Flow Regulation Apparatus for Multi-Phase Fluid Gas Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pumping systems are limited in handling multi-phase fluid streams from subterranean geological formations due to gas locking issues caused by high gas volume fractions, particularly in shale fracking operations where slug flow occurs, leading to inefficiencies and pump failure.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a conduit with strategically positioned restrictions and return paths, including convergent-divergent nozzles, to reduce the gas volume fraction of the fluid stream by creating a low pressure zone and promoting gas compression, thereby preventing gas locking in downstream pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pump is placed in the vertical or inclined portion of the wellbore to increase pressure and encourage fluid flow, then fluid flow is improved, but gas locking occurs when gas volume fraction exceeds pump capacity
Solution Approach 1:
A gas compression device is introduced as an intermediary component between the pump and the multi-phase fluid stream. This device compresses the gas phase before it reaches the pump, reducing the gas volume fraction to a level the pump can handle, thereby preventing gas locking while maintaining continuous fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas compression device changes the physical parameters of the gas phase by increasing its pressure and reducing its volume. This parameter transformation converts high-volume low-pressure gas into low-volume high-pressure gas, making the fluid stream pumpable without interrupting production.
2Quantity of substance
If gas is compressed back into the liquid at the pump intake to address high GVF, then gas volume fraction is reduced, but the system becomes limited by maximum GVF range and still gas locks when slugs arrive
Solution Approach 1:
The gas compression device performs preliminary compression of the gas phase before the fluid reaches the pump intake. By pre-compressing the gas and reducing its volume fraction in advance, the system prevents gas locking conditions from developing at the pump, rather than attempting to manage high GVF at the pump intake where it is too late.
3Productivity
If multiple pumps are used to handle high gas content fluid streams, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding another pump to handle high gas content, a gas compression device serves as an intermediary that prepares the fluid stream for the existing pump. This single compression device replaces the need for multiple pumps or complex pump arrangements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining productivity.
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 solution effectively reduces the gas volume fraction to less than 0.30, preventing pump gas locking and ensuring stable fluid flow, allowing for efficient handling of multi-phase fluid streams with high gas content.
Implementation Method 1
As the multi-phase fluid stream enters the apparatus, it encounters a first restriction, such as a convergent-divergent nozzle, which creates a low pressure zone, causing a portion of the liquid to flash evaporate and compress any gas pockets present in the fluid stream.
Implementation Method 2
As the multi-phase fluid stream enters the apparatus, it encounters a first restriction, such as a convergent-divergent nozzle, which creates a low pressure zone, causing a portion of the liquid to flash evaporate
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
An apparatus for regulating a multi-phase fluid stream flowing from a subterranean geological formation includes a conduit defining a flow path for the fluid stream, the conduit having a restriction (110) having a throat portion (111), and the conduit further having a return path (120) including an inlet (121) positioned downstream of the restriction and an outlet (122) positioned upstream of the inlet of the first return path.