Downhole Gas Solids Separator Centrifugal Flighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current separator devices are unable to simultaneously separate gases and solids from hydrocarbon production streams, leading to reduced pump efficiency and increased maintenance costs due to the entry of gaseous and solid products into artificial lift systems.
Innovation Solution
A downhole gas and solids separator utilizing centrifugal force and a helical flighting member within an outer and inner tube configuration, where centrifugal force accelerates the separation of gases and solids, allowing gases to rise and solids to accumulate at the bottom, preventing their entry into the pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate separator sections are used to separate gases and solids, then both gases and solids can be separated, but the device complexity increases and separation efficiency decreases due to separate phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines gas separation and solids separation functions into a single integrated separator device. The separator includes a gas separation section with a gas discharger and a solids separation section with a screen, both operating simultaneously within one device structure. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate separator sections while maintaining the ability to separate both gases and solids effectively, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving separation effectiveness.
2Productivity
If a single-phase separator is used to simultaneously separate gases and solids, then separation efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single separator device into distinct functional sections: a gas separation section with a gas discharger for gas removal, and a solids separation section with a screen for solids filtration. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific separation function efficiently within the unified device structure, achieving simultaneous gas and solids separation in a single phase while managing complexity through modular functional division.
3Reliability
If gas and solids enter the pump, then pump efficiency decreases and maintenance costs increase, but using complex separators increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges gas separation and solids separation capabilities into one integrated separator device that connects directly to the pump. The gas discharger removes gases while the screen filters solids, both occurring simultaneously before fluid enters the pump. This prevents gas and solids from entering the pump, maintaining pump efficiency and reducing maintenance needs, while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate separator devices.
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 device effectively cleans production fluid, enhancing pump efficiency and extending the lifespan of artificial lift systems by simultaneously separating gases and solids, reducing maintenance costs and increasing profit margins.
Implementation Method 1
employing a helical flighting member, the disclosed device is able to provide for efficient and effective simultaneous separation of both gases and solids from production fluid
Implementation Method 2
centrifugal force, provided by the flighting member, accelerates the coalescence of like materials to enhance separation of both gases and solids within the separator
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed downhole gas and solids separator employs centrifugal force for the downhole separation of gases and solids from a hydrocarbon production stream. The separator device generally includes an outer tube and an inner tube disposed within the outer tube. The disclosed separator further includes a flighting member disposed within the inner tube. The flighting member includes an inside diameter space that defines a cylindrical void space extending through the center portion of the flighting member. The disclosed separator also includes an outer annular space inside the outer tube. The outer annular space defines an annular void space between the exterior surface of the inner tube and the interior surface of the outer tube.