Modular Fluid Injection System for Subsea Well Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid injection systems for wells are costly and difficult to maintain, especially in sub-sea environments, as they require complex and expensive procedures for repair and replacement, and lack efficient measurement and control mechanisms for fluid flow and pressure.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid injection system incorporating an ultrasonic flow meter, adjustable valve, and non-return valve, capable of being inserted and removed using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), which includes redundant measurement systems for fluid flow and pressure, and positional feedback control to manage fluid injection accurately and efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex fluid injection systems are used for well maintenance and enhancement, then measurement and control precision is improved, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (flow measurement, pressure measurement, fluid injection, and control) into a single integrated modular unit. The flow meter, pressure sensor, injection valve, and control electronics are merged into one compact assembly that can be installed as a single package in the well system, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise measurement and control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular injection system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it measures fluid flow rate, measures pressure, controls chemical injection, and provides positional feedback. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices for each function, simplifying the overall system while improving measurement precision through integrated sensing and control.
2Reliability
If traditional fluid injection systems are installed in sub-sea environments, then well maintenance capability is improved, but ease of repair and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components that can be independently replaced. The flow meter, injection valve, and control electronics are separate replaceable modules within the injection unit, allowing specific faulty components to be replaced without replacing the entire system. This segmentation dramatically simplifies repair operations in sub-sea environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic positioning feedback and adjustable flow control that allow the injection parameters to be changed remotely without physical intervention. The adjustable injection rate and positional feedback capability enable the system to adapt to changing well conditions, maintaining reliability while reducing the need for physical repairs.
3Productivity
If chemical injection is performed to extend well life and enhance resource extraction, then productivity is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses flow meter and pressure sensor feedback to continuously monitor injection parameters and adjust chemical delivery in real-time. The positional feedback from the injection valve provides precise control over chemical dosing, ensuring that only the necessary amount of chemical is injected to achieve the desired well enhancement effect, thereby reducing chemical consumption while maintaining productivity gains.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables precise control of chemical injection rates, allowing operators to use partial action (smaller, more targeted chemical doses) rather than excessive chemical injection. The adjustable valve and flow monitoring allow for optimized chemical delivery that achieves well enhancement with minimal chemical usage, reducing both cost and environmental impact.
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 enables precise measurement and control of fluid flow and pressure, reducing maintenance costs and extending the life of wells by allowing for controlled injection of chemicals, thereby enhancing resource extraction rates and well longevity.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic flow meter, adjustable valve, and non-return valve, capable of being inserted and removed using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), which includes redundant measurement systems for fluid flow and pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a fluid injection system configured to removably couple to a mineral extraction system, wherein the fluid injection system includes a fluid injection system controller, a flow meter system coupled to the fluid injection system controller, wherein the flow meter system is configured to measure a fluid flow of a fluid through the fluid injection system, an adjustable valve configured to control the fluid flow through the fluid injection system, and a non-return valve configured to block reverse flow of the fluid through the fluid injection system, wherein the fluid injection system controller, the flow meter system, the adjustable valve, and the non-return valve are coupled to a common housing.