Reconfigurable Multi-Stage Gas Compressor for Condensation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas lift compressors have limited fluid lift rates and are susceptible to hydrocarbon condensation issues due to fluctuating pressure and temperature conditions, particularly in HPGL applications, which affect production efficiency and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable multi-stage gas compressor system with user-selectable series or parallel configurations, incorporating stepped cylinders and controlled temperature/pressure to prevent hydrocarbon condensation, allowing flexible discharge pressure adjustments and efficient gas lift operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional gas lift compressors operate at fluctuating pressure and temperature conditions, then they can adapt to varying well requirements, but hydrocarbon condensation occurs reducing production efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor is designed with reconfigurable multi-stage compression capabilities where stages can be dynamically adjusted between series and parallel configurations. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to varying well requirements while maintaining optimal pressure and temperature conditions that prevent hydrocarbon condensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the configuration of compression stages and interstage cooling. By modifying pressure and temperature parameters through reconfigurable staging, the system prevents hydrocarbon condensation while maintaining adaptability to different well conditions.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional gas lift compressors are designed for fixed pressure output, then manufacturing is simpler, but they cannot meet varying well requirements throughout production life
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor is divided into multiple independent compression stages that can be individually configured. Each stage can be adjusted or reconfigured without affecting the entire system, allowing the compressor to meet varying pressure requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfigurable compressor design allows a single unit to perform multiple functions by adjusting stage configurations. The same hardware platform can deliver different pressure outputs and flow rates, eliminating the need for multiple specialized compressors while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multi-stage compression with interstage cooling is used, then hydrocarbon condensation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interstage cooling system is integrated into the reconfigurable multi-stage compression design, where cooling stages are dynamically activated based on the compression configuration. This dynamic integration prevents hydrocarbon condensation while managing complexity through automated control that activates cooling only when needed.
4Productivity
If compressor stages are reconfigured between series and parallel, then fluid lift rates are enhanced, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor incorporates dynamic reconfiguration capabilities that allow stages to be switched between series and parallel configurations. This dynamic adjustment enhances fluid lift rates by optimizing compression ratios and flow rates for different well conditions, while automated control systems manage the complexity of reconfiguration operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by reconfiguring compression stages between series and parallel arrangements. This parameter change optimizes pressure and flow rate outputs to enhance fluid lift rates, while control systems automate the reconfiguration process to manage operational 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
The system enhances fluid lift rates and reduces hydrocarbon condensation, providing adaptable pressure settings to meet varying well requirements, thus optimizing production and minimizing operational issues.
Implementation Method 1
a first-stage compression cylinder configured to generate a first-stage compressed gas from an inlet gas; a second-stage compression cylinder configured to generate a second-stage compressed gas from the first-stage compressed gas
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include a reconfigurable multi-stage gas compressor having a first-stage compression cylinder, a second-stage compression cylinder, and two stepped cylinders. Each of the stepped cylinders include first and second compression cylinders. The gas flow paths through the stepped cylinders are configured in a user-selectable configuration to be in series or in parallel so that the reconfigurable multi-stage gas compressor functions as one of: a three-stage compressor, as a four-stage compressor, and as a hybrid three/four stage compressor. In first and second configurations, the system generates four stages of compression and outputs 4-stage compressed gas through a single exit port, and through dual exit ports, respectively. In a third configuration, the system outputs hot and cooled 3-stage compressed gas through first and second ports and 4-stage compressed gas through a third port. In a fourth configuration, the system outputs hot and cooled 3-stage compressed gas with no 4-stage compressed gas.