Gas Separator Segmentation for Pump Gas-Lock Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas separation technologies in subterranean wells face challenges in effectively isolating gas from liquids, leading to potential pump gas-lock issues and inefficiencies in fluid production.
Innovation Solution
A gas separation system comprising a gas separator with an intake section, intermediate sections, and a discharge section, where liquids are isolated from gases through a specially configured intake device and inner tubes, allowing for efficient separation and collection of gases and liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas separation is performed using conventional methods, then gas can be separated from formation fluids, but the separation effectiveness is insufficient leading to pump gas-lock issues
Solution Approach 1:
The gas separator is divided into multiple distinct sections: an intake section for receiving fluids, a separation section with inner and outer housings where gas and liquid separate, and a discharge section. This segmentation allows different zones to perform specific functions, ensuring effective gas-liquid separation before fluids reach the pump, thereby preventing pump gas-lock while maintaining reliable operation.
2Reliability
If a complex gas separation system is implemented, then gas separation effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas separator employs a nested structure where an inner housing is positioned within an outer housing, creating an annular separation chamber. The intake section, separation section, and discharge section are integrated in a compact nested arrangement. This nesting approach achieves effective gas-liquid separation through gravitational settling in the annular space while minimizing the overall device footprint and structural 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
The system effectively separates gases from liquids, preventing pump gas-lock and enhancing fluid production efficiency by ensuring gases are collected above the production packer and liquids are pumped to the surface.
Implementation Method 1
a gas separator (32) connected in the completion string (26) above the packer (28). The gas separator (32) receives the fluids (20) from the completion string (26) below the packer (28) and separates any gas (34) from liquids (36) of the fluids
Implementation Method 2
The liquids (36) also enter the annulus (30) from the gas separator (32) but, due to the greater density of the liquids, they accumulate in the annulus (30) above the packer (28)
Data Source
AI summary
A gas separator can include an intake section. Splines extend radially from an inner manifold of the intake section and engage an interior surface of an outer housing, thereby isolating openings formed in the splines from longitudinal channels extending through the outer housing. Another gas separator can include an intake section, a discharge section and multiple intermediate sections connected between the intake and discharge sections. A gas separation system can include a completion string including a packer, a downhole pump and a gas separator connected between the packer and the pump. An annulus is formed between the gas separator and a wellbore, an intake section of the gas separator receives formation fluids from below the packer, a discharge section of the gas separator discharges gas and liquids into the annulus, the intake section receives the liquids from the annulus, and the pump receives the liquids from the discharge section.