Downhole Separator and Filter Backflushing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Reservoir fluids often contain entrained gases and solids, which hinder production by causing sluggish flow and interfering with pump operation, leading to erosion of mechanical components and inefficient hydrocarbon extraction.
Innovation Solution
A fluid production system comprising a downhole separator and pump, with a filtering medium that separates solids from the reservoir fluid, allowing for the uphole displacement of gas-depleted and solids-free fluid, utilizing a standing valve and travelling valve configuration to manage fluid flow and facilitate backflushing for cleaning the filtering medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If reservoir fluid is produced directly without separation, then production rate is maintained, but solids and gases cause sluggish flow and pump interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the reservoir fluid into separate phases (gas, liquid, solids) using a separator and filter assembly. The separator divides the fluid stream to allow gas to rise while liquid and solids proceed downward, and the filter assembly further separates solids from the liquid phase, preventing pump interference while maintaining production rate
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts harmful components (solids and gases) from the reservoir fluid stream. The separator removes gas by allowing it to rise and vent, while the filter assembly captures solids on its screen, preventing both from reaching the pump and causing operational issues
2Reliability
If filtering medium is used to separate solids, then solids are removed from fluid, but filtering medium becomes clogged with solid residue
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic backflushing action to reverse the flow direction through the filter assembly at regular intervals. This periodic reversal cleans accumulated solids from the screen by flushing them back into the separator, maintaining filter flow rate while continuously removing solids from the produced fluid
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards accumulated solids from the filter assembly by backflushing them into the separator where they are separated from the fluid stream and disposed of. This allows the filtering medium to be recovered and reused without permanent clogging, maintaining both fluid quality and flow rate
3Productivity
If gas is present in reservoir fluid, then fluid production continues, but flow becomes sluggish and pump operation is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The separator segments the fluid stream to allow gas to separate from the liquid phase by buoyancy. Gas rises to the top of the separator while liquid proceeds downward to the pump, preventing gas from causing sluggish flow and maintaining optimal flow velocity for pump operation
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 separates solids and gases from the reservoir fluid, improving flow efficiency and reducing mechanical wear, thereby enhancing hydrocarbon extraction and extending equipment lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of solid material, entrained within the received gas-depleted reservoir fluid, becomes separated, by the filtering medium, from the received gas-depleted reservoir fluid
Implementation Method 2
the reservoir fluid flow is separated into at least a downwardly-flowing gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow and an upwardly flowing gas-enriched reservoir fluid flow, wherein the separation includes separation in response to buoyancy forces within the gas separation zone
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided apparatus and systems for filtering of solid material, from reservoir fluid being produced from a subterranean formation, with downhole filtering medium, and backflushing the filtering medium for removing solids that have become coupled to the filtering medium.