Multi-Phase Fluid Separation Using Centered Riser Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water clarification systems in hydrocarbon-producing facilities face challenges in effectively separating and clarifying multi-phase fluids, particularly in reducing oil content and particulate matter in water, while maintaining low turbulence and ensuring efficient separation of components.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase fluid separation system comprising three enclosed tanks in series, each with a tubular riser configured to establish specific fluid circulation patterns, allowing for the separation of gas, oil, and particulate matter from water, with controlled liquid levels and quiet zones to minimize turbulence and enhance separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional water clarification systems are used, then oil and particulate matter separation is achieved, but turbulence is generated that reduces separation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the separation process into three distinct tanks, each handling specific separation functions. The first tank separates gas from liquid, the second separates oil from water, and the third provides final clarification. This segmentation allows each tank to operate with optimized flow patterns, minimizing turbulence in each stage and improving overall separation efficiency without requiring high-velocity flow that would create harmful turbulence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from horizontal flow separation to vertical flow separation by using upward-flowing fluid columns in centered risers. This vertical dimension allows gravity to act more effectively on separated components, with gas rising to the top and oil/particulates separating at different heights. The vertical configuration reduces horizontal turbulence while maintaining effective separation through gravitational settling in the vertical direction.
2Productivity
If high flow velocity is used to increase productivity, then processing capacity is improved, but turbulence increases that harms separation quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic flow control through centered risers that create upward-flowing fluid columns. The flow velocity is optimized to maintain upward movement for separation while avoiding excessive velocity that would create turbulence. The riser design allows the system to dynamically balance flow rate and separation quality, with the fluid column height and riser diameter configured to maintain laminar flow conditions even at higher processing capacities.
Solution Approach 2:
The centered risers act as intermediaries that guide fluid flow in a controlled upward path. These risers mediate between the inlet flow and the separation zones, distributing flow evenly and preventing direct high-velocity impact that would create turbulence. The risers transform the incoming flow into controlled upward-moving columns that facilitate separation without generating harmful turbulence in the main separation zones.
3Reliability
If multiple separation stages are added to improve separation quality, then component separation is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each tank in the three-tank system is designed with multi-functionality. The centered risers in each tank serve multiple purposes: they distribute incoming flow, create upward-flowing columns for separation, and provide structural support. The same basic tank design with centered riser can handle gas-liquid separation, oil-water separation, and final clarification, reducing overall system complexity through standardized multi-functional components rather than requiring specialized equipment for each separation stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the separation functions into a compact three-tank configuration where each tank handles a specific separation task in sequence. Rather than using complex single-vessel separators with multiple internal zones, the system combines three simpler tanks with standardized centered riser designs. This merging of functions into a series of simple, repeatable units reduces overall device complexity while achieving effective multi-stage separation.
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 achieves significant separation of oil and particulate matter from water, reducing oil content to less than 50 ppm and particulate matter size to under 200 microns, with improved gravity-based separation and reduced turbulence, resulting in a clean water outlet.
Implementation Method 1
configured to separate at least one of a gas component, an oil component, and a particulate matter component from a water component of the multi-phase fluid
Implementation Method 2
separation system for separating the components of a multi-phase fluid... separate at least one of a gas component, an oil component, and a particulate matter component from a water component
Implementation Method 3
established a fluid circulation pattern having a radially-outward travel first leg, a vertical travel second leg, and a radially-inward travel third leg
Implementation Method 4
with controlled liquid levels and quiet zones to minimize turbulence and enhance separation efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A separation system for separating the components of a multi-phase fluid includes at least three tanks coupled together in series, with each tank enclosing a column of multi-phase fluid and having a tubular center riser that is divided into a distribution section and a gathering section, and with each center riser being configured to established a fluid circulation pattern having a radially-outward travel first leg, a vertical travel second leg, and a radially-inward travel third leg within the corresponding column of multi-phase fluid that is configured to separate at least one of a gas component, an oil component, and a particulate matter component from a water component of the multi-phase fluid, and with the height of the columns of multi-phase fluid in the first tank and the second tank being substantially equal to each other and determined by the height of a pour-over opening in the center riser of the third tank.