Manifold-Based Chemical Injection Path Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clogged conduits in the oil and gas industry hinder the effective injection of chemicals, which are essential for fluid transport and production, as existing systems lack alternative paths to ensure continuous chemical delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a conduit with multiple injection points and a manifold that distributes chemicals based on pressure changes, switching between primary and alternative injection points to maintain fluid flow and alleviate clogs, utilizing a pressure detection and control mechanism to adjust chemical flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single injection point is used in the conduit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of chemical injection deteriorates when clogs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is divided into multiple segments with separate injection points at different locations. Each injection point can independently receive chemical through dedicated flow lines from the manifold, allowing localized treatment of clogs in different conduit segments without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold incorporates dynamic flow control capabilities that allow real-time switching between different injection points based on detected clog locations. The system can dynamically redirect chemical flow from blocked paths to alternative injection points, maintaining continuous operational reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple injection points are added to the conduit, then the ability to clear clogs is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes chemical to multiple injection points, detects pressure changes indicating clogs, and controls flow distribution to different pathways. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold acts as an intermediary device that mediates between the chemical source and multiple injection points. It provides a centralized control point that simplifies the complexity by consolidating flow control and distribution logic in a single component rather than requiring complex distributed control at each injection point.
3Productivity
If chemical flow is redirected to alternative paths, then the productivity is maintained during clogs, but the measurement precision of clog location deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pressure sensors at multiple locations along the conduit that provide continuous feedback about pressure changes. When a clog is detected at a specific location, the feedback mechanism triggers automatic redirection of chemical flow to alternative injection points, ensuring productivity maintenance while preserving accurate clog location information through the sensor network.
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
Ensures continuous chemical injection by detecting pressure changes and redirecting flow to clear clogs, maintaining fluid transport efficiency and preventing conduit blockages.
Implementation Method 1
The manifold is configured to distribute the chemical to the first injection point and the second injection point according to a location of a clog in the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
An alternative chemical injection path system that includes a conduit and a manifold. The conduit has a first injection point configured at a first distance from a first end of the conduit and a second injection point configured at a second distance from the first end, with the second distance being different than the first distance. The manifold has an inlet and first and second outlets. The inlet is configured for receiving a chemical, while the first outlet is fluidly coupled to the first injection point, and the second outlet is fluidly coupled to the second injection point. The manifold is configured to distribute the chemical to the first injection point and the second injection point according to a location of a clog in the conduit.