Flash Separator Salt Removal via Swirling Fluidization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing salt crystals from the bottom of the brine column in MEG reclamation processes in the oil and gas industry are complex, expensive, and require significant equipment, making them inefficient in terms of space usage, construction costs, and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a solids fluidization device at the bottom of the flash separator to introduce a swirling motive fluid, which creates a slurry with the salt components, and a removal device above to collect the slurry, eliminating the need for centrifugal filters and desanding cyclones by controlling the upward movement of the fluid with a valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centrifugal filters or desanding cyclones are used to remove salt crystals, then salt removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the salt removal function from complex centrifugal filtration systems and implements it through a simplified gravity-based brine column configuration, where salt crystals naturally settle and are removed through controlled discharge at the bottom of the column
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the natural density difference between salt crystals and brine solution to enable automatic separation and settlement of salts without requiring external centrifugal force or complex mechanical separation devices
2Reliability
If multiple equipment components (centrifuge, salt tank, centrate tank) are installed for salt removal, then salt removal completeness is improved, but system footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate equipment functions (salt settlement, storage, and removal) into a single integrated brine column system, eliminating the need for separate centrifuge, salt tank, and centrate tank installations
Solution Approach 2:
The brine column serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a settlement chamber for salt crystals, a storage vessel for concentrated brine, and a removal system through controlled discharge, replacing multiple specialized equipment components
3Productivity
If complex centrifugal filtration systems are used, then salt removal efficiency is improved, but construction and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive, complex centrifugal filtration equipment with a simple, inexpensive brine column configuration that uses basic gravity separation and controlled discharge mechanisms, significantly reducing construction and maintenance costs
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
This approach reduces the system footprint, lowers construction costs, and simplifies operation and maintenance by effectively removing salts without the need for complex equipment, achieving efficient salt removal and regeneration.
Implementation Method 1
The solids fluidization device is located at the bottom end of the brine column of the flash separator and arranged to introduce a swirling motive fluid within the brine column
Implementation Method 2
introduce a swirling motive fluid within the brine column
Implementation Method 3
The flash separator operates under vacuum. The MEG and water components of the rich MEG stream are flashed
Implementation Method 4
The flash separator operates under vacuum
Implementation Method 5
The distillation column also operates under vacuum and distills the water from the MEG-water vapors
Implementation Method 6
The distillation column also operates under vacuum and distills the water from the MEG-water vapors
Implementation Method 7
The salt crystals that precipitate in the flash separator are separated by gravity to the bottom of the brine column
Implementation Method 8
introduce a swirling motive fluid within the brine column... creating a slurry with the salt components
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for removing solids from a process stream being fed into a flash separator include a solids fluidization device and a solids removal device. The solids fluidization device at the bottom end of the fluid column of the flash separator introduces a swirling motive fluid within the fluid column, while the solids removal device located above the solids fluidization device removes the slurry created by the swirling motive fluid. Systems and methods for fluidizing solids in the fluid column of a flash separator include a solids fluidization device that introduces a swirling motive fluid within the fluid column, means to limit the upward movement of the swirling motive fluid, such as a valve, and removing the solid slurry produced by the swirling motive fluid.