Back Pressure Valve Manifold for Stable Coriolis MPD Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) operations face challenges with gas breakout from drilling mud when 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 a flow control device that adjusts to minimize gas breakout and ensure accurate flow rate measurements, while providing fail-safe bypass options and pressure relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a manually operated globe valve is used downstream of the Coriolis meter, then gas breakout can be reduced, but system safety is compromised due to potential overpressure events and reduced pressure control precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manually operated globe valve with an automated back pressure control system that uses a motorized valve actuated by a control system. This substitution eliminates manual operation risks and enables precise, dynamic pressure control through automated feedback mechanisms, thereby maintaining gas suppression while significantly improving system safety and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors downstream pressure and automatically adjusts the valve position to maintain pressure within the desired range. The control system receives pressure feedback signals and modulates the motorized valve accordingly, ensuring stable back pressure control and preventing overpressure events that could compromise system safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a manually operated globe valve is used to control downstream pressure, then gas breakout is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to pressure variations affecting Coriolis meter accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors downstream pressure and automatically adjusts the motorized valve to maintain stable back pressure, ensuring that pressure variations do not affect Coriolis meter measurement accuracy. This feedback mechanism decouples the pressure control function from the measurement function, allowing precise measurements while maintaining gas suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static, manually adjusted globe valve to a dynamic, automated control system that can rapidly respond to pressure changes. The motorized valve can dynamically adjust its position based on real-time pressure conditions, maintaining optimal back pressure for meter accuracy while adapting to changing flow conditions without manual intervention.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flow rate is increased through the globe valve, then gas breakout is reduced, but upstream pressure increases causing overpressure events
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system monitors downstream pressure and automatically modulates the motorized valve to maintain pressure within the desired range. When flow rate increases, the system responds by adjusting the valve to prevent upstream pressure from rising to dangerous levels, thereby maintaining gas suppression without causing overpressure events.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system dynamically adjusts valve position and opening degree based on real-time pressure conditions, enabling precise control of the pressure parameter. This allows the system to maintain adequate back pressure for gas suppression while preventing upstream pressure from exceeding safe operating limits, even during high flow rate conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the globe valve is made adjustable, then pressure control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to manual adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manually adjustable globe valve with an automated motorized valve controlled by an electronic control system. This substitution maintains pressure control flexibility through programmable settings and automated adjustments while eliminating the reliability issues associated with manual operation, such as human error and inconsistent adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-adjustment based on feedback signals from pressure sensors, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system automatically maintains optimal back pressure settings and adapts to changing conditions without human input, thereby maintaining flexibility while significantly improving reliability by removing human factors from the pressure control process.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of maintaining back pressure located downstream of the flow meter maintains the pressure downstream of the flow meter in relation to the surface back pressure (SBP). At least one flow control device is located downstream of the flow meter. The flow control device (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.