PVDF Pipe Corrosion Resistance in Gas Gathering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transporting fluids from subterranean formations through wellbores face challenges such as corrosion, chemical resistance, and pressure handling limitations, particularly when dealing with acidic gases and hydrocarbons, which affect the durability and efficiency of existing pipeline materials.
Innovation Solution
The use of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) pipes and fittings in various sizes and configurations for forming flow lines that can withstand corrosive fluids, maintain chemical resistance, and operate within specific pressure ranges, allowing for the transportation of fluids through gathering, transmission, and distribution systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipeline materials are used to transport acidic gases and hydrocarbons, then the system is simpler and easier to manufacture, but corrosion resistance and chemical stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) as a fluoropolymer material that combines chemical inertness, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength. This composite polymer material provides superior resistance to acidic gases and hydrocarbons while maintaining ease of installation through standardized pipe and fitting configurations, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture.
2Reliability
If PVDF pipe is used to transport corrosive fluids, then corrosion resistance and chemical stability improve, but material cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PVDF pipe system is designed to be universally applicable across multiple service conditions including gas gathering, transmission, and distribution. The standardized fittings and connection methods (such as electrofusion and mechanical couplings) allow the same material system to handle various corrosive fluids and pressure conditions, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced material used.
3Strength
If existing pipeline materials are used, then installation is simpler, but pressure handling capability and durability under varying conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The PVDF material exhibits enhanced mechanical properties including higher tensile strength, impact resistance, and pressure handling capability compared to traditional materials. The patent specifies various pressure ratings and temperature ranges for the PVDF pipe system, demonstrating how material parameter optimization enables superior performance while maintaining ease of installation through standardized dimensions and connection methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising: flowing gas from a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation through a wellhead to yield produced gas; flowing the produced gas through a wellhead line to one or more wellsite processing units to yield wellsite processed gas; and flowing the wellsite processed gas through a gathering line to a gas processing plant, a gas pipeline transmission system, or both, wherein the wellhead line, the gathering line, or both comprise polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) pipe having a nominal pipe size of equal to or greater than 2 inches and equal to or less than 16 inches.