Multi-Phase Pump System with Axial Compression and Radial Delivery Stages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pump systems for multi-phase mixtures, such as crude oil with natural gas and water, face efficiency decreases with high gas content, requiring large separators and higher costs at higher gas/liquid ratios, and existing solutions are not optimal for space-constrained applications with high delivery heights.
Innovation Solution
A pump system with axial compression stages and radial delivery stages, including a separator for initial phase separation, allowing for compact design and high delivery heights, and a control unit to regulate the pumping device speed based on separator fill levels, with a return line to maintain optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a separator is used to separate the gaseous phase from the liquid phase in conventional conveyor systems, then the pumping efficiency is maintained, but the separator has a comparatively large volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the axial compression stage and radial delivery stages into a single integrated pumping device with a common shaft, allowing the system to handle high gas/liquid ratios while maintaining compact separator volume. The axial stage compresses the multi-phase mixture to reduce volumetric gas/liquid ratio, enabling subsequent radial stages to operate efficiently with a smaller separator.
2Volume of stationary object
If a multiphase pump is used to pump multiphase mixtures with high gas/liquid ratio, then the separator volume can be reduced, but the delivery head is limited to a maximum of 1000 m
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pumping function into two distinct stages: an axial compression stage for handling high gas/liquid ratios and reducing volumetric gas/liquid ratio, followed by radial delivery stages for generating high delivery head. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for its specific function, achieving both compact separator volume and high delivery head capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If axial compression stages are used to reduce the volumetric gas/liquid ratio, then conventional radial impeller pumps can be used, but a larger number of axial pump stages and higher speeds are required which increases cost and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the axial compression stage parameters including impeller blade geometry, number of stages (1-6, particularly 2-4), and operating speed to achieve effective gas/liquid ratio reduction while minimizing the number of stages and maintaining reliable operation. The design balances compression effectiveness with mechanical reliability and cost considerations.
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
Enables efficient pumping of multi-phase mixtures with high gas content at high delivery heights while maintaining a compact separator volume, reducing costs and ensuring reliable operation across varying fill levels.
Implementation Method 1
The pumping device contains one or more axial compression stages, each with an axial or semi-axial impeller
Implementation Method 2
one or more delivery stages, each with a radial impeller, which are arranged downstream of the axial compression stage or stages
Implementation Method 3
a separator on the inlet side of the pumping device in order to separate the gaseous phase or a part thereof
Data Source
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AI summary
A pump system (1) is provided for the pumping of multiphase mixtures which includes a pumping apparatus (3) for multiphase mixtures with at least one liquid phase and at least one gaseous phase. The pumping apparatus (3) contains one or more axial compression stages with one respective axial impeller each and one or more pumping stages with a respective one radial impeller each which are arranged adjoining the axial compression stage or stages, wherein the pump system (1) additionally includes a separator (2) at the inlet side of the pumping apparatus (3) to separate a portion of the gaseous phase and wherein the pumping apparatus (3) is configured for delivery heads larger than 50 m.