Gas Lift Separation and Liquid Storage for Compressor Fuel
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Solution Overview
Problem
The oil and gas industry faces challenges with gas lift technology, as it leads to atmospheric emissions and requires haul off trucks for fluid storage, which is undesirable for environmental and operational reasons.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that includes an inlet separator and a charge vessel to separate entrained liquids from production gas, allowing the gas lift gas to be recycled and used to fuel a compressor system, while liquids are stored and managed to minimize emissions and eliminate the need for haul off trucks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gas lift systems use external high-pressure gas sources and route fluids to haul off tanks, then gas lift production is enabled, but atmospheric emissions occur and haul off trucks are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful atmospheric emissions from gas lift operations into a beneficial resource by capturing the emitted gas and using it as fuel for the compressor system. The gas that would otherwise be vented to the atmosphere is now utilized to power the compression process, eliminating emissions while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system becomes self-sufficient by using the gas lift gas itself to fuel the compressor system. The gas produced during the gas lift process is recycled and used to operate the compression equipment, creating a closed-loop system that eliminates the need for external fuel sources and haul off trucks
2Quantity of substance
If haul off tanks are used to store fluids, then fluid storage is achieved, but gas emissions are released and haul off trucks are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful gas emissions from stored fluids into a useful fuel source. Instead of venting gas from the storage tanks to the atmosphere, the system captures and utilizes this gas to fuel the compressor, transforming the harmful emission into a beneficial energy source
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the fluid storage function with the gas utilization function. The same infrastructure that stores fluids also captures and processes the gas emissions, integrating multiple functions into a unified system that eliminates the need for separate haul off operations
3Productivity
If gas lift gas is compressed and recycled, then production efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor system is designed to perform multiple functions: it compresses gas lift gas for recycling back to the well, and simultaneously uses captured gas emissions as fuel to power the compression process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems while maintaining production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding gas emissions to the atmosphere, the system recovers and utilizes this gas as fuel for the compressor. This recovery process simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for external fuel sources and reducing operational complexity
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
This solution reduces or eliminates atmospheric emissions and eliminates the need for haul off trucks by effectively recycling gas lift gas and managing liquids within the system, enhancing operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
an inlet separator configured to receive production gas and to separate entrained liquids from the production gas
Implementation Method 2
separate entrained liquids from the production gas to form a gas lift gas
Implementation Method 3
a first charge gas valve configured to be fluidically connected to a high pressure gas source in the compressor system and further configured to deliver high pressure gas to drain the first charge vessel
Implementation Method 4
gas separated from the oil is compressed by a compressor to increase its pressure and recycled for further production of oil
Implementation Method 5
at least one engine capable of being operated using the gas lift gas as fuel
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods and apparati for separating liquids from production gases and recovering the liquids. The methods and apparati of the present disclosure can reduce or eliminate emissions compared to standard methods and devices and also eliminate the need for haul away of liquids by collecting compressor system liquids in charge vessel(s). The methods and apparati of the present disclosure can also be used to fuel the engines which operate the compressor systems.