Passive Elution Device for Continuous Wellbore Corrosion Inhibition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for applying corrosion inhibitors to hydrocarbon recovery and processing equipment are inefficient, requiring large volumes of adjuvant water, periodic shutdowns, and costly equipment, and do not provide consistent corrosion inhibition over time.
Innovation Solution
Passive elution systems that utilize a treatment material within an elution device to passively receive produced fluid from a wellbore, allowing for an eluting contact and continuous or batch treatment without external power, using a mobile elution kit for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batch treatment methods are used to apply corrosion inhibitors, then equipment can be treated, but large volumes of adjuvant water are required and periodic shutdowns are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The elution device enables continuous treatment by allowing produced fluid to continuously contact the treatment material through the outlet conduit, eliminating the need for periodic batch treatments and shutdowns. The system operates continuously as long as produced fluid flows through the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the produced fluid itself as the delivery medium for the corrosion inhibitor, eliminating the need for separate adjuvant water. The produced fluid flows through the elution device, picks up the treatment material, and delivers it to the treatment site without requiring additional water resources.
2Reliability
If batch treatment methods are used, then corrosion inhibitors can be applied, but periodic shutdowns are required and equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elution device maintains continuous operation during normal production, allowing corrosion inhibitor delivery without interrupting well production. The produced fluid continuously passes through the device, ensuring treatment occurs in real-time without requiring shutdowns.
Solution Approach 2:
The elution device acts as an intermediary component that interfaces with the existing production system. It uses the produced fluid as a carrier to transport the corrosion inhibitor from the treatment material to the target surfaces, enabling treatment during continuous operation.
3Reliability
If traditional treatment equipment is used, then corrosion inhibitors can be delivered, but transportation costs and equipment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into simple, modular components: an elution device containing the treatment material, an outlet conduit for fluid flow, and a delivery conduit for transporting the treated fluid. This segmentation simplifies the overall system compared to traditional complex treatment equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The produced fluid serves multiple functions: it is the carrier medium for the corrosion inhibitor, the cooling medium for the elution device, and the delivery medium to the treatment site. This eliminates the need for separate pumps, tanks, and delivery systems required by traditional methods.
4Reliability
If batch treatment is used, then treatment material can be applied, but treatment efficacy decreases over time between batches
Solution Approach 1:
The elution device provides continuous treatment exposure by maintaining constant contact between the produced fluid and the treatment material. This continuous action ensures consistent corrosion inhibition levels throughout the treatment period, eliminating the efficacy decay problem of batch treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment material is pre-positioned within the elution device, ready for immediate contact with the produced fluid. This preliminary preparation ensures that treatment is available continuously from the start of production, maintaining consistent efficacy without the delays and decay periods inherent in batch scheduling.
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
Provides efficient and continuous corrosion inhibition with reduced material and water usage, allowing for treatment of the entire production string without downtime, and can be transported easily for use in multiple locations.
Implementation Method 1
The produced fluid flows through, or past, the elution device and obtains an eluting contact with the treatment material to form a treated produced fluid stream
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for treating a producing wellbore of a subterranean reservoir include obtaining a side stream flow of a produced fluid from a production tube of the wellbore at a location above the surface of the earth; providing an eluting contact of the side stream flow of produced fluid with a treatment material to form a side stream flow of treated produced fluid; and directing the side stream flow of treated produced fluid into the wellbore at a point below the surface of the earth. Apparatuses suitable for carrying out the methods include an elution device fluidly connected to a side stream of produced fluid flowing above the surface of the earth and situated to direct the side stream toward the elution device to provide an eluting contact of the produced fluid with a treatment material disposed in the elution device, then direct the treated produced fluid into the wellbore.