Non-Metallic Pipe Transport for Zero-Flaring Remote Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to perform zero-flaring operations in remote wells and do not effectively separate and transport liquid and gas streams using non-metallic pipes, especially in disconnected oil wells, leading to environmental pollution and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing non-metallic pipes with a portable separator to test remote wells, separating and transporting liquid and gas to the nearest production network, eliminating the need for gas flaring by using a commingled or separate flow through non-metallic pipes, and incorporating a portable generator and couplings with vent holes to manage hydrogen sulfide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If gas is flared in remote disconnected wells, then gas disposal is achieved, but CO2 emissions increase and environmental pollution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gas stream from the flaring process and redirects it through non-metallic pipes to a separator and production network, eliminating CO2 emissions while maintaining gas disposal capability. The gas is separated from liquid and redirected to productive use rather than being burned off.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-metallic pipes serve as an intermediary medium to transport gas and liquid from remote wells to the production network without requiring flaring. The portable separator acts as another intermediary to divide and redirect the gas stream, enabling zero-flaring operations.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If non-metallic pipes are used to transport liquid and gas, then environmental pollution is reduced, but the ability to handle high-pressure gas streams is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional high-pressure metal piping systems with non-metallic pipes combined with a portable separator and compression system. The separator reduces pressure by dividing the stream, and compression equipment restores pressure as needed, enabling non-metallic pipes to handle gas streams that would otherwise require metal infrastructure.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a portable separator is used to separate gas and liquid streams, then zero-flaring operations are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable separator performs multiple functions: separating gas from liquid, reducing pressure, and enabling redirection of gas streams to the production network. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate pieces of equipment, reducing overall system complexity despite the added capability of zero-flaring operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If remote wells are connected to production network using non-metallic pipes, then well assessment capability is improved, but transport infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transport system into modular components: non-metallic pipes for well connection, a portable separator for gas-liquid separation, and connection points to the production network. This segmentation allows flexible deployment for well assessment while reducing the need for permanent, complex infrastructure.
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 enables efficient transportation of liquids and gases without flaring, reducing CO2 emissions, allowing well assessment for potential production opportunities, and safely handling toxic gases.
Implementation Method 1
The non-metallic pipe is used for transporting liquid and gas to the nearest production network
Implementation Method 2
A separator is configured to separate gas and liquid delivered from the pipe
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a portable generator and couplings with vent holes to manage hydrogen sulfide
Data Source
AI summary
A system for zero-flare energy production operation is disclosed. The system comprises a wellhead located above an oil or gas well, a first pipe segment attached between the wellhead and a first valve to transport gas and liquid extracted from an oil or gas well, a second pipe segment is attached between the first valve and a choke manifold to a separator using a third pipe segment to separate gas and liquid. A fourth pipe segment is attached between the separator and a non-metallic pipe scraper launcher to a non-metallic pipe scraper receiver manifold using a fifth pipe segment. The fifth pipe segment contains a commingled flow of liquid and gas through isolation valve between the non-metallic pipe scraper receiver manifold and a pipeline connected to an energy production network.