Crossflow Manifold Pipeline Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling the flow and return flow of oil and gas in pipelines during well testing require multiple pipelines and complex process systems, which are costly and labor-intensive, especially when dealing with high-pressure and low-pressure wells, and often result in sand-related equipment damage and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a crossflow manifold that allows for directional switching in a single pipeline, combined with throttle valves and flow meters, to manage the flow between test manifolds and sand separator equipment, reducing the number of pipelines needed and enabling efficient handling of different pressure levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pipelines are used for to and return flow of oil/gas, then flow control between high pressure and low pressure wells is achieved, but the number of pipelines increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple pipelines into a single pipeline by introducing a manifold device. The manifold integrates the to-flow and return-flow paths, allowing oil and gas to be directed to different destinations (sand separator or test separator) through a single pipeline infrastructure, thereby reducing the total number of pipelines required while maintaining full flow control capability between high pressure and low pressure wells
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold device performs multiple functions: it directs to-flow from high pressure wells to sand separators, directs to-flow from low pressure wells to test separators, directs return-flow from sand separators to low pressure wells, and enables bypass functionality. This multi-functional device replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated pipelines for each function
2Stress or pressure
If traditional process systems are used for high pressure and low pressure wells, then pressure differential handling is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold acts as an intermediary device between high pressure and low pressure wells, enabling pressure differential handling without requiring complex process systems. The manifold receives high pressure flow, directs it appropriately, and facilitates pressure equalization or redirection to low pressure destinations, thereby managing pressure differentials through a simple mechanical switching device rather than complex regulated process systems
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sand separator equipment is used, then sand particles are removed from oil and gas flow, but equipment damage and corrosion occur due to sand particles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sand separation by directing oil and gas flow through sand separator equipment before the mixture reaches other sensitive equipment. The manifold enables this preliminary action by routing all to-flow through sand separators first, removing sand particles in advance to prevent downstream equipment damage and corrosion
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the flow path to separate sand-laden flow from sand-sensitive equipment. By using the manifold to direct to-flow through sand separators and return-flow from sand separators to low pressure wells, the system creates a dedicated sand handling pathway that isolates sand particles from equipment that would be damaged by them
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 number of pipelines required, minimizes equipment damage, and effectively manages the flow of oil and gas between test manifolds and sand separators, improving operational efficiency and safety by allowing for the efficient handling of high and low-pressure wells.
Implementation Method 1
A crossflow manifold is arranged between the first and the second pipeline and the sand separator equipment, where the crossflow manifold is arranged to steer oil and gas from the first pipeline to an inlet line of the sand separator equipment
Implementation Method 2
most of them function after the centrifugal principle where a vortex is created so that heavier particles are flung out towards an internal wall to fall down an outlet
Implementation Method 3
a vortex is created so that heavier particles are flung out towards an internal wall
Implementation Method 4
A crossflow manifold is arranged between the first and the second pipeline and the sand separator equipment, where the crossflow manifold is arranged to steer oil and gas from the first pipeline to an inlet line of the sand separator equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method are described for control of flow of oil and gas in pipelines on an installation in connection with testing of the oil and gas from a well, comprising: at least, a first test manifold (12,16) to which a number of wells are connected, a first pipeline (20) for flow of oil and gas from said first test manifold to sand separator equipment (30), at least, a second test manifold (14;18) to which a number of wells are connected and a second pipeline (22) for flow of the oil and gas from said second test manifold to the sand separator equipment (30). A crossflow manifold (10) is arranged between said first and second pipelines (20,22) and the sand separator equipment (30), where the crossflow manifold (10) is arranged to steer oil and gas from the first pipeline (20) to an inlet line (32) of the sand separator equipment (30), and to steer oil and gas from an outlet line (34) of the sand separator equipment (30) and to the second pipeline (22), and also that the crossflow manifold (10) is arranged to steer oil and gas from the second pipeline (22) to the inlet line (32) of the sand separator equipment (30), and to steer oil and gas from the outlet line (34) of the sand separator equipment (30) and to the first pipeline (20).