Gas Separator Fiber Optic Sensor Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas separators in electrical submersible pumps lack effective monitoring and measurement capabilities for operational parameters, leading to inefficiencies and potential failures that can reduce pump performance and shorten run life.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of optic fibers with Bragg gratings within the gas separator to monitor parameters such as pressure, temperature, vibrations, and fluid composition, allowing for continuous monitoring and predictive maintenance, and enabling adjustments to operating conditions for enhanced production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optic fibers with Bragg gratings are incorporated into the gas separator, then measurement precision and reliability of operational parameters are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optic fiber with Bragg gratings is nested within the gas separator structure, allowing the fiber to be positioned between the outer housing and interior liner without requiring separate external monitoring systems. This nested configuration enables precise measurement of operational parameters while integrating the sensing capability into the existing separator architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The optic fiber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural element maintaining the separation between housing and liner, while also functioning as a multi-parameter sensor measuring pressure, temperature, and vibration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and mitigates the increase in device complexity.
2Ease of repair
If flanged, bolted connections are used to interconnect sections, then ease of repair and assembly is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gas separator is divided into multiple sections that can be independently assembled and disconnected using flanged, bolted connections. This segmentation allows the separator to be assembled from standardized modules with precise manufacturing features, making repair and maintenance easier while maintaining consistent precision through modular design.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring of operational parameters is implemented, then reliability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Bragg grating optic fibers are passive sensors that do not require external power sources for operation. They reflect specific wavelengths of light based on the operational parameters they measure, enabling continuous monitoring without consuming electrical energy. The system uses existing light sources and detection equipment, making the monitoring process self-sufficient and energy-efficient.
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 enables reliable monitoring and prediction of gas separator performance, extending its run life, improving maintenance efficiency, and optimizing operational parameters for increased production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Bragg gratings can be used to allow detection of a selected operating parameter at one or a number of discrete points along the fiber
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for detecting operational parameters associated with a gas separator used in an electric submersible pump in a wellbore. A fiber optic sensing arrangement is used to detect the operational parameter and includes a fiber optic signal processor and an optic fiber that is associated with the gas separator to provide a signal indicative of the parameter to the signal processor.