Multivariable Controller for Three-Phase Separation Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oil and gas production systems lack an overall control system to optimize processes as hydrocarbon reserves decline, leading to inefficient use of equipment and reduced production capacity.
Innovation Solution
A multivariable control system and method for three-phase separation processes that includes controlling and optimizing oil and gas extraction, production separation, and degassing processes using a computer program and multivariable controller to manage manipulated, controlled, and disturbance variables, enhancing equipment utilization and production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If equipment is designed and operated for peak production conditions, then equipment efficiency is optimized under optimal conditions, but equipment capacity is underutilized as production declines over time
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts operating parameters of production equipment based on real-time production rates. As reservoir pressure declines and production decreases, the system automatically modifies equipment settings to maintain optimal efficiency, transforming static equipment design into dynamic adaptive operation across varying production stages
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as separator pressure, temperature, and flow rates to match declining production conditions. By continuously adjusting these parameters, the equipment operates efficiently whether at peak production or during reservoir decline, maximizing utilization across the entire production lifecycle
2Productivity
If separate control systems are used for each process unit, then individual process control is simplified, but overall production optimization is lost due to lack of coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual control systems into a single integrated multivariable control system that manages extraction, separation, and degassing processes simultaneously. This unified approach coordinates interactions between process units, optimizing overall production efficiency while the modular architecture manages complexity through standardized control modules
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs multiple functions including process optimization, coordination between units, constraint management, and objective optimization. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate control systems, achieving overall production optimization without proportionally increasing complexity
3Productivity
If equipment operates without overall control optimization, then operational simplicity is maintained, but production capacity and profitability are reduced due to inefficient equipment use
Solution Approach 1:
The control system operates autonomously to optimize production, automatically adjusting process parameters and coordinating equipment without requiring constant operator intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of multivariable optimization, allowing operators to benefit from optimized production rates without directly managing the operational complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes controlling an oil and gas extraction process, controlling a production separation process, and controlling a de-gassing process. The method also includes optimizing the oil and gas extraction process, the production separation process, and the degassing process to optimize at least one process objective. The method could further include controlling a lift-gas compression process. The optimizing could include optimizing the lift-gas compression process, the oil and gas extraction process, the production separation process, and the degassing process to optimize the at least one process objective.