Offset Slurry Discharge Device Erosion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Increased slurry flow rates and volumes in subterranean wells lead to rapid erosion of equipment used for slurry delivery, causing inefficiencies and costly maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A slurry discharge device with laterally offset flow passage sections and angled discharge ports, combined with a protective sleeve made of erosion-resistant material, to reduce erosion and prevent fluid communication between slurry and return flow passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If slurry flow rates and volumes are increased to improve productivity, then slurry delivery efficiency is improved, but equipment erosion rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage is configured with a lateral offset between the first section (in tubular string wall) and second section (in upper extension wall), creating a three-dimensional spatial separation. This offset configuration changes the flow path from a straight linear path to a multi-dimensional path that redirects slurry away from the tubular string wall, reducing erosive impact while maintaining high flow rates
Solution Approach 2:
The upper extension acts as an intermediary structure that receives slurry from the tubular string through the first flow passage section and redirects it through the second flow passage section to the discharge ports. This intermediary configuration allows the system to handle high slurry volumes while protecting the tubular string wall from direct erosive contact
2Ease of manufacture
If flow passage walls are made thinner to reduce device complexity, then manufacturing ease is improved, but structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs different wall thicknesses in different locations: the first sidewall section (in tubular string wall) has a first thickness, while the second sidewall section (in upper extension wall) has a second thickness greater than the first. This local variation optimizes both manufacturability and erosion resistance where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The flow passage is formed as a composite structure involving two different wall sections with different thickness characteristics. The upper extension wall section provides enhanced erosion resistance through increased thickness, while the tubular string wall section maintains manufacturability, creating a composite wall structure that balances both requirements
3Productivity
If discharge ports are positioned to maximize slurry delivery, then productivity is improved, but fluid communication between slurry and return passages occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge ports are positioned in the upper extension wall at locations that utilize the lateral offset geometry. This three-dimensional positioning allows discharge ports to access the second flow passage section while maintaining spatial separation from the return flow passage, preventing fluid communication while preserving discharge efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A slurry discharge device for use in a subterranean well can include a slurry flow passage extending longitudinally in the device. The slurry flow passage has flow passage sections. One flow passage section is positioned downstream of, and is laterally offset relative to, another flow passage section. Another slurry discharge device can include the slurry flow passage having multiple flow areas. One flow area is positioned in a downstream direction from, and is greater than, another flow area. A method of delivering a slurry into a subterranean well can include discharging the slurry from a tubular string through a first sidewall section of a slurry discharge device; and flowing only a returned fluid portion of the slurry through a second sidewall section of the slurry discharge device. The second sidewall section has a lateral thickness greater than a lateral thickness of the first sidewall section.