Production Network Path Optimization for Hydrocarbon Flow Bottlenecks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing complex hydrocarbon production network systems with increasing numbers of wellheads and pipelines becomes inefficient due to complexity in daily operations, including identifying bottlenecks, leaks, and optimizing flow paths.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses graph search algorithms, such as Dijkstra's algorithm, to calculate the shortest constrained path in the network, combined with data reconciliation and flow regime analysis, to optimize network paths and manage error conditions like blockages or reduced flow rates, and providing visual displays for operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of wellheads and the length of gathering lines and pipelines increases, then the production network system can handle more wells and greater fluid volumes, but the complexity of daily operations increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operational management with an automated computer-based system that uses graph search algorithms to optimize fluid flow paths. The system automatically calculates optimal routes, identifies bottlenecks, and provides real-time recommendations, substituting mechanical/manual operations with computational automation to manage the increasing complexity of expanded production networks.
2Reliability
If traditional hydrodynamic principles are used to estimate fluid pressure and volume, then the system can maintain operational control, but the system becomes increasingly inefficient as the network expands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic optimization system that continuously recalculates fluid flow paths based on real-time network conditions. Unlike static traditional methods, the system adapts to changing conditions by repeatedly applying graph search algorithms to identify optimal routes, thereby maintaining reliable operational control while significantly improving management efficiency in expanded networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring fluid flow conditions and using this information to refine path optimization calculations. The computer-based system analyzes operational data, identifies bottlenecks and leaks, and provides real-time feedback for adjusting flow paths, thereby maintaining control reliability while enhancing management efficiency.
3Reliability
If manual methods are used to identify bottlenecks and optimize flow paths, then operators can maintain system control, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated analysis of the production network to identify potential bottlenecks and optimize flow paths before operational issues arise. By continuously pre-calculating optimal routes and monitoring network conditions, the system maintains reliable control while eliminating time-consuming manual optimization processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual identification and optimization processes with automated computer-based graph search algorithms that rapidly analyze network conditions, identify bottlenecks, and calculate optimal flow paths, thereby maintaining system control reliability while dramatically reducing the time required for optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to receive parameters for a first node of a network, the network including a plurality of segments through which an object is to be routed and a plurality of nodes, including the first node, representative of intersections of two or more segments of the plurality of segments; to generate segment lengths for segments between the first node and neighboring nodes to identify a nearest neighboring node with a shortest segment length relative to the first node; and to repeat operations of receiving parameters, generating segment lengths, and identifying nearest neighboring nodes until a route has been identified between a first endpoint and a second endpoint of the network. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.