Integrated Flow Conditioning Reservoir for Multiphase Slug Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-phase fluid compression systems face challenges with liquid content variability, particularly 'slugs' of liquid, which cause load imbalances and operational issues in compressors, and previous solutions are bulky and inefficient due to separate flow conditioner components.

Innovation Solution

A compact apparatus using an elongate reservoir integrated into the supply pipe for gas-liquid separation, allowing for stable liquid flow and recombination with gas, eliminating the need for a separate bulky flow conditioner and enabling efficient compression by maintaining constant torque control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a separate flow conditioner reservoir is used to accommodate liquid surges, then liquid flow stability is improved, but device volume and structural complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid flow stabilityVSAvoidreservoir volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the flow conditioner reservoir function with the existing supply pipe by creating an elongate reservoir section within the pipe structure itself. This integration eliminates the need for a separate external reservoir, reducing overall device volume while maintaining the liquid surge accommodation capability. The supply pipe is transformed to serve dual purposes: fluid transport and liquid surge buffering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The supply pipe is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the fluid transport conduit and the flow conditioner reservoir. By making the supply pipe itself the reservoir, the system achieves multi-functionality, eliminating redundant components and reducing structural complexity while maintaining liquid flow stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If small pipe diameters are used for separation, then separation efficiency is improved, but fluid flow velocity increases causing liquid surge disintegration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidfluid flow velocity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the supply pipe into distinct functional zones: an upper gas separation region and a lower liquid accumulation region. This vertical segmentation allows the pipe to accommodate larger diameters for reduced flow velocity while maintaining effective separation through gravitational stratification. The segmentation creates functional zones within a single continuous structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the reservoir is integrated into the supply pipe, then device complexity is reduced, but the supply pipe must accommodate both transport and storage functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidpipe function compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension within the supply pipe to create functional separation. The elongate reservoir occupies the lower portion while the upper portion maintains fluid transport capability. This dimensional arrangement allows the single pipe to accommodate both storage and transport functions simultaneously without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution simplifies the design, reduces equipment size, and stabilizes compressor operation by accommodating liquid surges within the supply pipe reservoir, ensuring consistent flow and efficient compression of multi-phase fluids.

Implementation Method 1

an elongate reservoir having a first end for receiving a multi-phase fluid flow from the supply pipe and a second closed end, there being provided a gas outlet from the upper part of the first end, a liquid separation region downstream of the first end, and a liquid outlet from the lower part of the liquid separation region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational separation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

separating the fluid from the production pipeline into mostly-liquid and mostly-gas flows. The former of these then flows to the flow conditioner, which catches 'slugs' of liquid and acts as a reservoir

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDensity difference separation: Density Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11268368B2Fluid flow conditioning

Publication Date: 2022.03.08 EQUINOR ENERGY AS

AI summary

There is provided an apparatus (30) and method for conditioning the flow of a mixed phase flow from a supply pipe (101) from a hydrocarbon well. The apparatus (30) comprises an elongate reservoir (11) having a first end for receiving a multi-phase fluid flow from the supply pipe and a second closed end, there being provided a gas outlet (02) from the upper part of the first end, a liquid separation region downstream of the first end, and a liquid outlet (12) from the lower part of the liquid separation region; and a gas-liquid mixer to which the gas and liquid outlets are connected such that the separated gas and liquid may be recombined. The reservoir (11) may accommodate surges of liquid such that the flow rate from the liquid outlet is relatively invariant over time compared to that of the flow received by the apparatus.