Inline Fluid Separator with Segmented Control for Slug Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inline fluid separation systems face challenges with slow response, reduced separation efficiency, and liquid flooding due to intermittent liquid slugs in hydrocarbon extraction processes, requiring large and heavy containers that are not compact or efficient for pipeline transport.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a primary inline separator and at least one secondary inline separator, connected downstream, with a control system to regulate flow and ensure maximum gas quality for compression and maximum liquid quality for pumping, capable of handling transient flows and slugs, while being lightweight and compact for pipeline installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large container volume is used to handle liquid slugs, then the system can handle intermittent liquid bursts, but the container becomes large and heavy requiring pressure container construction
Solution Approach 1:
The separation system is divided into multiple inline separator stages (primary and secondary) connected in series, each handling a portion of the separation task. This segmentation allows the system to handle liquid slugs effectively without requiring a single large container, reducing overall weight and enabling pipe code construction instead of pressure container codes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional vertical container separation to horizontal inline pipeline separation. By changing the orientation and configuration to fit within the pipeline dimension, the system achieves effective separation without requiring large vertical container volume, thus reducing weight and allowing pipe code construction.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact degasser is used to fit within a pipe, then the system becomes more compact, but the response is slow and separation degree is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compact separation function is divided into multiple stages (primary inline separator followed by secondary inline separator). Each stage provides partial separation, and the combined effect achieves high separation degree with fast response while maintaining compact pipe-fitting dimensions. The primary separator handles bulk separation quickly, while the secondary separator polishes the separation, achieving both speed and completeness.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact deliquidiser is used to fit within a pipe, then the system becomes more compact, but liquid flooding occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The deliquidisation process is segmented into primary and secondary stages. The primary inline separator performs initial liquid-gas separation, and the secondary inline separator provides additional separation to prevent liquid flooding. This multi-stage approach maintains compact pipe-fitting dimensions while ensuring stable separation and preventing liquid carryover to downstream equipment.
4Reliability
If traditional container separation is used, then separation is effective, but the system is not suitable for pipeline transport
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms traditional vertical container separation into horizontal inline pipeline-integrated separators. The separators are designed to fit within pipe dimensions and be installed directly in the pipeline flow path, maintaining effective separation performance while enabling seamless pipeline transport and installation without requiring separate container structures.
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 achieves stable and efficient separation of gas and liquid flows, effectively handling transient inputs and ensuring high-quality outputs suitable for compression and pumping, with a compact design suitable for pipeline transport.
Implementation Method 1
an axial spin element 5a which rotates and sets the multiphase flow into rotation. The gas is separated into a central zone 6a with the liquid in an annular outer zone 7a
Implementation Method 2
a reflector element 15a and an anti-spin element 16a to bring the rotating liquid phase flow back to an axially directed flow
Data Source
AI summary
A system for separating an input fluid flow comprising gas and liquid into separate gas and liquid flows is provided. The system includes a primary separator configured to receive the input fluid flow and to separate the input fluid flow into a primary separator liquid output flow and a primary separator gas output flow, a first secondary inline separator connected downstream from the primary separator to polish the primary separator gas output flow, a second secondary inline separator connected downstream from the primary separator to polish the primary separator liquid output flow, a system gas outlet, a system liquid outlet, a primary separator gas output valve on the primary separator gas output flow, and a control system configured to receive measurements of liquid level within the primary separator, and identify, using the received measurements, whether a position of the primary separator gas output valve is to be changed.