Detachable Trap Station for Continuous Hydrocarbon Solids Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing solids from multi-phase fluids in hydrocarbon flowlines are inefficient, often requiring frequent manual intervention and can lead to equipment issues like clogging, as they do not allow for continuous operation without interrupting fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A detachable trap station system that includes a multi-phase fluid receiver body and a tank, equipped with a valve assembly, sensor assembly, and weigh scale, which allows for automatic detection of solid accumulation and detachment from the flowline without disrupting fluid flow, enabling continuous operation and reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual scraping methods are used to remove solids from flowlines, then solids can be removed, but continuous operation is interrupted and frequent manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The trap station system automatically accumulates solids, detects when the tank is full using sensor assemblies, and enables detachment without manual intervention. The system serves itself by continuously trapping solids and providing automated detection mechanisms, eliminating the need for frequent manual scraping operations
Solution Approach 2:
The trap station allows the flowline to maintain continuous hydrocarbon flow while solids are continuously accumulated in the detachable tank. The useful action of solids removal occurs continuously through accumulation, while the main fluid flow remains uninterrupted, resolving the contradiction between continuous operation and manual intervention
2Productivity
If solids are allowed to accumulate in the flowline, then continuous flow is maintained, but equipment clogging occurs and scraping is required
Solution Approach 1:
The trap station extracts solids from the flowing multi-phase fluid by diverting a portion into a detachable tank where solids accumulate. This extraction process removes harmful solids from the main flowline, preventing clogging while maintaining continuous flow of the hydrocarbon mixture
Solution Approach 2:
The trap station acts as an intermediary device between the flowline and the solids accumulation point. It mediates by capturing solids in a detachable tank that can be removed and replaced, allowing continuous operation without direct intervention in the main flowline, thus preventing clogging while maintaining productivity
3Reliability
If a permanent trap station is installed, then solids can be trapped continuously, but the system becomes complex and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The trap station is segmented into a permanent fluid receiver body and a detachable tank. This segmentation allows the solids accumulation function to be separated from the flowline connection, enabling easy removal and replacement of the tank without affecting the permanent installation, thus reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining trapping effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable tank is designed to be discarded (removed) when full of solids and recovered (replaced) with a new or emptied tank. This approach simplifies maintenance by allowing quick replacement rather than complex cleaning or disassembly of a permanent system, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable solids trapping
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 system effectively removes solids from hydrocarbon flowlines without interrupting the flow of other phases, reduces the need for frequent scraper use, and minimizes the risk of equipment clogging, allowing for remote monitoring and efficient maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor assembly includes a wave source configured to transmit an electromagnetic wave, a wave sensor configured to receive the electromagnetic wave transmitted by the wave source and transmit a signal representing a magnitude of the electromagnetic wave
Implementation Method 2
The weigh scale is configured to sense a weight of the solids in the tank
Implementation Method 3
The valve assembly is configured to permit or prevent fluid flow from the outlet portion into the tank
Data Source
AI summary
Removable trap stations for hydrocarbon flowlines can be implemented as an apparatus. The apparatus includes a multi-phase fluid receiver body and a tank defining an interior volume. The fluid receiver body is configured to couple to a flowline carrying a multi-phase fluid including solids and liquids. The fluid receiver body includes an inlet portion configured to receive a portion of the multi-phase fluid including a portion of the solids flowing through the flowline into the receiver body. The fluid receiver body includes an outlet portion fluidically coupled to the inlet portion. The portion of the multi-phase fluid is configured to flow from the inlet portion to the outlet portion. The tank is fluidically and detachably coupled to the outlet and is configured to receive and retain the portion of the multi-phase fluid received through the inlet portion.