Screen Manifold Bypass for Continuous Hydrocarbon Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack an efficient and reliable method to filter and reuse hydrocarbon well fluids by removing debris and contaminants at the well surface, necessitating a solution that allows for effective filtration and maintenance of screens within a screen manifold system.
Innovation Solution
The screen manifold system includes multiple fluid paths with screen chambers and bypass options, featuring removable screens and pressure sensors to facilitate filtration and maintenance, ensuring continuous fluid flow during inspection or replacement of screens, and allowing for the reuse of filtered hydrocarbon well fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screens are installed in screen chambers for filtering hydrocarbon well fluids, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple screen chambers and bypass systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple screen chambers (first screen chamber, second screen chamber) with separate screens that can be independently maintained. Each screen chamber handles specific filtration tasks, allowing the system to maintain high filtration effectiveness while enabling targeted maintenance without shutting down the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
A bypass system with bypass valves acts as an intermediary pathway that allows fluid to flow around the screen chambers during maintenance operations. This bypass mechanism enables maintenance of individual screens without stopping fluid filtration, resolving the contradiction between maintenance needs and continuous operation.
2Ease of repair
If multiple screen chambers with removable screens are used, then ease of maintenance is improved, but loss of time increases during screen installation and removal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass system enables continuous fluid flow through alternative pathways during screen maintenance. When one screen needs maintenance, the bypass valves redirect fluid through the bypass line, allowing the screen to be removed and installed without interrupting the overall filtration process, thus eliminating maintenance downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the filtration system into multiple independent screen chambers, the patent allows maintenance of individual screens without affecting other screens. This segmentation enables parallel operation where one screen is being maintained while others continue filtering, reducing total maintenance time.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are installed to detect when screens need servicing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors are installed in the bypass line to monitor pressure differentials that indicate when screens require servicing. The sensors provide feedback about screen condition, triggering alerts or automatic bypass activation when threshold values are reached, enabling precise detection of maintenance needs without complex manual monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor system automatically detects and signals when screens need maintenance, enabling the system to self-monitor its own condition. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual inspection and provides precise, real-time detection of screen service requirements.
4Productivity
If bypass paths are provided for continuous fluid flow during maintenance, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional valves and conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass system with bypass valves and bypass conduits maintains continuous fluid flow during screen maintenance operations. When a screen requires maintenance, the bypass valves redirect fluid through the bypass path, ensuring uninterrupted filtration capacity and maintaining full productivity throughout the maintenance process.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass system is segmented into separate valves and conduits that can be independently controlled for each screen chamber. This segmentation allows selective bypass activation for specific screens while maintaining normal flow through other chambers, optimizing productivity with minimal additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A filtering apparatus includes a screen assembly removably positioned within an inner cavity of a screen chamber. The screen assembly includes a frame portion at a first end and a screen portion extending from the frame portion to a second end. The frame portion includes an end block and frame members interconnecting the end block and the screen portion. The screen portion includes an outer screen and an inner screen disposed within an interior space of the outer screen. An outer wall of the outer screen and an outer wall of the inner screen each includes a plurality of openings. The screen chamber includes a removable end cover with a key for rotationally locking the screen assembly in the inner cavity. A screen manifold may include a first fluid path including the screen chamber, and further including a bypass fluid path having a bypass valve.