Moveable Choke Pig for Pipeline Slug Flow Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pipelines in the oil and gas industry experience slugging issues due to the buildup of gas and liquid slugs, which reduce capacity and cause disruptions in downstream facilities.
Innovation Solution
A chokeable pig is introduced into the pipeline, anchored at predetermined locations to introduce a choke point, adjusting the pressure drop and optimizing fluid flow to prevent or eliminate slugging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a chokeable pig is anchored at a predetermined location to introduce a choke point, then fluid flow is optimized and slugging is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pig device is divided into functional segments: anchoring mechanism, adjustable choke, and de-anchoring system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the pig to anchor at predetermined locations, adjust pressure drop, and then de-anchor for retrieval without requiring a completely complex integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pig device transitions from a static object to a dynamic one by incorporating movable anchoring elements and an adjustable choke. The anchor can engage and disengage from the pipeline wall, and the choke opening can be modified, allowing the device to adapt its characteristics based on operational requirements for flow stabilization.
2Productivity
If the choke opening is adjusted to optimize fluid flow, then slugging is prevented, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The choke opening parameter is made adjustable to optimize fluid flow characteristics. By changing the choke opening size, the pressure drop across the pig can be controlled to prevent slugging while maintaining desired flow rates. This parameter adjustment capability allows adaptation to different pipeline conditions and flow requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates flow sensors and pressure sensors that provide feedback about pipeline conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the choke opening to be adjusted based on actual flow characteristics, enabling automatic optimization of throughput while preventing slugging without requiring constant manual intervention.
3Reliability
If the pig device is made to anchor and de-anchor at multiple locations, then flow optimization is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pig device is equipped with automatic anchoring and de-anchoring capabilities that activate based on predetermined conditions or locations. The anchor mechanism automatically engages when the pig reaches a predetermined location, and can automatically de-anchor when flow optimization is achieved or upon reaching a specified distance, reducing the need for continuous manual control.
Solution Approach 2:
Predetermined anchor locations and choke settings are established before pig deployment. The pig is pre-programmed with target locations and flow optimization parameters, allowing it to automatically navigate to these locations and implement the appropriate choke settings without requiring real-time manual intervention during deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to reduce slugging in a pipeline, including flowing a fluid flow through a pipeline having a fluid flow path extending therethrough and determining a presence of a slug within the fluid flow path of the pipeline. Launching a chokeable pig into the fluid flow path, anchoring the chokeable pig at a predetermined location within the fluid flow path, and adjusting the pressure drop through the pipeline.