Debris Removal Conduit with Baffle and Isolation Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
During hydrocarbon production, debris such as sand and metal/plastic materials carried by well fluids can cause erosion and equipment damage, leading to potential catastrophic failures and increased operational costs if not properly handled.
Innovation Solution
A hydrocarbon production apparatus with a first conduit and a second debris receptacle conduit angularly connected, featuring baffles that direct debris from the main flow path to the receptacle, allowing for continuous fluid production while isolating the receptacle for easy emptying and debris removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If debris is removed from the hydrocarbon fluid flow, then equipment damage and plugging are reduced, but production interruption occurs during traditional debris removal methods
Solution Approach 1:
The debris removal system is segmented into a modular receptacle that can be isolated from the main flow conduit using a valve. This allows the receptacle to be emptied and serviced independently without interrupting hydrocarbon fluid production through the first conduit, resolving the contradiction between equipment protection and production continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
A valve acts as an intermediary element between the flow conduit and the debris receptacle, enabling isolation of the receptacle for debris removal while maintaining continuous flow through the conduit. This mediator allows simultaneous debris management and uninterrupted production.
2Reliability
If a debris receptacle is added to the system, then debris removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The debris receptacle is merged with the existing flow conduit through an angular connection, creating an integrated system that combines flow transport and debris collection functions. This reduces overall system complexity compared to separate standalone components.
Solution Approach 2:
The second conduit serves multiple functions: it acts as both a flow path for hydrocarbon fluid and a debris receptacle when isolated by the valve. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated debris collection equipment, simplifying the overall system.
3Manufacturing precision
If baffles are used to direct debris to the receptacle, then debris separation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Baffles are strategically positioned at specific locations within the first conduit where debris accumulation is most problematic. This localized approach achieves effective debris separation without requiring baffles throughout the entire conduit, reducing manufacturing and installation complexity while maintaining separation efficiency.
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 diverts and removes debris from the fluid stream, reducing the risk of equipment damage and plugging, enabling continuous production by isolating and emptying the debris receptacle without interrupting the flow.
Implementation Method 1
at least one baffle coupled to a portion of an inner surface of the first conduit between the inlet and the outlet, the at least one baffle oriented to direct at least a portion of the debris from the flow path of the first conduit to the second conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrocarbon production apparatus that removes debris from a hydrocarbon fluid is described. The apparatus includes a first conduit, a second conduit, a valve, and at least one baffle. The first conduit includes an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path that extends between the inlet and the outlet. The flow path can receive a flow of a hydrocarbon fluid, which includes debris, from the inlet and direct the hydrocarbon fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The second conduit includes a debris receptacle. The valve is fluidly coupled to the second conduit and can isolate the debris receptacle from the flow path of the first conduit and at least a portion of the second conduit. The at least one baffle is oriented to direct at least a portion of the debris from the flow path of the first conduit to the second conduit.