Solar-Powered Electric Separator Control Eliminates Methane Emissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic devices in oil and gas separators emit significant methane emissions, posing environmental harm and incurring regulatory penalties, while conversion to electric systems faces challenges like maintenance issues and electrical power limitations, especially in remote locations.
Innovation Solution
Conversion of pneumatic-controlled separators to electrically actuated systems powered by solar energy, utilizing electrically actuated valves and controllers, including programmable logic controllers and fiber optic sensors, to manage fluid levels and flows efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If pneumatic devices are used in oil and gas separators, then the devices can operate without electrical power, but methane emissions are significantly emitted causing environmental harm and regulatory penalties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pneumatic control systems with electrically actuated control systems. The electrically actuated valves and controllers eliminate methane emissions by substituting the pneumatic actuation mechanism with an electric motor-driven actuation mechanism, while maintaining the ability to operate in remote locations through solar power integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from pneumatic (natural gas) to electrical (solar-powered). This parameter change transforms the system from one that emits methane to one that uses clean solar energy, resolving the contradiction between emission-free operation and remote location capability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If pneumatic devices are converted to electrically actuated systems, then methane emissions are reduced or eliminated, but maintenance issues and reliability concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a solar power system with battery storage that enables the electrically actuated valves to operate autonomously in remote locations without external power infrastructure. The system monitors its own operational status and maintains reliability through self-contained power management, reducing the need for external maintenance interventions.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If electrically actuated valves are used in remote locations, then methane emissions are eliminated, but electrical power availability becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces solar panels and battery storage as intermediary components between the electrically actuated valves and the power source. The solar panels convert solar energy to electrical energy, and the batteries store this energy for use during periods when solar generation is insufficient, ensuring continuous operation in remote locations without grid connection.
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
Reduces or eliminates methane emissions, enhances production rates, and provides reliable operation without the need for natural gas, while maintaining safety and efficiency in hazardous environments.
Implementation Method 1
the separator system may include various devices or systems useful for capturing and storing solar energy
Implementation Method 2
the level controller including a fiber optic sensor system for sending an electrical signal to the programmable controller when the level of the process fluid in the separator is at a predetermined high set point
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for converting a pneumatically controlled separator system, such as a liquid-gas separator system, to a separator system having electrically actuated controllers, pumps, and valves. The electrically actuated separator system of the present disclosure meets emissions standards and reduces (or eliminates) methane emissions that are harmful to the environment. The electrically actuated components of the system of the present disclosure may be powered with solar energy, which also reduces (or eliminates) carbon dioxide emissions.