Flow Diverting Conduit String for Salt Cavern Operations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for constructing and operating subterranean salt caverns for hydrocarbon storage are costly and logistically complex, especially in offshore environments, due to the need for multiple conduit strings and large drilling rigs, which increases expenses and hazards, particularly in harsh conditions like offshore or arctic regions.

Innovation Solution

A flow diverting conduit string system that combines the functions of leaching, production, and dewatering strings into a single string, using snap together connections and concentric conduit arrangements to simplify operations, reduce equipment requirements, and minimize the need for large rigs, allowing for efficient solution mining, dewatering, and storage operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple conduit strings are used for solution mining and storage operations, then the functionality and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and operational cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidconduit string complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple conduit strings (leaching string, production string, dewatering string) into a single integrated conduit string. This single string contains multiple passageways that can perform different functions at different times, reducing the overall complexity while maintaining the reliability of having dedicated pathways for each operation type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single conduit string is designed with multiple passageways that can serve different functions: an inner passageway for leaching/injection, an annular passageway for production/withdrawal, and the ability to function as a dewatering string. This multi-functionality allows one structure to replace multiple specialized structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If large drilling rigs are used for constructing subterranean salt caverns, then the productivity and construction speed are improved, but the operational cost and safety hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction speedVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The conduit string is divided into modular sections with standardized connections. This segmentation allows for easier assembly and deployment using smaller, less expensive equipment rather than requiring large drilling rigs to handle entire conduit strings as single units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs intermediate connection mechanisms (couplings, joints) that allow conduit sections to be assembled in a controlled manner. This intermediary approach enables construction using smaller equipment while maintaining the integrity and functionality of the complete conduit system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple conduit installations are performed, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the time consumption and operational cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The conduit string incorporates flow diverters and isolators that can be moved or repositioned within the passageways to change flow paths and operational modes. This dynamic capability allows the same physical structure to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring new installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system can change operational parameters by reconfiguring flow paths within the single conduit string. By moving flow diverters or changing which passageways are active, the system adapts between leaching, production, and dewatering modes without physical reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 complexity and cost of operations by enabling efficient solution mining, dewatering, and storage in both onshore and offshore settings, minimizing the need for multiple conduit installations and large rig movements, thereby lowering storage costs and enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

pumping water into the salt deposit to dissolve the salt, then extracting the salt laden brine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP2446106B1Apparatus and methods for forming and using subterranean salt cavern

Publication Date: 2018.11.21 TUNGET BRUCE A

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~12

AI summary

Apparatus for solution mining and gas storage in a salt cavern (26) formed by solution mining comprises a flow diverting conduit string (70) provided in fluid communication with two or more concentric conduits (2, 2A) within the single main bore, with at least one lateral opening (44) from an internal passageway (25) with an outer annular passageway (24) communicating with the surface under a single valve tree. Flow control devices (25A), flow diverters (47) and/or isolation conduits (22) can be inserted into the flow diverting conduit string, enabling a dissolution zone in the salt cavern to be varied to control the shape of the cavern. Furthermore the flow diverting conduit string used to form the cavern can also be used for dewatering and gas storage.