Modular Polymer Storage and Dissolution System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for storing and dissolving water-soluble polymers for enhanced oil and gas recovery are inefficient due to high costs, logistical complexities, and environmental concerns, particularly in onshore and offshore fields, where storage installations are bulky, difficult to transport, and prone to polymer accumulation and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A modular, intermodal container system for storing and dissolving water-soluble polymer particles, featuring a horizontal screw for mechanical conveyance and self-cleaning filters, which allows for efficient polymer distribution and dissolution, reducing storage footprint and environmental impact while ensuring continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If water-soluble polymers are stored in liquid form (dilute solution or inverse emulsion), then ease of operation is improved, but storage volume increases and transport cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the polymer from liquid (dilute solution or inverse emulsion) to solid particles. This parameter change reduces storage volume by a factor of 5 to 10 times while maintaining ease of operation through automated handling systems. The solid particles are fed into a dissolution apparatus where they are automatically dissolved in water to produce the required polymer solution.
2Ease of operation
If water-soluble polymers are stored in liquid form, then ease of operation is improved, but environmental harm increases due to spill contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polymer form from liquid to solid particles, which are contained in closed silos and hoppers. This eliminates the environmental harm associated with liquid spills while maintaining operational ease through automated feeding systems. The solid particles can be handled in closed containers, preventing contamination during storage, transfer, and dissolution operations.
3Volume of stationary object
If water-soluble polymers are stored in powder form in vertical hoppers, then storage volume is reduced, but device complexity increases and transport difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage and dissolution system into modular components: storage silos, dissolution hoppers, and dissolution apparatus. Each module can be independently sized and configured based on specific field requirements. The dissolution apparatus is designed as a self-contained unit that can be easily transported and installed, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining compact storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional vertical hopper storage to a modular three-dimensional arrangement where storage silos are positioned above dissolution hoppers, which are integrated with the dissolution apparatus. This spatial optimization reduces the footprint while maintaining efficient material flow, and the modular design allows for flexible configuration and easy transport.
4Quantity of substance
If traditional storage installations are used, then storage capacity is achieved, but adaptability decreases due to fixed configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the polymer treatment system into separate functional modules: storage silos, dissolution hoppers, and dissolution apparatus. Each module can be independently sized and configured to match specific field requirements, providing adaptability while maintaining adequate storage capacity. The modular design allows flexible arrangement and scaling based on the specific needs of different oil or gas fields.
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 facilitates efficient storage, metering, and dissolution of water-soluble polymers, reducing logistical and environmental challenges, and enabling flexible, cost-effective enhanced oil and gas recovery operations with minimal equipment footprint.
Implementation Method 1
the bottom of container B comprises a means for setting the polymer in motion in the form of a horizontal screw
Data Source
AI summary
An installation for storing, metering, and dissolving water-soluble polymer particles, in particular for enhanced oil and/or gas recovery operations, includes a so-called “polymer dissolution” container A and at least one so-called “polymer storage and distribution” container B positioned upon container A. The bottom of container B and the roof of container A each have an opening facing one another allowing the passage of the polymer from container B into the supply mechanism of container A. The installation further includes a connection mechanism able to work with the polymer supply mechanism.