Flowback Fluid Containment System with Mechanical Deceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for containing flowback fluids from wellbore operations are ineffective in preventing environmental pollution and groundwater contamination due to the high viscosity and complex pollutant composition of these fluids, and existing flare pits fail to prevent seepage and solid waste generation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising pipelines connecting the wellhead to a first container with a mechanical structure to slow down waste fluids, a heating unit to burn waste gases into non-combustible byproducts, and a second container to store the treated waste matter, with a fire-resistant design and continuous combustion process to ensure safe containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flare pit with groundwater protection layer is used to contain flowback fluids, then the fluids can be collected, but the protection layer fails to prevent soil and groundwater contamination due to seepage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite containment structure consisting of multiple layers including geomembrane, geotextile, and compacted clay layers. This multi-material approach creates a more effective barrier against seepage compared to single-material protection layers, preventing both liquid and gas migration while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes geomembrane (thin film) as a primary barrier layer in the containment system. This flexible polymer membrane provides impermeability to liquids and gases, effectively preventing seepage through the containment structure while adapting to the underlying terrain and structural requirements.
2Reliability
If traditional flare pits are used for flowback fluid containment, then fluids can be collected, but they occupy huge area of land and deteriorate the overall landscape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a surface-level flare pit approach to a subsurface containment system. By placing the majority of the containment structure below ground level and using vertical wells for fluid injection, the system minimizes surface footprint while maintaining effective fluid collection and treatment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment system employs a nested structure where multiple containment layers (geomembrane, geotextile, clay layers) are arranged concentrically and vertically. The waste fluid containment, treatment injection system, and monitoring components are integrated in a nested configuration that maximizes functionality within minimal spatial footprint.
3Ease of manufacture
If waste fluids are discharged into the environment untreated, then disposal is simple, but environmental pollution and health hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/discharge-based disposal methods with a thermal injection system. Waste fluids are injected through subsurface wells where thermal energy facilitates in-situ treatment and containment, eliminating the need for complex surface treatment facilities while preventing environmental pollution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces subsurface injection wells as an intermediary between the waste fluid source and the environment. These wells serve as controlled conduits that deliver fluids to designated containment zones deep underground, preventing direct environmental contact while enabling monitored and managed disposal.
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 system effectively collects and stores flowback fluids, preventing soil and groundwater contamination, reducing landfill waste, and allowing for continuous operation without interrupting wellbore activities, while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit to burn the waste gases into non-combustible byproducts
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical structure is adapted to reduce a speed of waste fluids present in the waste matter being received from the at least one pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for containment of flowback fluids of a wellbore. The system includes one or more pipelines (108a-108b) extending from a wellhead (126) of the wellbore to carry the flowback fluids. A first container (102) includes a mechanical structure (112) to receive the waste matter from at least one pipeline (108a) that carries the waste matter from the wellhead (126). The mechanical structure (112) is adapted to reduce speed of waste fluids present in the waste matter being received from the at least one pipeline (108a). At least one heating units (106) is arranged at a portion of the first container (102) to receive the waste gases from at least one pipeline (108b) and burn the waste gases into non-combustible byproducts. A second container (104) is coupled to the first container (102) to collect the waste matter from the first container (102).