Sales Tank Heat Trace Using a Dense Liquid Heating Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for heating liquid storage tanks in oil well sites, such as those in Alberta and Saskatchewan, face inefficiencies in heat transfer due to the settling of solids like sand, which can disrupt the even distribution of heat from engine exhaust gases, and require complex configurations to manage temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A heat trace is positioned within the fluid tank, submerged in a layer of liquid with higher specific density and thermal conductivity than the produced oil, which absorbs and transfers heat effectively, and can include a coolant circulated by an internal combustion engine, with additional heating sources like electric coils for maintaining temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If engine exhaust gases are used to heat the liquid storage tank, then heat is provided to the tank, but heat distribution becomes uneven due to settling of solids like sand
Solution Approach 1:
A layer of liquid with higher density than the produced oil is introduced as an intermediary medium between the heat source and the oil. This liquid layer absorbs heat from the engine exhaust gases and distributes it uniformly throughout the tank, preventing direct contact between exhaust gases and settled solids, thereby ensuring even heat distribution despite the presence of sand and other solids at the tank bottom.
2Loss of energy
If a heat trace is positioned within the fluid tank, then heat transfer efficiency is enhanced, but the system requires a liquid layer with specific properties to be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid layer system is designed to be self-maintaining through natural density differentiation. The denser liquid automatically settles at the bottom layer while the lighter oil remains above, creating a stable configuration that requires minimal intervention. The heat trace positioned within this liquid layer automatically benefits from the enhanced thermal conductivity without requiring active management of the liquid layer itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If engine coolant is used to supplement heating, then temperature management becomes flexible, but additional heat sources increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The engine serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical power through the drive head, generates exhaust gases for heating, and produces heated coolant for supplementary heating. By utilizing the same engine for all three functions, the system achieves versatile temperature management capabilities without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the additional heating functionality is derived from an existing component.
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 enhances heat transfer efficiency by utilizing a heat trace submerged in a dense and conductive liquid layer, ensuring consistent heating of the tank contents, even when solids settle, and allows for flexible temperature management using engine coolant and supplementary heat sources.
Implementation Method 1
A heat trace is positioned within the fluid tank at least partially in the layer of liquid and transfers heat to the layer of liquid to heat the tank
Implementation Method 2
A layer of liquid that has a higher specific density and a higher thermal conductivity than the produced oil is positioned in the at least one fluid tank
Implementation Method 3
supplemented by heated engine coolant from an internal combustion engine
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for heating at least one fluid tank that receives production fluid comprising produced oil and a produced liquid from a hydrocarbon producing well. A layer of liquid is provided in the fluid tank that has a higher specific density and a higher thermal conductivity than the produced oil. The layer of liquid at least partially covers a heat trace positioned in the fluid tank. The heat trace transfers heat to the layer of liquid.