Back Pressure Valve Manifold for Stable MPD Coriolis Metering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) operations face challenges with gas breakout from drilling mud as pressure is released, affecting the accuracy of Coriolis meter measurements and posing risks due to the use of manually operated globe valves, which can lead to overpressure events and reduced system safety.

Innovation Solution

A back pressure valve manifold system is implemented downstream of the Coriolis meter, automatically maintaining downstream pressure at or below 50% of the surface back pressure, using flow control devices and a pressure regulator to minimize gas breakout and ensure accurate flow rate measurements, while providing fail-safe mechanisms to prevent overpressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a manually operated globe valve is used to reduce gas breakout, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system safety deteriorates due to overpressure risk

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCoriolis meter measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The back pressure valve automatically maintains downstream pressure without manual intervention, using a spring-loaded mechanism that self-regulates pressure based on preset thresholds, eliminating the need for operator intervention while maintaining measurement accuracy and preventing overpressure events

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual globe valve operation is replaced with an automated back pressure valve system that uses spring-mechanical feedback control to automatically maintain pressure, substituting human-operated mechanical control with an autonomous pressure-regulating mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If flow rate is increased through the globe valve, then productivity is improved, but upstream pressure increases causing gas breakout

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rateVSAvoidupstream pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The back pressure valve acts as an intermediary pressure control device downstream of the Coriolis meter, maintaining a constant pressure differential that allows high flow rates through the meter without causing upstream pressure increases that would trigger gas breakout

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a fixed orifice globe valve is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates when flow rate changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve structure simplicityVSAvoidpressure regulation adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The back pressure valve employs a dynamic spring-loaded mechanism that automatically adjusts the valve opening based on pressure differential, providing continuous adaptability to changing flow conditions while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure without complex control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If the globe valve becomes plugged, then measurement precision is maintained, but system reliability deteriorates due to overpressure events

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemetering accuracyVSAvoidsystem safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The back pressure valve system incorporates overpressure protection by design, with the spring-loaded mechanism capable of handling pressure surges and potential plugging conditions without causing system failure, providing beforehand cushioning against overpressure events that could compromise safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The system significantly reduces gas breakout, enhances measurement accuracy, and increases system safety by maintaining critical flow and protecting downstream components from overpressure, with automatic adjustments to maintain desired pressure settings.

Implementation Method 1

The back pressure valve of the present invention (the BPV) automatically maintains the downstream pressure to less than or equal to fifty percent (50%) of the surface back pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure regulation:

Implementation Method 2

In drilling, the Coriolis meter can measure volume flow rates and density of the drilling fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoriolis effect: Coriolis Force

Implementation Method 3

Critical flow is typically ≤50% of the upstream pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCritical flow:

Data Source

PatentUS11619531B1System and method for reducing gas break out in MPD metering with back pressure

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 PRUITT TOOL & SUPPLY

AI summary

A system and method of maintaining back pressure located downstream of the Coriolis meter maintains the pressure downstream of the Coriolis meter in relation to the surface back pressure (SBP). At least one flow control device is located downstream of the Coriolis meter. The flow control device of the present invention (the BPV) automatically maintains the downstream pressure to less than or equal to fifty percent (50%) of the surface back pressure. A pressure regulator sets the back pressure to allow for a standalone device. Additional valves allow adjustment of the back pressure and allow for pressure relief and full flow bypass.