Mobile H2S Removal System for Oilfield Effluents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing hydrogen sulfide from oilfield effluents are costly, complex, time-consuming, and ineffective at removing large-scale quantities, often damaging equipment and posing health risks, while also inadvertently removing desirable low-boiling hydrocarbons.
Innovation Solution
A mobile system comprising a pre-treatment subsystem, a vapor treatment subsystem, and a treatment subsystem interconnected by piping and valve systems, utilizing atomization and vacuum flashing to remove hydrogen sulfide, which can operate at low temperatures and is easily transportable and assembled, using liquid triazine or alternative scrubbing agents to treat vapors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If stripping gas is used to remove hydrogen sulfide, then hydrogen sulfide removal is achieved, but low boiling point hydrocarbons are also removed which are desirable to retain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating localized zones with different functions within the treatment system. The spray nozzle creates localized atomization zones where hydrogen sulfide is selectively removed, while the vacuum system creates localized low-pressure zones that favor hydrogen sulfide evaporation over hydrocarbon loss. This spatial differentiation allows selective removal of harmful substances while preserving valuable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters selectively to achieve differential removal. By controlling temperature, pressure, and spray characteristics, the system exploits differences in volatility and solubility between hydrogen sulfide and hydrocarbons. The vacuum pressure and spray atomization parameters are optimized to preferentially volatilize hydrogen sulfide while minimizing hydrocarbon loss.
2Quantity of substance
If large amounts of scavenger chemicals are used to remove hydrogen sulfide, then hydrogen sulfide removal effectiveness is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts hydrogen sulfide from the oilfield effluent through physical separation mechanisms rather than chemical reaction. The spray atomization and vacuum flashing process physically separates hydrogen sulfide from the effluent by exploiting its higher volatility, eliminating the need for scavenger chemicals and associated dosing, storage, and handling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the inherent properties of hydrogen sulfide (high volatility, low boiling point) to enable its own removal. The effluent is sprayed and flashed under vacuum, allowing hydrogen sulfide to self-volatilize and be removed without requiring external chemical agents. The process leverages the target substance's own characteristics for its removal.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional treatment methods are used, then hydrogen sulfide removal is achieved, but the methods are time-consuming and cannot be easily transported to and from sites
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment system is segmented into modular components including spray nozzles, vacuum system, and treatment chamber that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This modular segmentation enables the system to be transported in parts and quickly assembled at remote sites without requiring extensive infrastructure or complex installation procedures.
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
The system effectively and efficiently removes hydrogen sulfide from oilfield effluents, preserving desirable hydrocarbons and operating at low temperatures, making it inexpensive, simple, and quick to set up and transport, while ensuring worker safety and compliance with regulations.
Implementation Method 1
hydrogen sulfide is removed from the oilfield effluent by atomization and vacuum flashing
Implementation Method 2
hydrogen sulfide is removed from the oilfield effluent by atomization and vacuum flashing
Implementation Method 3
using liquid triazine or alternative scrubbing agents to treat vapors
Data Source
AI summary
Mobile treatment systems and methods for use in removing hydrogen sulfide from oilfield effluents. The systems and methods use a pre-treatment subsystem, a vapor treatment subsystem and a treatment subsystem interconnected by a plurality of piping and valve subsystems. The systems and methods are not dependent on pH and may operate at temperatures as low as −20° C. The systems are easily transported to, and readily assembled at a site and are inexpensive, simple, quick, and extremely effective at removing large-scale quantities of hydrogen sulfide from oilfield effluents.