Liquid-Liquid Ejector Emulsion Generation for EOR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional emulsion generation techniques for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) are batch-based, leading to inefficiencies due to thermodynamic instability, logistical challenges, batch-to-batch variations, and difficulties in scaling for large quantities, especially in generating stable emulsions for hydrocarbon formations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing liquid-liquid ejectors to continuously generate stable emulsions by mixing motive and suction fluids, with the option to adjust water salinity and pump speed to control the emulsion phase, and adding surfactants to enhance stability, allowing for on-demand production and adjustable water-to-oil ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If batch mixing methods are used to generate emulsions, then emulsions can be produced and stored for later use, but the emulsions become thermodynamically unstable and separate over time, affecting their efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous emulsion generation through a circulating loop system where emulsion is constantly produced and circulated rather than batch-produced and stored. The continuous circulation prevents phase separation by maintaining constant mixing and energy input, eliminating the stability issues associated with stored batch emulsions.
2Productivity
If large mechanical stirrers are used for emulsion generation, then emulsions can be produced, but the equipment consumes high power and cannot generate stable emulsions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic circulation system using a centrifugal pump to drive the emulsion through the circulating loop and through static mixing elements. This hydraulic approach replaces large mechanical stirrers with a more energy-efficient pump-driven flow system that achieves emulsion generation through fluid dynamics rather than direct mechanical agitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical stirring mechanisms with a combination of hydraulic circulation and static mixing elements. The emulsion is generated through the interaction of fluids flowing through specially designed static mixers in the circulating loop, eliminating the need for high-power mechanical stirrers while maintaining production capability.
3Ease of operation
If emulsions are stored and transported to the wellsite, then logistics can be managed, but the stored emulsion may expire or degrade before use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the emulsion components (acid mixture and emulsifying agent) in advance in separate storage tanks at the wellsite, but the actual emulsion generation occurs continuously on-demand through the circulating loop system. This preliminary preparation of components without pre-mixing allows logistics to be managed while ensuring the emulsion is fresh and effective when needed for injection.
4Ease of manufacture
If batch mixing is used for small volumes of acid emulsion, then the process is manageable, but scaling up for large volumes required in EOR becomes very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the emulsion generation process into separate functional components: acid mixture preparation, emulsifying agent addition, circulating loop with static mixers, and discharge. This segmentation allows the system to handle large volumes by distributing the mixing function throughout the circulation loop rather than requiring one large batch mixer, making scaling feasible while maintaining process manageability.
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 enables the production of stable emulsions on-demand, reducing storage and transportation issues, minimizing batch-to-batch variations, and allowing for flexible water-to-oil ratios, thus improving the efficiency and scalability of emulsion generation for EOR processes.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid-liquid ejector applying suction to a second inlet of the liquid-liquid ejector via the flow of motive fluid through the liquid-liquid ejector
Implementation Method 2
mixing the motive fluid and the suction fluid in the liquid-liquid ejector
Implementation Method 3
adding one or more surfactants to the motive fluid and/or the suction fluid upstream of the liquid-liquid ejector
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for generating stable emulsions may employ one or more liquid-liquid ejectors for mixing the oil with water through motive and suction streams to produce the emulsion as a discharge stream. One or more motive tanks may be fluidly coupled to the one or more liquid-liquid ejectors; the one or more motive tanks may supply the one or more liquid-liquid ejectors with a motive fluid. One or more suction tanks may be fluidly coupled to the one or more liquid-liquid ejectors; the one or more suction tanks may supply the one or more liquid-liquid ejectors with a suction fluid. One or more discharge tanks may be fluidly coupled to the one or more liquid-liquid ejectors; the one or more discharge tanks may collect an emulsion from the one or more liquid-liquid ejectors. Additionally, a flow line coupled to the one or more discharge tanks may feed the emulsions into a formation.