Couette-Taylor Device for Solids Deposition Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for predicting and managing solids deposition in oil and gas production systems, such as wax, asphaltene, and hydrate formation, are limited and unreliable, especially under high Reynolds number and shear conditions, lacking tools to evaluate or produce scale and hydrate deposits effectively.
Innovation Solution
A Couette-Taylor device with a non-intrusive probe system that allows for continuous flow conditions, varying temperature, pressure, shear, and surface roughness, capable of simulating actual pipeline conditions, and includes adaptable geometry and chemical injection for monitoring and analyzing solids deposition from multiphase fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional deposition methods (flow loops, cold finger, stirring tanks) are used, then the equipment and operation are simple, but the reliability and accuracy of predicting solids deposition under actual pipeline conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of actual pipeline conditions using a Couette-Taylor device that replicates turbulent flow, shear stress, and temperature gradients. This copying approach allows accurate prediction of solids deposition without requiring full-scale pipeline testing, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables systematic variation of critical parameters including Reynolds number, shear rate, temperature, and pressure to match actual pipeline conditions. By controlling and adjusting these parameters, the system achieves reliable deposition prediction under diverse operating conditions without requiring complex equipment for each scenario.
2Measurement precision
If limited experimental methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and data quality for solids deposition are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces intrusive mechanical measurement methods with non-intrusive optical and acoustic detection systems. This substitution enables precise measurement of solids deposition, fluid properties, and flow characteristics without disturbing the flow field or requiring complex mechanical probe assemblies, thus improving measurement precision while managing device complexity.
3Reliability
If high Reynolds number and high shear conditions are simulated, then the prediction accuracy for pipeline conditions improves, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Couette-Taylor device uses rotating cylinders to dynamically generate controlled turbulent flow and shear stress conditions. This dynamic approach allows easy adjustment of rotational speed to achieve desired Reynolds numbers and shear rates, making high-fidelity pipeline condition simulation accessible and operationally simple.
4Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive parameter control (flow rate, temperature, pressure, shear) is implemented, then the versatility and adaptability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates multiple functions including flow control, temperature regulation, pressure management, and rotational shear generation within a single unified platform. This multi-functionality allows testing of various solids deposition scenarios (wax, asphaltene, hydrates, scale) under diverse pipeline conditions without requiring separate specialized equipment for each parameter, thus improving versatility while managing overall complexity.
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
Enables accurate prediction and monitoring of solids deposition across various conditions, improving data quality and reducing costs by mimicking real pipeline conditions and handling complex fluid phases, including high viscosity and multi-surface deposits.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus and methods are useful for predicting solids deposition from fluids... under continuous flow conditions as a function of influencing variables including, but not limited to flow rate, temperature, pressure, shear
Implementation Method 2
Most available methods fall short in mimicking the actual pipeline turbulent conditions in general, especially at relatively high Reynolds number and high shear
Implementation Method 3
a non-intrusive probe for detecting solids deposition on at least one of the surfaces during sample flow through the apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are described for solids deposition study. One apparatus embodiment of the invention comprises an internal and an external cylinder positioned between first and second end portions, at least one of the cylinders being rotatable and thus forming a Couette-Taylor cell, the internal cylinder having an exterior surface, the external cylinder having an internal surface, an annular sample flow-through chamber or cell formed between the surfaces, optionally the chamber having an adaptable flow-through chamber geometry, the device having a sample inlet and outlet; and a non-intrusive probe for detecting solids deposition on at least one of the surfaces during sample flow through the apparatus. Apparatus described may be used to studying solids deposition from heavy hydrocarbon oils, hydrates, and other high viscosity compositions. This abstract complies with rules requiring an abstract. It should not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims.