Diaphragm Pump for Depleted Field Fluid Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gas gathering and transportation systems, especially in depleted fields, the existing methods for extracting fluid from pipelines are inefficient, leading to wasted power, gas loss, and environmental impact due to oxygen introduction and the inability to handle mixed fluids like high gravity condensate and water, resulting in prolonged downtime and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for pumping fluid from underground drips using a pump barrel with a vertically positioned stroke actuator cylinder, which can operate in both positive pressure and vacuum conditions, incorporating a stuffing box for vertical adjustment and a tee fitting for fluid collection, allowing for efficient extraction and separation of high gravity condensate and water without introducing air, using a hydraulic or other actuator-powered plunger system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vacuum trucks or gear type pumps are used to load the drip trucks, then fluid extraction is achieved, but oxygen is introduced into the system and natural gas is wasted to the atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces vacuum trucks and gear type pumps with a diaphragm pump system that uses atmospheric pressure differentials and mechanical diaphragm action to extract fluid. This substitution eliminates the need for vacuum creation that introduces oxygen, allowing fluid removal while maintaining system integrity and preventing gas loss to atmosphere.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains an inert atmosphere within the drip collection system by using a diaphragm pump that does not require atmospheric venting. The pump operates in a way that preserves the existing gas composition in the collection system, preventing oxygen introduction and maintaining conditions suitable for preventing gas waste and environmental impact.
2Productivity
If compressors are used to maintain vacuum in depleted fields, then production is maintained, but oxygen leaks past mechanical seals and rings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces compressor-based vacuum maintenance with a diaphragm pump system that maintains vacuum through diaphragm action rather than rotating mechanical seals. This substitution eliminates the leakage path through mechanical seals and rings while maintaining the necessary vacuum levels for production in depleted fields.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pumps designed for normal liquefied petroleum gas or Y-Grade products are used, then those fluids are pumped, but the pumps are damaged or unsuitable for moving water and heavier liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a diaphragm pump design that is universally compatible with multiple fluid types including water, high gravity condensate, and Y-Grade hydrocarbons. The diaphragm construction allows the same pump to handle viscous, water-based, and hydrocarbon-based fluids without damage, providing multi-functionality that eliminates the need for different pumps for different fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm pump utilizes composite material construction with chemically resistant diaphragms and wetted parts that can withstand contact with diverse fluids. This composite approach allows the pump to reliably handle water, heavy condensates, and hydrocarbons without degradation, combining materials that resist different types of chemical and mechanical stress.
4Productivity
If vacuum type pumps are used, then fluid extraction is achieved, but the vacuum capability is limited to the same or less than the elevation of the gathering system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a diaphragm as an intermediary mechanism that transmits force to create vacuum without being limited by atmospheric pressure differentials. The diaphragm mechanically creates negative pressure through its motion, enabling vacuum capability that exceeds what is available from atmospheric pressure alone at the given elevation, thus overcoming the limitation of vacuum type pumps.
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 enables efficient fluid extraction from pipelines, reducing downtime and gas loss, maintaining field production, and minimizing environmental impact by allowing direct pumping into low-pressure tanks, separating water from condensate, and preventing oxygen introduction, thus addressing the inefficiencies and environmental concerns of prior methods.
Implementation Method 1
A diaphragm pump moves the fluid from the drip collection system to the storage tank
Implementation Method 2
the amount of vacuum was limited due to the use of compressors which leak oxygen past mechanical seals and rings
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for pumping an underground drip includes a pump barrel housing with a plunger and an elongated stroke actuator cylinder sealed to the pump barrel that vertically reciprocates the plunger. The pump barrel and plunger are preferably vented to avoid vacuum lock during pumping. The plunger pumps the fluid located in the drip upwardly to a low pressure tank or a pressurized surface vessel. A ball valve may be screwed onto the siphon line to allow for insertion and removal of the pump barrel and seals the siphon line if the pump is removed. A stuffing box seals the pump barrel to the upper end of the siphon line to prevent air from entering the system. The stuffing box also allows the pump depth to be easily adjustable by sliding the pump in until the pump tags bottom and then tightening at any point needed.