Modular MPD Vessel for Flexible Sand Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MultiPhase Desanding (MPD) systems are cumbersome, logistically challenging, and costly, requiring multiple equipment setups and frequent maintenance due to their inflexible design, which limits their ability to handle varying operational demands and high-pressure applications.
Innovation Solution
A modified MPD vessel with standardized inlet and outlet configurations allows for the coupling of either sand filter or sand cyclone elements without pipework modifications, enabling quick swaps and increased flexibility, along with a central valve manifold for simplified operation and expanded capacity through daisy-chaining additional vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional MPD systems use multiple separate equipment setups for sand filtering, then sand removal capability is provided, but system complexity and logistical challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate MPD equipment setups into a single integrated filtration vessel that can accommodate both sand filter and sand cyclone elements. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate equipment setups while maintaining sand removal capability, thereby reducing system complexity and logistical challenges.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration vessel is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate different types of filtration elements (sand filter and sand cyclone). This multi-functionality allows a single vessel to perform various sand removal functions that previously required separate dedicated equipment, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional MPD systems use dedicated filter vessels for each filtration element, then filtration function is maintained, but adaptability to varying operational demands decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration vessel is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different types of filtration elements (sand filter and sand cyclone) within the same vessel. This allows the system to adapt to varying operational demands by switching between different filtration elements or configurations without requiring dedicated vessels for each type.
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel design allows dynamic reconfiguration of filtration elements based on operational needs. The standardized inlet and outlet configurations enable flexible arrangement and replacement of different filtration elements, providing adaptability to varying operational demands while maintaining reliable filtration function.
3Reliability
If conventional MPD systems require pipework modifications for element swaps, then proper connection is ensured, but maintenance time and operational downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel is pre-configured with standardized inlet and outlet connections that are designed to accommodate different filtration elements without requiring modifications. This preliminary preparation of standardized interfaces enables quick element swaps during maintenance without the need for pipework modifications, reducing operational downtime while ensuring proper connection integrity.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional MPD systems use multiple separate vessels, then filtration capacity is provided, but logistical challenges and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate filtration vessels into a single integrated vessel that can accommodate multiple filtration elements (sand filter and sand cyclone) simultaneously. This consolidation maintains the required filtration capacity while significantly reducing logistical challenges and costs associated with transporting, installing, and maintaining multiple separate vessels.
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 configuration simplifies maintenance, reduces logistical complexities, and enhances the system's ability to handle higher throughputs and increased solids holdup capacity, reducing the frequency of purging and allowing for more efficient and cost-effective operation.
Implementation Method 1
A solid laden production flow is forced under pressure into the inlet section of the cyclone element via a tangential inlet port. This, together with the presence of a gas phase, causes the production flow to spin at a very high velocity creating a high G radial acceleration field. As the sand particles are the densest particles present in the production fluid, they are forced radially outwards towards the cyclone structure inner wall.
Implementation Method 2
The sand filter unit typically consists of a pair of tall, thin filtration vessels each housing a cylindrical filter screen element whereby, the recovered fluid or 'production flow' is fed through an inlet above the cylindrical screen. The production flow typically travels vertically down through the centre of the cylindrical screen, through the screen and exits the vessel via an outlet mounted on the side of the sand filter vessel.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a modified MPD vessel which allows the coupling of identical secondary MPD vessels, which can house either sand filter and/or sand cyclonic MPD internals, to the vessel without the need for any vessel or pipework modifications whereby, a plurality of these MPD vessels can be further coupled using identical inlet and outlet configurations. This configuration of MPD vessels allows for improved means for removing produced solids from a hydrocarbon fluid stream and allows for a vastly more flexible system as a whole.