Controlled Pressure Pulse Blockage Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning fluid conduits in the hydrocarbon exploration and production industry, such as those using pressure pulses, lack control over pulse magnitude, which can lead to damage and reduced integrity of sensitive systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a controllable valve and pressure regulator to cyclically open and close, generating controlled series of positive and negative pressure pulses, with feedback mechanisms to maintain a stable pressure differential, ensuring the amplitude of pulses is consistent and within safe limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressure pulses are transmitted into a fluid conduit to remove blockages, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the risk of damage to the conduit increases due to uncontrolled pulse magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where a pressure sensor continuously monitors the pressure within the fluid conduit and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller adjusts the valve operation in real-time based on the feedback signal, ensuring that pressure pulses remain within safe limits while maintaining effective blockage removal. This closed-loop control prevents conduit damage by dynamically adapting pulse magnitude to actual conduit conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, fixed-magnitude pressure pulses to dynamic, adaptive pressure pulses. The controller continuously adjusts the valve opening duration and frequency based on real-time pressure feedback, allowing the pulse characteristics to change dynamically. This enables the system to maintain optimal cleaning effectiveness while preventing damage by adapting to varying conduit conditions and blockage characteristics.
2Productivity
If high pressure pulses are used to remove blockages, then cleaning capability is improved, but the integrity and operating lifetime of the fluid system are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism ensures that pressure pulses never exceed the maximum safe threshold for the conduit. The pressure sensor continuously monitors actual pressure, and the controller adjusts valve operation to maintain pressure within safe limits. This prevents the cumulative damage that would reduce system integrity and operating lifetime, while still delivering sufficiently strong pulses to remove blockages effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes pressure parameters (magnitude, duration, frequency) based on real-time conditions. Rather than using consistently high pressure that would damage the conduit, the controller adjusts pressure parameters to match the actual blockage resistance and conduit承受能力. This allows effective blockage removal while maintaining system reliability by keeping pressure within safe operational boundaries.
3Productivity
If pressure pulses are transmitted into a fluid conduit, then blockage removal is achieved, but control over pulse magnitude is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism provides automatic control over pulse magnitude by continuously monitoring pressure and adjusting valve operation accordingly. The controller receives real-time pressure feedback and automatically modulates the valve to maintain pressure within the desired range, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and ensuring consistent, controlled pulse magnitude throughout the blockage removal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical control of pressure pulses with an automated electro-hydraulic control system. The controller electronically adjusts the valve based on pressure feedback, substituting precise electronic control for imprecise manual operation. This provides superior control over pulse magnitude while simplifying operation, as the system automatically adapts to varying conditions without requiring operator intervention.
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 approach allows for effective blockage removal in fluid conduits while preventing damage by maintaining controlled pressure pulses, ensuring the integrity and extended lifespan of hydrocarbon production and transportation systems.
Implementation Method 1
cyclically opening and closing the controllable valve such that a pressure differential between the first portion and the fluid conduit causes a series of pressure pulses in the fluid conduit
Implementation Method 2
regulating the pressure differential to control the amplitude of the pressure pulses of the series
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method and apparatus for removing a blockage from a fluid conduit. An apparatus comprises a first portion containing a fluid volume separated from the fluid conduit via a controllable valve. The valve is cyclically opened and closed such that a pressure differential between the first portion and the fluid conduit causes a series of pressure pulses in the fluid conduit. The pressure differential is regulated to control the amplitude of the pressure pulses of the series.