorough cleaning without excessive time loss, maintaining reliability while managing productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 approach allows the candle filter system to operate more efficiently under high TDS conditions, extending run time and reducing downtime, while maintaining production rates and improving filtration efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

filtering the MEG rich stream in the plurality of candle filter units to produce a filtrate and a filter cake deposited on outer surfaces of the filter candles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

pulsing the plurality of filter candles with a compressed gas, where the pulsing causes separation of the solid filter cake from the outer surfaces of the filter candles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

allowing solids from the solid filter cake to settle in a bottom of the vessel for a sedimentation duration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSedimentation: Sedimentation

Data Source

PatentUS12215555B2Systems and methods for operating candle filters to recover glycols from drilling operations

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

Methods of operating candle filter systems for removing solids from MEG recovered from drilling fluids include passing an MEG rich stream to a candle filter system comprising a plurality of candle filter units in parallel, determining a concentration of TDS in the MEG rich stream, determining whether to operate the candle filter system in a low TDS mode or a high TDS mode based on the concentration of TDS the MEG rich stream, filtering the MEG rich stream in the plurality of candle filter units to produce a filtrate and a filter cake, determining to conduct a cleaning cycle of the candle filter units based on a pressure differential, and conducting a cleaning cycle to remove the filter cake from the outer surfaces of the filter candles. The cleaning cycle is modified to improve removal of solids from the filter candles of the candle filter units.