Dual Chamber Horizontal Vessel for Particulate Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure vessels used in the oil and gas industry for separating particulates from fluids often require large footprints, are costly to fabricate, and difficult to assemble and transport, as they need to be long or consist of multiple vessels to allow sufficient dwell time for particulate separation.
Innovation Solution
A dual-chamber horizontal pressure vessel design with a screen and separation baffles, where the first chamber collects larger particulates and the second chamber filters smaller ones, allowing for efficient separation and easy assembly with a smaller footprint, and includes features like a vessel door for screen insertion and removal, and a blow-down valve for quick cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressure vessel is made into one very long chamber to allow sufficient dwell time for particulate separation, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the material cost increases and the footprint becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure vessel is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber, second chamber, and third chamber) separated by baffles. This segmentation allows the total separation function to be distributed across smaller sections, reducing the material cost of each individual chamber while maintaining the overall separation efficiency through cumulative dwell time across all chambers.
2Reliability
If the pressure vessel is made into one very long chamber to allow sufficient dwell time for particulate separation, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the footprint becomes large making it difficult to transport or assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure vessel uses a vertical arrangement of multiple chambers stacked one above another, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than extending horizontally. This dimensional change maintains the required dwell time for separation while significantly reducing the horizontal footprint, making the vessel easier to transport and assemble in confined spaces.
3Area of stationary object
If two pressure vessels are disposed generally parallel to each other and connected at one end to reduce footprint, then the footprint is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple chambers are merged into a single integrated pressure vessel structure with internal baffles creating distinct separation zones. This merging approach achieves the footprint reduction benefit of multiple vessels while simplifying the overall system by eliminating the need for separate vessel connections, supports, and alignment mechanisms.
4Reliability
If a screen is disposed in the second chamber to separate particulates from the fluid, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to difficulty in inserting and removing the screen
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is designed with movable or removable characteristics, allowing it to be dynamically accessed for cleaning or replacement. The baffle structure incorporates features such as removable sections, access ports, or mechanical mechanisms that enable easy screen maintenance without requiring complete vessel disassembly, thus maintaining high separation efficiency while improving operational ease.
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 dual-chamber design enhances particulate separation efficiency, reduces material costs, and simplifies assembly and transportation by providing increased dwell time and larger collection areas while maintaining a compact footprint, and allows for quick and effective cleaning with minimal downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a screen configured to separate particulates from the fluid. The screen is disposed in the second chamber
Implementation Method 2
a first chamber in fluid communication with an inlet of the pressure vessel body. The pressure vessel further includes a second chamber in fluid communication with an outlet of the pressure vessel body
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device for removing particulates, such as sand, from a fluid at an oil and/or gas wellsite. In one aspect, a vessel for separating particulates from a fluid is provided. The vessel includes a body having an inlet and an outlet. The vessel also includes a first chamber and a second chamber disposed in the body. The vessel further includes a screen configured to separate particulates from the fluid. The screen is disposed in the second chamber. Additionally, the vessel includes a vessel door for inserting and removing the screen from the second chamber. In another aspect, a pressure vessel for separating particulates from a fluid is provided. In yet a further aspect, a method of separating particulates from a fluid is provided.