Heated Flow Conditioner Groove Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow conditioning systems are unable to effectively minimize or prevent the buildup of solids such as wax, hydrates, and asphaltene deposits, which leads to flow profile degradation and inaccurate fluid measurements in pipelines, especially in colder climates where hydrate formation occurs.
Innovation Solution
A heated flow conditioning system comprising a flow conditioner with a flange and a spacer ring, both featuring open-ended grooves for fluid communication, which allows a heating medium to circulate and maintain a temperature above the minimum solid formation temperature to prevent deposition, thereby maintaining a stable flow profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a flow conditioner is used to correct the flow profile, then the flow profile stability is improved, but solid deposition increases due to lack of heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow conditioner with a heating system into a single integrated device. The heating element is embedded within the flow conditioner structure, allowing simultaneous flow profile correction and temperature maintenance, thereby preventing solid deposition while maintaining flow stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow conditioner is designed to perform multiple functions: it conditions the flow profile and simultaneously provides heating to prevent solid deposition. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate heating devices and addresses both flow stability and solid prevention requirements.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If heating is added to prevent solid buildup, then solid deposition is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is merged with the flow conditioner structure, using the existing device components to house and support the heating element. This integration approach adds heating functionality without requiring a completely separate heating system, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow conditioner structure itself serves as the housing and mounting framework for the heating element, utilizing existing structural components rather than requiring additional dedicated supports or housings. This self-service approach minimizes the need for extra components.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If heating medium channels are integrated into the flow conditioner, then solid deposition is minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into modular channels that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the flow conditioner. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing of individual components while achieving the complex heating functionality when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
Heating channels are strategically positioned only in specific areas where solid deposition is most likely to occur, rather than providing uniform heating throughout the entire device. This localized approach reduces manufacturing complexity while effectively preventing solid buildup in critical areas.
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 heated flow conditioning system effectively minimizes solid buildup, maintaining flow profile stability and preventing system failures by ensuring accurate fluid measurements and reducing the risk of blockages from hydrate formation.
Implementation Method 1
a heating medium to circulate therein to maintain a temperature above a minimum solid formation temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A heated flow conditioning system includes a flow conditioner comprising a plurality of apertures and a flange, the flange surrounding said plurality of holes and comprising a first open-ended groove; and a spacer ring comprising a second open-ended groove. The first and the second open-ended grooves are configured to be connectable to each other, thereby forming a fluid channel for at least one heating medium.