Multi-phase Fluid Pump with Buffer Chambers for Gas Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic gas compressors in oil and gas field environments face challenges such as contamination of hydraulic fluid, inefficient operation, and increased costs due to the handling of oil and gas mixtures with varying ratios, and the need for improved fluid pumps and control systems to manage multi-phase fluids effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase fluid pump system with a driving fluid system comprising two driving fluid cylinders and a fluid pump cylinder, including buffer chambers to inhibit the movement of non-driving fluid components, ensuring efficient pressurization and separation of gas and oil phases, and a method for pumping multi-phase fluids with varying gas-to-liquid ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a hydraulic gas compressor is used to compress natural gas in an oil and gas field environment, then the natural gas can be compressed and transported, but the hydraulic fluid in the compressor becomes contaminated with natural gas components
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor is divided into separate compression chambers (first and second compression chambers) that are isolated from each other by a partition wall. Each chamber has its own piston and driving mechanism, allowing independent operation. This segmentation prevents contamination between chambers while maintaining overall compression functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A buffer chamber is introduced as an intermediary component between the compression chambers and the hydraulic fluid system. The buffer chamber receives and accommodates natural gas and its components, preventing direct contact with the hydraulic fluid while still enabling the compression process to proceed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pump is used to handle oil and gas mixtures with varying ratios, then the pump can process multi-phase fluids, but the pump operation becomes inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system incorporates adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to varying oil/gas ratios. The pump chamber can be configured to handle different phases of fluid, and the system can adjust its operation based on the actual mixture composition, maintaining efficiency across varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system utilizes changes in physical parameters such as pressure, temperature, and phase state to efficiently handle varying oil/gas ratios. By controlling these parameters, the pump can effectively process multi-phase fluids without significant loss of efficiency.
3Productivity
If natural gas is present in the well shaft during oil extraction, then the well can produce both oil and gas, but the natural gas creates back pressure that restricts oil flow
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes natural gas from the well shaft using the compressor, separating it from the oil flow path. By taking out the gas phase, the back pressure on the oil is reduced, allowing oil to flow more freely to the pump while still capturing the gas for separate processing.
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 effectively pressurizes and separates multi-phase fluids, reducing contamination risks and operational inefficiencies, enhancing the flow of oil and gas in well systems while maintaining hydraulic fluid purity and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid pump piston movable within the fluid pump chamber and operable to pressurize a multi-phase fluid located within the fluid pump chamber
Implementation Method 2
a driving fluid piston movable within the driving fluid chamber when in operation of the pump system
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are disclosed for pumping a multi-phase fluid from an oil well. The method may comprise delivering a flow of a multi-phase fluid to a multi-phase fluid pumping system, wherein the multi-phase fluid has a gas/liquid ratio that varies during operation. The multi-phase fluid pumping system is operated to increase the pressure of the multi-phase fluid that is delivered thereto. Thereafter the flow of pressurized multi-phase fluid is delivered from the multi-phase fluid pumping system to one or more discharge conduits. The pump system may have a pump fluid chamber between opposed pairs of buffer chambers and driving fluid chambers. Seals may be provided to seal the respective chambers.