Gas-in-solution detection via chamber depressurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid monitoring systems in drilling and production operations struggle to reliably detect gas-in-solution within conduits, especially under pressurized conditions and in the presence of obstructions or varying flow rates, which can lead to unpredictable phase changes and disruptions in fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A gas-in-solution detection system (GISDS) that includes a channel with sensors and an actuator assembly to monitor fluid characteristics, adjust flow rates, and isolate fluid within a chamber to detect gas-in-solution by transitioning it to a free gas state, allowing for real-time monitoring regardless of obstructions or flow conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing fluid monitoring systems are used to detect gas-in-solution under pressurized conditions, then the system can operate in real drilling and production environments, but the detection reliability deteriorates due to obstructions and varying flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts a fluid sample from the main pressurized flow through a sampling port and directs it through a sampling line to a detection chamber. This separation allows the main flow to continue undisturbed while the sample is analyzed in a controlled environment, eliminating the negative effects of obstructions and flow rate variations on detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A sampling line acts as an intermediary between the main fluid flow and the detection system. This intermediary component allows the system to monitor gas-in-solution in the main flow without being directly exposed to its harsh conditions, including pressure fluctuations, obstructions, and varying flow rates, thereby maintaining detection reliability.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed directly in the conduit to monitor fluid, then real-time detection is possible, but the system becomes vulnerable to obstructions and phase changes that disrupt flow
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts a small portion of the fluid flow through a sampling port to create a separate sample stream. This extracted sample is then directed through a sampling line to a detection chamber where sensors can accurately measure gas-in-solution without being affected by obstructions or phase changes in the main conduit, as these issues occur downstream of the sampling point.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is segmented into separate functional components: a sampling port for extracting fluid, a sampling line for transporting the sample, and a detection chamber for analysis. This segmentation isolates the sensitive sensors from harmful factors in the main flow, allowing precise measurement while the main flow handles obstructions and phase changes.
3Measurement precision
If the system isolates fluid in a chamber for detection, then accurate gas-in-solution detection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts a fluid sample through a sampling port and transports it via a sampling line to a detection chamber. This extraction approach creates a simplified isolated environment for detection, where fluid can be analyzed without the complexity of handling the full-scale main flow, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling line serves as an intermediary that connects the simple sampling port to the detection chamber. This intermediary component enables the system to achieve accurate gas-in-solution detection in an isolated chamber without requiring complex integration with the main flow system, thereby balancing measurement precision with device simplicity.
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
Enables accurate and reliable detection of gas-in-solution and free gas, improving operational efficiency by identifying potential disruptions early and allowing for proactive control measures in drilling and production systems.
Implementation Method 1
increase a volume of the chamber to detect a phase change of a gas-in-solution to a free gas
Implementation Method 2
increase a volume of the chamber...to detect a phase change of a gas-in-solution to a free gas
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid monitoring system includes, a channel having a first end configured to be fluidly coupled to a first portion of a conduit of a mineral extraction system to enable fluid to flow from the conduit into the channel and a second end configured to be fluidly coupled to a second portion of the conduit to enable return of the fluid from the channel into the conduit. The system also includes an actuator assembly positioned along the channel and configured to isolate a portion of the fluid within a chamber of the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is configured to expand a volume of the chamber to reduce a pressure while the portion of the fluid is within the chamber to facilitate identification of an indicator of dissolved gas within the fluid.