Electro-separation Cell Wiper Assembly for Drilling Fluid Solids Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for separating oil-based drilling fluids fail to effectively recapture base oils and remove solids and sediment from electro-separation systems, leading to inefficiencies and equipment issues due to the physical and chemical binding of hydrocarbons with fines and additives.
Innovation Solution
An electro-separation apparatus with parallel-spaced electrode plates and a wiper assembly that uses electrokinetics and hydraulic vibration to separate hydrocarbons from drilling fluids, featuring a reaction chamber with a curved side wall and a sediment outlet, where wiper blades move sediment towards a collection trough for removal, preventing buildup on electrode plates and maintaining system efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electro-separation is used to separate hydrocarbons from drilling fluids, then hydrocarbon separation efficiency is improved, but sediment and solids buildup on electrode plates causes equipment failure
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade system automatically removes sediment from electrode plates during normal operation, allowing the electro-separation system to maintain its separating function without external intervention or shutdown for cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful sediment buildup is extracted from the electrode plates by the wiper blades and directed to a collection trough, removing the source of equipment failure while preserving the electro-separation function
2Productivity
If conventional solids control equipment is used, then cuttings removal is achieved, but base oils cannot be recaptured due to physical and chemical binding
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical parameter of applying an electric field to the drilling fluid, which alters the interaction between hydrocarbons and solids, enabling separation of bound materials that conventional mechanical equipment cannot separate
3Device complexity
If electrode plates are not cleaned, then system complexity is reduced, but sediment buildup prevents proper electro-separation function
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is merged with the electro-separation system by integrating wiper blades directly into the electrode plate assembly, allowing both separation and cleaning functions to be performed by a unified system without requiring separate external cleaning equipment
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 apparatus achieves clear hydrocarbon separation with less than 1% solid particles, effectively removing sediment and preventing equipment hindrances, thereby enhancing the efficiency and longevity of the electro-separation process.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply connected to the set of parallel-spaced electrode plates to create an electric field between the set of parallel-spaced electrode plates
Implementation Method 2
a wiper assembly that uses electrokinetics and hydraulic vibration to separate hydrocarbons from drilling fluids
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-separation apparatus for separation of drilling fluids is provided. The apparatus can include a reaction chamber and a set of electrode plates provided in the reaction chamber. A sediment outlet can be provided near a bottom of the reaction chamber and wiper blades can be provided for sweeping sediment that has collected on the electrode plates towards the sediment outlet.