Cryogenic Cleaning for Oilfield Tool Reclamation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning methods for oilfield equipment, such as sucker rods and downhole rod pumps, using organic solvents like kerosene release volatile organic compounds, posing environmental and health risks and requiring extensive cleanup, whereas existing methods do not effectively address the contamination of scale, asphaltenes, and paraffin without generating secondary waste streams.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-toxic inorganic cryogenic liquids, such as liquid nitrogen or dry ice, which are propelled or used as a bath to remove contaminants through kinetic energy, thermal shock, or thermal-kinetic effects, eliminating the need for volatile organic compounds and reducing post-cleaning waste and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If organic solvents like kerosene are used to clean oilfield equipment, then contaminants like scale and asphaltenes are removed, but volatile organic compounds are released causing environmental and health problems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter by using cryogenic temperatures (extremely cold conditions) to alter the physical state of contaminants. At these low temperatures, contaminants like asphaltenes and scale become brittle and can be mechanically removed without requiring organic solvents, thus eliminating VOC emissions while maintaining effective contaminant removal
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the chemical cleaning mechanism (organic solvents dissolving contaminants) with a mechanical removal mechanism. By using cryogenic temperatures to embrittle contaminants followed by mechanical impact or friction, the system removes contaminants physically rather than chemically, avoiding the release of volatile organic compounds
2Quantity of substance
If organic solvents are used for cleaning, then contaminants are dissolved, but extensive cleanup and waste disposal are required
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the temperature parameter to cryogenic levels, the contaminants undergo physical state changes that make them easier to remove mechanically. The extreme cold causes contaminants to become brittle and flake off, allowing for simple mechanical removal without generating liquid waste streams that require extensive cleanup and disposal
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses inexpensive, easily disposed-of materials like dry ice (solid CO2) or liquid nitrogen as the cleaning medium. These substances sublime or evaporate after use, leaving no residual waste behind, thus eliminating the need for extensive cleanup operations and waste disposal procedures associated with organic solvent cleaning
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 method effectively removes contaminants like scale and asphaltenes without releasing harmful volatile organic compounds, reduces cleanup costs, and minimizes environmental impact by using cryogenic liquids that expand to gas, lifting contaminants off the equipment surfaces, thereby enhancing the efficiency and safety of the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
The use of non-toxic inorganic cryogenic liquids, such as liquid nitrogen or dry ice, which are propelled or used as a bath to remove contaminants through kinetic energy
Implementation Method 2
The use of non-toxic inorganic cryogenic liquids, such as liquid nitrogen or dry ice, which are propelled or used as a bath to remove contaminants through kinetic energy, thermal shock, or thermal-kinetic effects
Implementation Method 3
The use of non-toxic inorganic cryogenic liquids, such as liquid nitrogen or dry ice, which are propelled or used as a bath to remove contaminants through kinetic energy, thermal shock, or thermal-kinetic effects
Implementation Method 4
using cryogenic liquids that expand to gas, lifting contaminants off the equipment surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to the cleaning of oilfield tools made of metal, particularly to the method of reclamation oilfield tools, already used in the mechanical deep-pumping extraction of oil, as well as to the product made with the help of the mentioned method. The method of remanufacturing of standard length rods includes cleaning the rod with at least one cryogen to eliminate environmental contamination and to assist in workplace safety.