Inverted Pyramid Compartments for Slurry Solids Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for separating solids from hydrocarbon well slurry are inefficient and costly due to slow and incomplete settling of solids, and inefficient removal using augers.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing inverted pyramid compartments with desander and desilter pumps to suction and separate solids from a slurry, with a network of Weir plates directing cleaned streams through successive compartments for repeated filtration until solids are satisfactorily removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional V-shaped compartments with augers are used for solids separation, then the system structure is simple, but the settling of solids is slow and incomplete and removal is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional V-shaped compartment design to create an inverted pyramid shape with the apex pointing upward. This inversion fundamentally changes the flow dynamics and settling characteristics, allowing solids to accumulate more efficiently at the apex while maintaining a compact footprint. The inverted geometry creates natural flow patterns that enhance both settling speed and completeness without requiring larger tank volumes or longer retention times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical auger systems with hydraulic suction pumps that draw slurry through strategically positioned ports. This hydraulic approach enables more efficient solids removal by creating controlled suction flows that prevent re-settling and continuously extract accumulated solids. The pump-based system provides more reliable and complete solids removal compared to passive auger mechanisms, directly addressing the inefficiency problem.
2Reliability
If multiple compartments are added to improve solids removal, then separation completeness improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the separation process into functional segments within a single integrated compartment. Different zones within the inverted pyramid compartment handle different aspects of solids separation (initial settling, accumulation, and pump extraction). This segmentation achieves multiple separation functions without requiring multiple separate physical compartments, thereby maintaining separation completeness while controlling system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverted pyramid compartment is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the settling zone, the solids accumulation zone, and the interface for hydraulic extraction. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate compartments for each function, achieving complete solids removal through a unified structure that reduces overall system complexity compared to multi-compartment arrangements.
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
Enhances the settling and removal of solids from the slurry, improving operational efficiency and reducing costs by using inverted pyramid compartments and pumps to efficiently separate and remove sand and silt from the fluid stream.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of inverted pyramidal shaped compartments for settling solids downwardly within the liquid stream
Implementation Method 2
a desander pump and a desilter pump that draw solids from the partially cleaned slurry
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for separating solids from a slurry recovered from a hydrocarbon well. The system includes inverted pyramidal shaped compartments for settling solids downwardly within the liquid stream. Further, each compartment includes a desander pump and a desilter pump that draws solids from the partially cleaned slurry into a desander and desilter, respectively, for removal of solids from the stream. The system includes a network of Weir plates for directing cleaned slurry streams downstream through successive compartments.