Online Inorganic Salt Precipitation Monitoring With NIR and FBRM
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in the oil industry is the precipitation of inorganic salts in aqueous systems, which leads to operational issues such as scale formation, obstruction of lines and equipment, and corrosion, particularly in offshore fields with severe temperature and pressure conditions, where existing monitoring techniques are limited in real-time detection and resolution of nanometric particle formation.
Innovation Solution
A method combining near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) with Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement (FBRM) for real-time monitoring of inorganic salt precipitation, using chemometric models and artificial neural networks to estimate the quantity and size distribution of precipitated particles, allowing continuous online monitoring under varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional monitoring techniques are used for inorganic salt precipitation, then operational simplicity is maintained, but real-time detection precision and nanometric particle resolution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two monitoring techniques (NIR spectroscopy and FBRM) into a single integrated system. The NIR probe measures absorbance spectra to detect precipitation onset, while the FBRM probe simultaneously measures particle size distribution. This merging allows the system to achieve high detection precision for nanometric particles while maintaining operational simplicity through a unified monitoring approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data processing system that correlates NIR absorbance data with FBRM particle size data. This intermediary layer processes the complex data from both probes, uses chemometric models and artificial neural networks to interpret the combined signals, and provides actionable insights about precipitation kinetics, thereby managing device complexity while enhancing measurement precision.
2Loss of time
If offline sampling methods are used for precipitation monitoring, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but real-time monitoring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical offline sampling process with optical and laser-based measurement systems. Instead of physically extracting samples for analysis, the system uses NIR spectroscopy to detect molecular vibrations and FBRM to measure particle light scattering in real-time within the flowing stream, eliminating the need for sampling operations while providing continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous monitoring by having both probes constantly exposed to the flowing aqueous stream. The NIR probe continuously measures absorbance spectra and the FBRM probe continuously measures particle size distribution, providing an unbroken data stream that enables real-time detection of precipitation onset and ongoing monitoring without interruption or sampling breaks.
3Reliability
If scale formation is allowed to proceed unchecked, then operational simplicity is maintained, but equipment reliability and productivity deteriorate due to obstruction and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring precipitation parameters (absorbance changes, particle size distribution) and using this information to trigger alerts or control actions. When the system detects precipitation onset through NIR absorbance changes or particle formation through FBRM measurements, it provides feedback that enables operators to adjust conditions or apply inhibitors, thereby maintaining equipment reliability through active management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary action by detecting precipitation at its earliest stages through NIR absorbance changes before significant scale formation occurs. This early detection allows operators to take preventive measures such as adjusting process conditions or applying scale inhibitors before obstructions or corrosion damage can develop, thereby maintaining reliability through proactive rather than reactive management.
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
Enables precise, real-time detection and monitoring of inorganic salt precipitation, preventing scale formation and corrosion by providing insights into nucleation and growth kinetics, thereby ensuring operational reliability and efficiency in oil production and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
based on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR)... Information about the initial stages of precipitation is obtained from the moment in which a variation occurs in the absorbances of the spectra, which is due to the formation of solid particles in the solution
Implementation Method 2
the auxiliary FBRM technique (Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement), which provides subsidies regarding the distribution of the quantity and size of nucleated and precipitated particles
Implementation Method 3
the precipitation of inorganic salts in aqueous systems... the formation of inorganic scale... the precipitation and deposition of salts
Implementation Method 4
the distribution of the quantity and size of nucleated and precipitated particles
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to a method for online monitoring, without the need for sampling and in real time, the precipitation of inorganic salts in aqueous streams related to the petroleum industry. A set of collected NIR spectra is correlated with data provided by FBRM through a mathematical (chemometric) treatment and mathematical models based on artificial neural networks combined with principal component analysis were employed to estimate the quantity and size distribution of particles precipitated over time. The application of these process analyzers helps to understand the formation and growth of inorganic salt particles from the produced water (rich in carbonates and sulfates), which can precipitate at different stages in oil production and transportation facilities.