Cyclonic Sand Knockout With Vortex Finder for Density Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separation systems for hydraulic fracking fluids struggle to efficiently separate sand and other materials from oil and gas, with a cyclonic system being particularly inefficient in separating heavier materials like sand and water from oil and gas.
Innovation Solution
A cyclonic sand knockout device with a vortex finder and dome structure that induces cyclonic flow to separate mixed media fluid into lighter and denser components, using a vortex finder and dome structure that induces cyclonic flow to separate the components based on density, allowing for efficient separation of oil, gas, sand, and water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cyclonic separation system is used to separate sand and water from oil and gas, then separation capability is provided, but separation efficiency remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The internal cavity is divided into multiple flow paths using flow tubes with individual flow apertures, allowing different fluid components to follow separate trajectories through the cyclonic separator. This segmentation enables more effective separation of sand/water from oil/gas by creating distinct flow zones that enhance density-based separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow apertures are oriented at specific angles relative to the cyclonic flow direction, introducing a dimensional component that leverages centrifugal force more effectively. The angled orientation creates radial flow components that enhance the separation mechanism by exploiting density differences in multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously.
2Productivity
If flow apertures are added to the vortex finder to improve fluid communication, then flow efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow tubes serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the vortex finder assembly, create controlled flow paths through the apertures, and facilitate fluid communication between different regions of the separator. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating several components into a single integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow tubes are positioned within the vortex finder body, with the apertures integrated into the tube walls. This nested arrangement allows the flow apertures to be incorporated without adding external complexity, as the tubes are contained within the existing vortex finder geometry, maintaining a compact overall structure.
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 cyclonic sand knockout device effectively separates oil, gas, sand, and water by inducing cyclonic flow, enabling efficient separation of denser materials like sand and water from lighter hydrocarbons.
Implementation Method 1
A cyclonic sand knockout device comprises a body with a vortex finder and dome structure that induces cyclonic flow to separate mixed media fluid into lighter oil/gas and denser sand/water components based on density differences
Implementation Method 2
separate mixed media fluid into lighter oil/gas and denser sand/water components based on density differences
Data Source
AI summary
A cyclonic device for separating mixed fluids includes a body having an inner cavity, a vortex finder disposed within the inner cavity and coupled proximate to a first end of the inner cavity in fluid communication with the inner cavity of the body and a first fluid exit formed within the body, a dome disposed within the inner cavity and coupled proximate to a second end of the inner cavity in fluid communication with the inner cavity of the body and a second fluid exit formed within the body; and an inlet formed within the body for introducing fluid into the inner cavity. A vortex finder may include a tubular member having apertures formed or a plurality of tubulars disposed within a vortex finder body to provide fluid communication between an inner cavity of the vortex finder and an interior of the tubulars.