Multiphase Fluid Compression via Motive Liquid Entrainment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for compressing multiphase hydrocarbon fluids in hydrocarbon production, particularly offshore, are inefficient and pose safety concerns due to the need for large separation tanks and mechanical transmission, which are not suitable for high-pressure operations and require complex maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two modules: the first module separates and compresses the liquid fraction, while the second module compresses and entrains the gas fraction using a motive liquid, with both processes occurring in vertical or inclined pipes and dummy wells, allowing for high-pressure operation without mechanical transmission across chamber walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional separation tanks are used to separate gas and liquid phases, then phase separation is achieved, but the installation size becomes very large and high pressure operation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the multiphase fluid handling into separate gas compression and liquid pumping streams. Gas and liquid are separated by a compact separator, then each phase is compressed independently by appropriate devices (compressor for gas, pump for liquid), eliminating the need for a single large high-pressure separation tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the conventional mechanical high-pressure separation tank system with a dual-stream compression system using a compact separator followed by independent gas and liquid compression devices, achieving both compact size and high pressure capability.
2Power
If mechanical transmission is positioned on either side of chamber walls to apply forces to fluids, then compression is achieved, but safety problems arise due to potential leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the mechanical transmission components from the high-pressure chamber environment. The compressor and pump are positioned outside the high-pressure containment chamber, with only fluid connections penetrating the chamber wall, thereby eliminating mechanical transmission across chamber walls and associated leakage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber wall itself acts as an intermediary barrier, separating the high-pressure fluid environment from the mechanical transmission components. Fluid is transmitted through sealed connections rather than mechanical forces being transmitted across the wall, eliminating the leakage hazard.
3Device complexity
If multiphase pumps are used to compress multiphase fluid without phase separation, then device complexity is reduced, but the device becomes bulky and requires complex maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a single complex multiphase pump, the invention segments the compression function into separate gas compression and liquid pumping units. This approach uses conventional, well-manufactured components that are easier to produce and maintain compared to a single integrated multiphase pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses conventional, proven technologies (separators, compressors, pumps) that have established manufacturing processes and maintenance procedures, rather than developing or using complex multiphase pump technology that requires specialized manufacturing and maintenance expertise.
4Stress or pressure
If large volume separation tanks are used for high pressure operation, then phase separation is maintained, but wall thickness must be very thick increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the high-pressure operation into separate gas and liquid compression streams, each handled by appropriate equipment operating at the required pressure. The separator operates at lower pressure and compact size, while the compressor and pump handle the high-pressure requirements, eliminating the need for a thick-walled high-pressure separation tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the thick-walled high-pressure separation tank with a compact separator followed by high-pressure compression devices, achieving high pressure operation without the structural complexity of a thick-walled pressure vessel designed for 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
This approach enables robust, safe, and efficient compression of multiphase fluids to high pressures, minimizing installation size, eliminating the need for safety valves, and allowing for modular capacity adjustments, suitable for subsea applications and slug flow conditions.
Implementation Method 1
compression of the gas fraction obtained in step (a), to obtain a compressed gas fraction; wherein step (b) comprises the following substeps: (b1) entrainment of the gas fraction obtained in step (a) using a motive liquid, to obtain a pressurized mixture of gas fraction and motive liquid
Implementation Method 2
separation of the pressurized mixture obtained in the preceding step to obtain, on the one hand, a compressed gas fraction and, on the other hand, an auxiliary liquid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for increasing the pressure of a liquid/gas multiphase fluid, and a method for compressing a gaseous fluid, comprising:(b1) entrainment of the gaseous fluid using a motive liquid, to obtain a pressurized mixture of gas and motive liquid;(b2) separation of the pressurized mixture obtained in the preceding step in order to obtain, on the one hand, a compressed gas, and on the other hand, an auxiliary liquid.The invention further relates to devices for this purpose.Application to the production of hydrocarbons.