Non-cryogenic Nitrogen Generator Modular Membrane Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-cryogenic nitrogen generators for oil and natural gas drilling face challenges such as large size, high operational and maintenance costs, difficulty in transportation and relocation, and contamination from liquid water in air membrane separation systems.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a compressor to compress atmospheric air, a selectively permeable gas membrane bank for nitrogen enrichment, and a hydraulic coolant system to regulate temperature and prevent water condensation, eliminating the need for electric heating and minimizing energy expenditure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If non-cryogenic methods are used for nitrogen generation, then operational costs are reduced, but generator size increases and portability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is divided into modular components including membrane modules, compressor units, and control systems that can be independently configured and transported, then assembled at the drilling site to achieve the required nitrogen generation capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates at ambient or elevated temperatures rather than cryogenic conditions, and uses pressure-based separation through membranes instead of temperature-based distillation, fundamentally changing the operating parameters to reduce energy consumption while enabling compact design
2Productivity
If membrane separation systems are used, then nitrogen generation capacity increases, but liquid water contamination becomes a problem
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-heats the feed air and membranes to temperatures above the dew point before nitrogen generation begins, preventing water condensation on the membranes during operation
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature and humidity sensors monitor conditions in real-time, with control systems adjusting heating and airflow to maintain membranes above the dew point, preventing water contamination while optimizing nitrogen production
3Volume of moving object
If generator size is reduced for easier transport, then portability improves, but nitrogen generation capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses thin-film membrane materials with high nitrogen selectivity and permeability, allowing compact membrane modules to achieve high nitrogen generation capacity without increasing overall system size
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components serve multiple functions - membranes provide both separation and structural support, compressors are sized to handle both feed air and product gas, and the same housing protects both membranes and instrumentation, maximizing capacity within minimal volume
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 solution enables efficient generation of high-purity nitrogen gas, reducing operational costs and facilitating easy transportation and relocation, while preventing membrane contamination and maintaining optimal operating conditions for oil and gas drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane bank comprising a selectively permeable gas membrane configured to receive said compressed air at a second elevated pressure below said first elevated pressure and configured to filter said compressed air providing a component enriched gas
Implementation Method 2
a first compressor configured to compress feed air into a first compartment providing compressed air at a first elevated temperature at a first elevated pressure
Implementation Method 3
a device is also configured to preheat said selectively permeable gas membrane
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to gas generators and methods for their use. In some embodiments, the invention relates to devices and methods of generating a gas enriched in a specific component. In other embodiments, the devices are configured to pressurize and regulate the temperature of atmospheric air prior to passing said air through a selectively permeable gas membrane. In further embodiments, a device is also configured to preheat said selectively permeable gas membrane.