MEG Salt Removal via Hydrocyclone Fluidization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing salt crystals and contaminants from MEG streams in the oil and gas industry require complex and expensive equipment, such as centrifugal filters, salt tanks, and density measurement devices, which occupy significant space and increase construction costs and maintenance complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing desanding hydrocyclones and solids fluidization devices to separate and remove salt from MEG streams, where a small portion of the recirculation pump flow is introduced into the first desanding hydrocyclone, and a swirling motive fluid stream is used to fluidize salt components, allowing for their separation and discharge, eliminating the need for centrifugal filters and other equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centrifugal filters, salt tanks, and density measurement devices are used to remove salt crystals, then salt removal effectiveness is improved, but system complexity and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the salt removal function from complex centrifugal filtration systems and implements it through a simplified hydrocyclone-based separation process. The hydrocyclone separates salt crystals from MEG using centrifugal force generated by the cyclonic flow, eliminating the need for complex centrifugal filters, salt tanks, and density measurement devices while maintaining effective salt removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles through the use of hydrocyclones that utilize fluid flow and centrifugal force to separate salt crystals from the MEG stream. The system uses water or MEG flow to generate the cyclonic motion necessary for separation, replacing mechanical centrifugal filtration systems with a hydraulic-based separation process.
2Reliability
If centrifugal filters and salt tanks are used for salt removal, then salt separation capability is improved, but system footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for large salt tanks and extensive filtration equipment by implementing a compact hydrocyclone separation system. The hydrocyclones perform salt crystal separation in a compact configuration, dramatically reducing the spatial footprint required for salt removal operations while maintaining effective separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (salt crystal separation, fluid circulation, and discharge) into an integrated hydrocyclone system. The hydrocyclones are directly connected to the flash separator and MEG recycle stream, eliminating the need for separate salt tanks, centrifugal filters, and associated piping, thereby reducing the overall system footprint.
3Productivity
If complex filtration systems are used for salt removal, then salt removal efficiency is improved, but operation and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic-based hydrocyclone separation that requires no moving parts, filters, or complex mechanical components. The system operates by introducing a portion of the MEG recycle stream or water into the hydrocyclone, where centrifugal force automatically separates salt crystals. This eliminates the need for filter replacements, motor maintenance, and complex operational procedures associated with centrifugal filtration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrocyclone system is self-regulating and requires minimal operational intervention. The separation process occurs automatically based on fluid flow dynamics, with salt crystals being separated and discharged based on density and centrifugal force. The system adapts to varying feed conditions without requiring manual adjustment of complex filtration parameters or mechanical components.
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 reduces the system footprint, lowers construction costs, and simplifies operation and maintenance by effectively removing salt without the need for complex filtration systems and tanks, while maintaining efficient salt removal and MEG recovery.
Implementation Method 1
A desanding hydrocyclone located in a hot MEG recycle stream or loop of the flash separator
Implementation Method 2
introducing a swirling motive fluid stream into a bottom end of an accumulator to form a salt slurry stream
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A system for, and method of, recovering salt from a rich mono ethylene glycol MEG stream (23) includes a flash separator (20) having a desanding hydrocyclone (70) located in the hot MEG recycle loop (35) of the flash separator (20); a first solids fluidization device (40) located at the bottom end (37) of the flash separator's brine column (29); a second desanding hydrocyclone (100) arranged to receive a salt slurry stream (53) created by the first solids fluidization device (40); and an accumulator (80) located downstream of the second desanding hydrocyclone (100) and having a second solids fluidization device (90) located at its bottom end. Each solids fluidization device (40, 90) includes means for causing the motive fluid to exit the device in a swirling motion to fluidize the salt components contained in the resident fluid. The overflow (103) from the second desanding hydrocyclone (100) is the motive fluid for the brine column (29) and a produced water, condensate water, or seawater stream is the motive fluid for the accumulator (80).