Separator Transport Pipeline Cleaning Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional separators are not designed for mechanical cleaning, making it expensive and often impossible to clean pipe systems in oil and gas extraction processes due to internal scale buildup or sand/sludge deposition.
Innovation Solution
The transport pipeline extends through the separator body with perforations, allowing a mechanical device to be inserted for cleaning, enabling the use of mechanical devices like pigs or reamers to clean the pipeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional separators are used without a through-going transport pipeline, then the separator structure is simpler, but mechanical cleaning becomes impossible or extremely expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The transport pipeline is segmented with perforations or slits along its length, allowing fluid to exit at multiple points while maintaining the continuous pipe structure needed for cleaning device passage. This segmentation enables the pipe to serve dual functions: fluid distribution and cleaning access.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport pipeline is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: transporting fluid to be separated, distributing fluid through perforations/slits, and serving as a passage for mechanical cleaning devices. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same structure serve both simplicity and cleanability requirements.
2Reliability
If the transport pipeline is sealed without perforations, then fluid separation efficiency is improved, but mechanical cleaning devices cannot access the pipeline interior
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the transport pipeline have different properties: the main body maintains structural integrity for separation efficiency, while specific portions incorporate perforations or slits that allow both fluid exit and cleaning device passage. The local modification of adding openings does not compromise overall separation performance.
3Device complexity
If conventional separators without through-pipelines are used, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The transport pipeline is pre-configured with perforations or slits during manufacturing, and the valve system is pre-installed, enabling future cleaning operations without requiring complex modifications. This preliminary preparation reduces future cleaning costs and time by making the cleaning infrastructure ready in advance.
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 effective mechanical cleaning of pipe systems connected to conventional separators, facilitating the removal of internal deposits and reducing cleaning costs.
Implementation Method 1
The part 6 of the line that is located inside the separator body 2 is provided with perforations or slits 7 so that fluid that arrives in the transport pipeline 3 flows into the tank through the perforations/slits 7
Data Source
AI summary
A device in connection with a separator for cleaning or reaming such a separator. The separator includes a tank or a body (2) with an inlet and at least one outlet (5, 6). A transport pipeline (3) is connected to the inlet for the supply of fluid that is to be separated in the separator. The transport pipeline (3) extends from the inlet through the separator body (2). Part (6) of the line that is located inside the separator body (2) is provided with perforations or slits (7) so that fluid that arrives in the transport pipeline (3) flows into the tank through the perforations/slits (7). Mechanical equipment for cleaning the transport pipeline (3) is designed to be sent from a magazine through the separator body (2) and on via a pipe loop back to the magazine.