Manifold Flow Splitter for Multiphase Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to effectively split multiphase flows, particularly in subsea systems, where equal distribution of liquid and gas is challenging, especially when the liquid volume is small compared to gas volume, and there is a need for controlled splitting to prevent hydrate formation and ensure equal loading of flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A flow system comprising a manifold with a horizontal main pipe section and outlets connected at a downward angle of 35-50 degrees, allowing the liquid phase to settle at the bottom and the gas phase to rise, enabling equal distribution of the multiphase flow into several smaller flows, which can then be cooled and recombined.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional flow splitters (tank with standpipes or hub configuration) are used to distribute multiphase flow, then the flow can be divided into multiple paths, but the distribution is uneven with one outlet potentially containing only gas or liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the flow splitter, specifically using a cylindrical geometry with outlets positioned at specific angular intervals (e.g., 90 degrees apart) and at optimized distances from the inlet. This geometric parameter optimization ensures that each outlet captures an equal fraction of the multiphase flow, maintaining consistent phase composition across all outlets even when liquid volume is small compared to gas volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric outlet positioning relative to the inlet, with outlets arranged at specific angular positions around the cylindrical chamber. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with the cylindrical geometry, creates equal flow paths to each outlet, ensuring balanced distribution of multiphase flow regardless of the liquid-to-gas volume ratio.
2Productivity
If the liquid volume flow is small compared to gas volume flow, then gas can be easily transported, but equal distribution of liquid and gas becomes extremely challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes geometric parameters including the cylindrical chamber dimensions, outlet radius, outlet positioning angles, and outlet distances from the inlet. These parameter adjustments ensure that even trace amounts of liquid are evenly distributed with the gas phase across all outlets, preventing liquid accumulation in any single line while maintaining high gas transport efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple identical flow paths by positioning outlets symmetrically around the cylindrical chamber. Each outlet serves as a copy of the others, ensuring that the same flow conditions and phase distribution are replicated across all outlets, which is critical for equal loading of parallel flow lines.
3Temperature
If multiphase flow is split into parallel flow lines, then cooling requirements can be reduced, but without proper splitting control hydrate formation cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates identical flow paths to each outlet, ensuring that each parallel flow line receives an equal fraction of the multiphase flow with consistent phase composition. This equal distribution prevents any single line from receiving excessive liquid that could lead to hydrate formation during cooling, while still achieving the benefit of reduced cooling load through flow splitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates flow meters or sensors on each outlet line to monitor flow distribution and phase composition. This feedback mechanism allows for real-time detection of unequal flow distribution or phase separation, enabling corrective action to prevent hydrate formation while maintaining the cooling load reduction benefits of flow splitting.
4Quantity of substance
If complex flow splitting devices with multiple components are used, then flow distribution can be controlled, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal cylindrical manifold design that can accommodate any number of outlets by simply adding more outlets at appropriate angular intervals. This single cylindrical geometry serves multiple functions: it distributes flow equally to all outlets, maintains phase composition consistency, and scales flexibly from 2 to many outlets without requiring different device types or complex internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the flow distribution function into simple, identical outlet positions around the cylindrical chamber. Each outlet is a simple opening at a defined angular position and distance from the inlet, eliminating the need for complex valves, adjustable mechanisms, or multiple different component types while achieving precise flow control.
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 solution ensures efficient splitting and cooling of multiphase flows, facilitating the prevention of hydrate formation and allowing for easier calculation of cooling unit requirements and inhibitor injection by maintaining equal flow fractions, thereby addressing the challenges of subsea multiphase flow management.
Implementation Method 1
where the centre axis of the outlet pipes, at the outlet, crosses the longitudinal axis of the lower part of the manifold or the main pipe section... the liquid phase to settle at the bottom and the gas phase to rise
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 4C~5B
AI summary
The present invention regards a manifold for use in a flow system, comprising a longitudinal main pipe section (1) with one inlet (13) connectable to a feed pipe (9) and at least two outlets (14) arranged in a row along the main pipe section (1), where a centre axis (15) of the main pipe section (1) during normal use extends in a mainly horizontal direction. The outlets (14) are arranged in a lower half of the main pipe section (1) and connected to outlet pipe sections (22) arranged with a centre axis (21) extending with an downward angle from the main pipe section (1). The invention also regards a method for distributing a mixed flow into several pipes and a method for cooling a multiphase fluid.