Laser-Heated Reactor for Subsea Scale Complexation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The efficiency of chelating agent treatments for removing saline scales in subsea oil production systems is limited by temperature reductions due to heat exchange, making it difficult to maintain the required temperature for effective complexation reactions, especially in deep water depths where equipment cooling occurs.

Innovation Solution

The use of a laser system adapted to a reactor for controlled application of laser radiation to promote thermal catalysis of chelating agents with barium sulfate and strontium sulfate salts, increasing the reaction temperature for enhanced scale removal efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If chelating solution is pumped through subsea equipment for scale removal, then the treatment reaches the scaled equipment, but the solution cools down due to heat exchange with the equipment, reducing reaction efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature of chelating solutionVSAvoidefficiency of complexation reaction

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The chelating solution is preheated to the required temperature (60-80°C) before being pumped into the subsea equipment, ensuring that the solution maintains optimal temperature for the complexation reaction throughout the treatment process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional thermal heating systems with a laser-based heating system that directly heats the chelating solution through laser radiation, eliminating the need for complex thermal management infrastructure in the subsea environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If conventional thermal heating is used to maintain solution temperature, then reaction efficiency improves, but system complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of complexation reactionVSAvoidcomplexity of heating system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the heating method from conventional thermal conduction/convection to direct laser irradiation, fundamentally altering the physical parameter of heat transfer and enabling temperature control without mechanical heating devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach improves the efficiency of scale removal treatments by maintaining optimal temperatures for complexation reactions, reducing production losses and facilitating maintenance in subsea systems.

Implementation Method 1

adaptation of a laser system in a reactor for the application of laser radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser radiation: Laser

Implementation Method 2

promote the thermal catalysis of the complexation reactions of barium sulfate (BaSO4) and/or strontium sulfate (SrSO4)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal catalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS20220410317A1Arrangement of a laser radiation for catalysis in complexation reactions

Publication Date: 2022.12.29 PETROLEO BRASILEIRO SA PETROBRAS

AI summary

The present invention addresses to an adaptation of a laser system in a reactor for the application of laser radiation, promoting the thermal catalysis of the complexation reactions of barium sulfate (BaSO4), strontium sulfate (SrSO4) and CaCO3 with application in fields of drilling and completion of wells, as well as lifting and draining systems; in this case, aiming at the removal of scale at an appropriate temperature for the complexation and consequent dissolution of the scale salt in subsea equipment of the production systems.