Gas Dispersion Intensifier for FPSO Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
FPSO units face challenges in dispersing gases from pressure relief systems effectively, leading to risks of plume return and operational disruptions due to unfavorable weather conditions and high concentrations of heavy fractions in gases, which existing solutions either require substantial modifications or are not suitable for installations with low compressed air flow.
Innovation Solution
A gas dispersion intensifier assembly using one or more blowers positioned near the gas outlet region to enhance airflow and direct the gas flow away from the vessel deck, preventing flammable gas accumulation and allowing for flexible configuration based on gas parameters and wind conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional safety valves or equipment are integrated in internal sections of the vent post system, then gas dispersion capability is improved, but device complexity and deck modification requirements increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the gas dispersion function into separate modular components: the vent post system remains independent while the air blower assembly acts as a separate enhancement device. This segmentation allows the dispersion capability to be improved without integrating complex equipment into the internal sections of the vent post system, thereby reducing device complexity and deck modification requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an air blower as an intermediary device that provides forced convection to enhance gas dispersion. Instead of modifying the vent post system directly, the blower acts as a mediator that introduces external air flow to carry dispersed gas away from the deck, improving reliability while keeping the vent post system itself simple and requiring minimal modifications.
2Reliability
If compressed air flow is used to disperse gases, then gas dispersion is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase for installations with low compressed air flow availability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the system to use ambient air as the dispersing medium instead of requiring compressed air from the FPSO's air supply system. The air blower draws in free ambient air and uses it to carry the dispersed gas away, allowing the system to serve itself with readily available resources rather than consuming valuable compressed air flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by employing an air blower to create forced convection currents with ambient air. This pneumatic approach allows effective gas dispersion using atmospheric air pressure and flow rather than requiring high-pressure compressed air systems, thereby reducing energy consumption and system complexity for installations with limited compressed air availability.
3Reliability
If pressure relief operations are restricted during adverse weather conditions, then safety is improved, but productivity and operational continuity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary anti-action by using air blowers to create opposing air flows that counteract the adverse weather conditions (low wind or plume return). This preliminary counter-flow prevents the formation of dangerous gas accumulations before they can occur, allowing pressure relief operations to continue safely during adverse weather rather than requiring restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic control of gas dispersion through adjustable air blowers that can adapt their operation to varying weather conditions. The system dynamically responds to changing wind conditions and gas flow rates, maintaining safety while enabling continuous operation by adjusting the dispersal effort rather than imposing static restrictions on 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 disperses gases below the lower flammability limit, reducing the risk of gas plume return and maintaining operational continuity by eliminating the need for electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres, thus minimizing alarms and production stoppages.
Implementation Method 1
at least one blower is arranged externally and in the vicinity of the gas outlet nozzle, and projects an air flow toward the gas flow expelled by the gas outlet nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention belongs to the field of technologies aimed at production units with difficulties in dispersing gases from pressure relief systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gas dispersion intensifier assembly for a pressure relief system, which comprises: at least one blower; and a gas dispersion pipe with a gas outlet nozzle; wherein at least one blower is arranged externally and in the vicinity of the gas outlet nozzle, and projects an air flow toward the gas flow expelled by the gas outlet nozzle.