Fluid Removal Assembly for Blowdown Vessel Sand Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hydraulic fracturing, the separation of sand and water in blowdown vessels is inefficient, making it difficult to determine the individual proportions of sand and water, leading to unnecessary water evacuation and increased space occupation.
Innovation Solution
A sand separation system with a separator, a blowdown vessel, and a fluid removal assembly that drains fluid without removing solids, allowing for accurate determination of sand production rates and reducing water evacuation by recycling fluid back into the separator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the blowdown vessel is emptied using conventional methods, then both sand and water are removed from the vessel, but water unnecessarily occupies space in the truck and evacuation resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the evacuation operation into two separate functions: a fluid removal assembly with a screen that drains only water through the vessel bottom, and a sand removal system that evacuates only solids through a separate sand outlet. This segmentation allows water to be removed and recycled without occupying truck space, while sand is collected for disposal or reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a screen as an intermediary component in the fluid removal assembly that selectively allows water to pass through while blocking sand particles. This intermediary device enables the separation function during the draining operation, preventing sand from entering the recycling system while allowing water to be removed and reused.
2Productivity
If sand and water are mixed in the blowdown vessel, then the vessel becomes full faster requiring frequent emptying, but separating them requires additional equipment and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the blowdown vessel into two functional outlets: a fluid outlet with a screen for water removal and a sand outlet for solids removal. This segmentation allows continuous operation where water can be drained separately, extending the time between complete vessel emptyings and improving productivity without adding complex external separation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The blowdown vessel is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a collection vessel and as a separation point. The fluid removal assembly with its screen performs both draining and sand-water separation functions within the vessel itself, eliminating the need for separate external separation equipment while maximizing vessel utilization.
3Measurement precision
If all fluid is removed from the blowdown vessel, then sand can be accurately measured and removed, but process continuity is interrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by continuously removing water through the fluid removal assembly before complete vessel filling occurs. This preliminary water removal maintains accurate sand measurement capabilities while preventing the vessel from becoming completely full, thereby avoiding frequent complete evacuations and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid removal assembly operates continuously or periodically to drain water while sand accumulates, maintaining continuous useful action. This continuous water removal keeps the sand measurement accurate and prevents the need for complete vessel emptying, thereby maintaining process continuity and minimizing evacuation time.
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 separates sand and water, enabling precise sand production rate determination and reducing the frequency of solid removal, thereby optimizing the hydraulic fracturing process by minimizing water occupancy and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a screen positioned in the blowdown vessel at the inlet and configured to prevent solids from draining through the inlet
Implementation Method 2
a separator configured to separate a multi-phase process fluid into a solids and a fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A sand separation system includes a separator configured to separate a multi-phase process fluid into a solids and a fluid. The system also includes a blowdown vessel coupled to the separator. The blowdown vessel is configured to receive the solids and a portion of the fluid from the separator. The system also includes a fluid removal assembly coupled to the blowdown vessel. The fluid removal assembly is configured to drain at least some of the fluid in the blowdown vessel therefrom, substantially without removing the solids from the blowdown vessel.