Pressure Exchanger Choke for Wear-Resistant Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chokes, whether fixed or adjustable, face issues with wear, complexity, and maintenance requirements, and often suffer from reduced internal clearances that can lead to clogging, making them inefficient and prone to failure over time.
Innovation Solution
A pressure exchanger device is repurposed as a choke by utilizing its inherent flow mechanism based on fluid compressibility, where a rotating isobaric pressure exchanger transfers pressure between high and low pressure fluids, allowing for adjustable flow control through rotor speed and fluid recirculation, reducing pressure and flow without the need for additional valves or complex monitoring systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed-orifice choke is used, then the device is simple in structure, but it cannot be adjusted and wears out over time
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure exchanger is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a pressure exchange device for energy recovery or as a choke for flow control. The same rotor and chamber structure enables both pressure exchange mode and choke mode, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static fixed-orifice choke into a dynamic flow control system by utilizing the rotating rotor of the pressure exchanger. The rotor's rotation creates dynamic flow paths and variable restriction, enabling adjustable flow control without complex valve mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable-orifice choke is used, then flow control is possible, but the device becomes more complex and requires monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure exchanger's rotor and chamber structure serves dual purposes: enabling pressure exchange operation and providing flow restriction for choke operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustable choke components, reducing device complexity while maintaining flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating rotor inherently provides flow control through its geometry and rotation, eliminating the need for external control systems, valves, or monitoring equipment. The system self-regulates flow based on rotational speed and chamber design.
3Productivity
If traditional chokes are used, then flow restriction is achieved, but wear and reduced internal clearances lead to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes fluid dynamics and hydraulic principles within the rotating chambers to maintain flow control. The continuous rotation and pressure differential prevent fluid stagnation and reduce clogging, while the hydraulic design minimizes wear compared to mechanical valve components.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rotation of the rotor creates continuously changing flow paths and prevents fluid from settling in stagnant zones, reducing clogging. The motion also distributes wear more evenly across the rotor surface compared to stationary choke orifices.
4Reliability
If a pressure exchanger is used as a choke, then wear and clogging are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure exchanger is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a pressure exchange device for energy recovery or as a choke for flow control. The same rotor and chamber structure enables both pressure exchange mode and choke mode, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall system complexity.
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
This solution provides a reliable, low-maintenance, and fail-safe means of flow control that reduces wear and clogging, offering improved flow stability and flexibility while minimizing the risk of undesirable fluid changes, such as flashing or cavitation, and can handle various fluid types efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
A portion of the fluid filling the chamber is discharged through the output port at a lower pressure as it expands into the low pressure section based on compressibility of the fluid in the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A method for using a pressure exchanger to reduce flow as a choke that includes receiving a flow of high pressure fluid at the pressure exchanger, filling a chamber of the pressure exchanger with high pressure fluid, and discharging a portion of the fluid in the chamber at a low pressure.