Multi-Fluid Injection Mixer for Oil and Gas Pipelines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid mixers in the oil and gas sector face challenges in achieving full evaporation of injected fluids in a short pipeline length, preventing liquid buildup, and customizing fluid dispersion and evaporation parameters according to specific pipeline conditions.
Innovation Solution
The multi-fluid injection mixer features a convergent frustoconical portion and a divergent portion with an annular, concave curved portion, which induces turbulent flow and backflow recirculation to facilitate complete evaporation and uniform dispersion of injected fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If injection quills are used to inject liquid into process flow, then liquid can be introduced into the pipeline, but effective distribution of the liquid is poor and a high number of quills with complicated controls are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber is segmented into multiple zones with different flow characteristics. The liquid injection point is strategically positioned within the chamber where multiple process streams converge, creating natural segmentation of the liquid distribution without requiring multiple separate injection devices
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing chamber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an injection point for liquid, a mixing zone for thorough dispersion, and a flow distribution chamber. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate injection quills and controls for each function
2Quantity of substance
If static mixers are used to reduce fluid build-up, then mixing can be achieved, but large pressure drops occur causing expansion and cooling that leads to further liquid build-up
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using static mixers that create pressure drops to achieve mixing, the invention inverts the approach by using a mixing chamber design that leverages the existing high-velocity process flow to create mixing through geometric features. The chamber geometry induces turbulence and dispersion without requiring pressure reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical mixing action of static mixers with a flow-based mixing mechanism. The chamber geometry and flow patterns naturally create dispersion and mixing through the interaction of liquid injection with high-velocity process streams, eliminating the need for mechanical mixing elements that cause pressure drops
3Temperature
If heaters are used in combination with static mixers to reduce cooling of the flow, then liquid build-up can be reduced, but the amount of heat required is impractical for large LNG feedstocks
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber design allows the high-velocity process flow itself to provide the energy needed for mixing and heat transfer. The kinetic energy of the process stream naturally drives the dispersion and mixing processes, eliminating the need for external heating energy input
4Productivity
If injection is performed at low rate compared to process flow rate, then fluid injection can be achieved, but adequate dispersion and mixing of the injected fluid is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber introduces an additional spatial dimension for mixing by allowing the liquid to disperse in multiple directions within the chamber volume. The geometric features create three-dimensional flow patterns that enhance dispersion even at low injection rates, transforming a one-dimensional injection problem into a multi-dimensional mixing solution
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 ensures efficient mixing and evaporation of injected fluids, reducing liquid buildup and energy requirements, while allowing for customizable mixing parameters to suit varying pipeline conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The convergent frustoconical portion can extend from an upstream end to a downstream end... accelerating the first fluid, where the first fluid has a higher velocity than the second fluid such that the second fluid is broken up into droplets
Implementation Method 2
The divergent portion can comprise: a divergent frustoconical portion extending from an upstream end to a downstream end... which induces turbulent flow and backflow recirculation to facilitate complete evaporation and uniform dispersion of injected fluids
Implementation Method 3
mixing the first fluid and the second fluid... facilitates complete evaporation and uniform dispersion of injected fluids
Implementation Method 4
where the first fluid has a higher velocity than the second fluid such that the second fluid is broken up into droplets... mixing the first fluid and the second fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure includes mixing apparatuses comprising a pipe having an internal channel having a convergent frustoconical portion, and a divergent portion. The divergent portion may comprise a divergent frustoconical portion and an annular, concave curved portion. A plurality of injection ports may be spaced circumferentially in the convergent frustoconical portion and communicate a liquid into internal channel. The plurality of injection ports may define an opening in the internal channel having a first dimension in a circumferential direction that is larger than a second dimension in a longitudinal direction. The injection mixer may be configured to mix a first fluid flowing through the pipe with the second fluid to form a fully homogenous, dispersed fluid mixture.