Pipe-in-Pipe Fluid Flow Control Assembly for Blockage Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrocarbon drilling and production systems face challenges in providing selective fluid communication between the inner fluid conduit and the annulus, particularly when blockages occur, as existing systems lack efficient mechanisms to bypass obstructions and manage fluid flow effectively between the inner bore and the annulus in pipe-in-pipe systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fluid flow control assembly that includes a support frame, pipe-in-pipe assemblies, a terminating bulkhead assembly, an annulus conduit, a crossover conduit, and external communication conduits, allowing for selective fluid communication between the inner bore, the annulus, and external sources, with mechanisms like crossover valves and ball valves to manage fluid flow and isolate sections, enabling bypassing of blockages and injection of fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a blockage forms in the inner fluid conduit, then fluid flow through the inner conduit is blocked, but the system lacks a mechanism to bypass the blockage efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested pipe-in-pipe configuration where an inner fluid conduit is positioned within an outer fluid conduit, forming an annulus. This nested structure allows fluid to bypass blockages in the inner conduit by flowing through the annulus space between the inner and outer conduits, maintaining flow continuity without requiring complex external bypass systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The annulus formed between the inner and outer fluid conduits serves as an intermediary flow path. When the inner conduit is blocked, fluid can transition from the inner conduit to the annulus through selectively openable connections, using the annulus as a mediator to route fluid around the blockage and maintain system operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If selective fluid communication between inner conduit and annulus is provided, then blockages can be bypassed, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annulus serves multiple functions: it acts as an insulating barrier when fluid communication is not needed, and as an alternative flow path when the inner conduit is blocked. The selectively openable connection mechanism provides universal adaptability, allowing the system to switch between normal operation (inner conduit only) and bypass mode (annulus) based on operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamically controllable connections between the inner conduit and annulus through selectively openable valves or openings. This dynamic capability allows the system to transition between isolated and connected states, enabling flexible response to blockages while maintaining system integrity during normal operation.
3Reliability
If multiple conduits and control mechanisms are added, then fluid management capability improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to automatically respond to blockages through pressure-driven mechanisms. When a blockage occurs in the inner conduit, the pressure differential naturally drives fluid from the inner conduit into the annulus through the selectively openable connection, eliminating the need for complex manual control systems or external monitoring devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow control assembly includes a first pipe-in-pipe assembly comprising an inner tubular member disposed in an outer tubular member, wherein the inner tubular member comprises an inner bore and an annulus is formed between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member, a terminating bulkhead assembly coupled to the first pipe-in-pipe assembly, wherein fluid communication is provided between a bore of the bulkhead assembly and the inner bore of the inner tubular member while fluid communication is restricted between the bore of the bulkhead assembly and the annulus of the first pipe-in-pipe assembly, and an annulus conduit coupled to a radial port of the first pipe-in-pipe assembly, wherein fluid communication is provided between the annulus conduit and the annulus of the first pipe-in-pipe assembly while fluid communication is restricted between the annulus conduit and the inner bore of the inner tubular member.