L-Shaped Three-Stage Axial Flow Degassing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas-liquid separation technologies, such as tank-like and cylindrical swirling separators, are inefficient and bulky, leading to increased costs and maintenance in oil-gas field exploitation, and are not effective for high gas-liquid ratio flows or slug flow conditions.
Innovation Solution
A compact L-shaped cylinder-cone combined tubular three-stage axial flow degassing device is developed, utilizing a vertical high speed swirling field, a horizontal rapid axial flow field, and a vertical reversing scrubbing field, with specific components like cylindrical tube swirling generators, microporous uniform mixers, and degassers to achieve efficient separation by sequential degassing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tank-like gas-liquid separators are used, then separation function is provided, but device size is large and compactness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the cyclone separator is integrated within a vertical vessel, and multiple functional components (inlet nozzle, separator, outlet devices) are arranged concentrically and vertically to maximize space utilization. This nesting approach enables the separator to achieve effective gas-liquid separation while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for offshore applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal tank-like separators to a vertical cylindrical configuration, utilizing the vertical dimension for separation processes. The gas-liquid separator is oriented vertically with inlet at the bottom and outlet at the top, allowing gravity-assisted separation while reducing horizontal space requirements and improving compactness.
2Reliability
If conventional gas-liquid separators are used, then separation is provided, but separation efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The separation process is divided into multiple stages: initial separation in the cyclone separator, followed by gravity settling in the vertical vessel, and final separation at the outlet. This segmented approach with multiple separation mechanisms (centrifugal force, gravity, and flow control) significantly enhances overall separation efficiency compared to single-stage separators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a liquid outlet device and gas outlet device as intermediary components that control and optimize the separation process. These devices regulate flow rates, maintain pressure differentials, and ensure efficient phase separation, thereby improving productivity without compromising the separation function.
3Power
If GLCC is applied to mist flow with high gas-liquid ratio, then centrifugal separation is provided, but liquid phase climbs up the wall and rotates out resulting in bad separation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic flow control through adjustable inlet nozzles and outlet devices that adapt to varying gas-liquid ratios and flow conditions. The system maintains optimal centrifugal force while preventing liquid climbing by dynamically adjusting flow rates and pressure differentials, ensuring reliable separation performance across different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key operating parameters including inlet velocity, pressure differential, and flow distribution to optimize separation performance. By controlling the gas-liquid ratio and adjusting outlet flow rates, the system prevents liquid phase from climbing the wall and rotating out, thereby maintaining effective separation even at high gas-liquid ratios.
4Reliability
If axial flow guide vane swirling separator is used, then gas-liquid separation is provided, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cyclone separator function with a vertical gravity separator into a single integrated device. The inlet nozzle, cyclone separator, vertical vessel, and outlet devices are combined into one compact unit that performs both centrifugal separation and gravity settling, reducing device complexity and space requirements compared to separate axial flow guide vane systems.
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 device achieves efficient gas-liquid separation with low liquid content in air and air content in liquid, reducing slug flow impacts and enhancing separation efficiency, thus improving oil-gas recovery rates and reducing equipment costs.
Implementation Method 1
the working principle of GLCC is to perform gas-liquid separation mainly by the conversion of flow patterns at the entrance and by the swirling inside of the cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a second-stage horizontal vane wheel swirling generating rapid axial flow degassing operation
Implementation Method 3
a third-stage vertical reversing deep degassing operation according to the wet gas reversing tube
Implementation Method 4
The microporous uniform mixer breaks large bubbles of the primary fluid according to squirrel-cage reduced micropores of the micropore tube, and thus forms a gas-liquid uniform mixed flow containing small bubbles
Data Source
AI summary
The three-stage axial flow degassing device adopts an efficient degassing technology including a vertical high speed swirling field, a horizontal rapid axial flow field and a vertical reversing scrubbing field formed by a combination of vertical tubes; the first-stage degasser performs the first-stage segmental vertical high speed swirling degassing operation, removes the gas phase carried by the gas-containing fluid, and forms a primary gas and a primary fluid; the microporous uniform mixer breaks bubbles of the primary fluid and forms a gas-liquid uniform mixed flow; the second-stage degasser performs the second-stage horizontal vane wheel swirling generating rapid axial flow degassing operation, removes the gas phase carried by the gas-liquid uniform mixed flow, and forms a secondary gas and a secondary fluid; the third-stage degasser performs the third-stage vertical reversing deep degassing operation, removes liquid phase carried by the secondary gas, and forms a tertiary gas and a tertiary fluid.