HRCV Fluid Separator for Drilling Solids Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid separator devices in the water well drilling industry are costly to operate and maintain, and there is a need for a more efficient and economical method to remove particulates and suspended solids from aqueous fluids to reduce water disposal and drilling fluid costs.
Innovation Solution
A hydro-cyclonic, reverse coalescence, vorticose separator (HRCV) device that combines hydro-cyclone, variable geometry vortex, reverse coalescence and flocculation, and fixed geometry vortices process units to effectively separate and remove suspended solids and particles from aqueous fluids, utilizing principles of angular momentum and mechanical shearing to facilitate efficient solids control and water reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical processes are used for solids control and dewatering, then effective separation of solids from drilling fluids is achieved, but operating and maintenance costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical separation processes with a hydrocyclone-based system that utilizes fluid dynamics and centrifugal forces. The hydrocyclone creates a vortex flow that automatically separates solids from drilling fluids without mechanical moving parts, eliminating the need for expensive mechanical equipment operation and maintenance while achieving effective solids control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs hydraulic principles through the hydrocyclone device, where pressurized drilling fluid enters the hydrocyclone and creates a rotating vortex flow. The hydraulic action and centrifugal forces generated by the rotating fluid stream enable automatic separation of solids from liquids, replacing mechanical processes with a purely hydraulic system that reduces operating costs
2Loss of substance
If extensive mechanical processes are used for fluid disposal, then solids are removed from drilling fluids, but water disposal costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrocyclone system extracts and removes only the solid particulates from the drilling fluids while allowing the liquid phase (water) to pass through and be reused. This selective extraction process separates solids from water in a single step, enabling water reuse and significantly reducing the quantity of water that would otherwise be disposed of along with the solids
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards only the separated solids while recovering and recycling the liquid drilling fluid portion. The hydrocyclone continuously separates solids from the drilling fluid, allowing the cleared liquid to be pumped back into the drilling operation, thereby recovering valuable water and reducing disposal requirements
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 HRCV device provides a significant reduction in fluid transport and disposal costs by efficiently separating and removing suspended solids, reducing capital and operating expenses, and enabling the reuse of treated water, while maintaining simplicity and ease of operation.
Implementation Method 1
a hydro-cyclone process unit for accelerating the fluid to a desired separation speed after the fluid enters the device, essentially functioning as an emulsifier
Implementation Method 2
a variable geometry vortex process unit for inducing a directional change in the fluid for purposes of mechanical shearing
Implementation Method 3
a reverse coalescence and flocculation process unit for pulling colloidal structures in the fluid out of suspension for formation into defined floc or flake
Implementation Method 4
a reverse coalescence and flocculation process unit for pulling colloidal structures in the fluid out of suspension for formation into defined floc or flake
Implementation Method 5
a fixed geometry vortices process separator unit for inducing vorticose separation of the fluid and removing the suspended solids, floc, flake and other particles present in the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A device for separating and extracting suspended solids and particles from a fluid is shown. The device can include a hydro-cyclonic process unit, a variable geometry vortex process unit, a reverse coalescence and flocculation process unit and a fixed geometry vortices separator process unit. The fluid to be treated can enter the device through a fluid inlet and travel and recirculate through the several process units. The process units can collectively induce vorticose separation of the fluid and separate suspended solids and particles within the fluid. The suspended solids and particles can then be extracted from the device via one or more extraction fluid outlets. After the desired amount of suspended solids and particles has been removed, the processed fluid can be discharged from the device.