De-aerator Separator Dampener for Drilling Fluid Pulsation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of solids and gas bubbles in drilling fluid affects the accuracy of measurements and processing in active wells, as existing technologies fail to effectively remove entrained air, dampen fluid pulsations, and separate suspended solids.
Innovation Solution
A de-aerator separator dampener apparatus comprising a vortex chamber and column assembly with a baffle, pumps, and sanitary seals, which creates a vortex to separate solids and shed gas bubbles, allowing for continuous removal and processing of drilling fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing separation technologies are used, then drilling fluid can be processed, but entrained air cannot be effectively removed and fluid pulsations cannot be dampened
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a vortex chamber for initial separation, a dampener section with pulsation dampening elements, and a separator section. Each segment performs a specific function (air removal, pulsation dampening, solid-liquid separation), allowing the system to effectively remove entrained air while maintaining continuous processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A dampener section acts as an intermediary between the vortex chamber and the separator. This intermediate component absorbs and dampens fluid pulsations, preventing them from interfering with the separation process while allowing continuous operation. The dampener elements provide a transition zone that resolves the contradiction between effective air removal and continuous processing.
2Measurement precision
If solids and gas bubbles are present in drilling fluid, then measurements can be taken, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary separation of solids and gas bubbles from the drilling fluid before the fluid reaches measurement sensors. The vortex chamber and separator remove harmful particles and bubbles in advance, ensuring that subsequent measurements are not affected by these interfering elements, thereby improving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and removes solids and gas bubbles from the drilling fluid stream. By taking out these harmful factors that interfere with measurements, the apparatus ensures that only clean, bubble-free fluid reaches the sensors, directly improving measurement precision.
3Productivity
If vortex formation is interrupted, then solids separation can occur, but continuous removal of solids and gases is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus design ensures continuous vortex formation through proper chamber geometry and flow management. The vortex chamber is configured to maintain stable rotational flow, and the dampener section prevents pulsations that would interrupt the vortex. This continuous action enables both stable solids separation and uninterrupted removal of solids and gases, resolving the contradiction between productivity and vortex stability.
4Reliability
If fluid pulsations are not dampened, then flow rate can be maintained, but separation effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dampener section is positioned before the separator to cushion and absorb fluid pulsations in advance. This prior cushioning prevents pulsations from disrupting the separation process, allowing effective separation to occur while maintaining steady fluid flow rate through the system.
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
Effectively removes entrained air, dampens fluid pulsations, and separates suspended solids, enhancing the accuracy of drilling fluid measurements and processing by ensuring uninterrupted vortex formation and continuous removal of solids and gases.
Implementation Method 1
The vortex chamber (110) receives drilling fluid and creates a vortex
Implementation Method 2
separate solids and shed gas bubbles
Implementation Method 3
dampen fluid pulsations
Implementation Method 4
removes entrained air
Data Source
AI summary
A de-aerator dampener separator includes a separator with a vortex chamber having at least one vortex chamber entry port. The de-aerator dampener separator further includes a column assembly with a column entry port in fluid communication with the vortex chamber exit port. The de-aerator dampener separator further includes a baffle within the column assembly.