Solid Chemical Injection System for Oilfield Tubulars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for addressing wax-related issues in oilfield wells and pipelines are inefficient and costly, as they require the use of liquid chemical solvents that are volatile and pose safety risks, necessitating the development of a more efficient and economical system for inhibiting contaminant deposition.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses solid chemicals, which are melted on-site and introduced directly into oilfield tubulars using a chemical injection system comprising a receptacle, heating component, and pressure component to deliver the melted chemical in a controlled manner, reducing the need for large volumes of liquid solvents and minimizing energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid chemical solvents are used to inhibit contaminant deposition, then the effectiveness of contaminant remediation is improved, but the safety risks and storage costs increase due to volatility and noxious nature
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the chemical inhibitor from liquid to solid form. Solid inhibitors are transported and stored in solid state, then melted at the injection point to form liquid for injection into the production stream. This parameter change eliminates the safety issues associated with storing and transporting large volumes of volatile liquid solvents while maintaining the contaminant inhibition effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase transition of the chemical inhibitor from solid to liquid state. The solid inhibitor is heated in a heating zone to melt and form liquid, which is then injected into the production stream. This phase transition approach allows the chemical to be stored safely in solid form and converted to liquid form only when needed for injection, reducing safety risks during storage and transport.
2Reliability
If liquid chemical inhibitors are used, then contaminant deposition is inhibited, but the volume of chemical required increases leading to higher transport and storage costs
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the chemical inhibitor to solid form, the system reduces the volume required for storage and transport. Solid chemicals have higher density and occupy less volume compared to liquid formulations with carrier solvents. The solid inhibitor is melted only at the point of injection, delivering concentrated active ingredient without the bulk of carrier fluid, thereby reducing transport and storage costs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If solid chemicals are melted and injected on-site, then the safety and storage costs are reduced, but the complexity of the injection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The injection system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a storage zone for solid chemical, a heating zone for melting the solid to liquid, and an injection zone for delivering the liquid chemical into the production stream. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system design by clearly defining the function of each section.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating zone acts as an intermediary between the solid chemical storage and the liquid injection system. It provides the necessary phase transition from solid to liquid without requiring complex pumping or handling systems for solid materials, thereby simplifying the overall injection system while maintaining safety benefits.
4Use of energy by moving object
If targeted heating is applied to melt solid chemical, then energy consumption is minimized, but the heating system design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system applies heat locally and selectively to specific zones where solid chemical needs to be melted, rather than heating the entire storage container or system. This targeted approach minimizes energy consumption by heating only the necessary portion of the chemical and reduces heat loss to the environment, while the localized heating elements keep the system design relatively simple.
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 approach allows for accurate and efficient delivery of inhibitors, reducing contaminant deposition while minimizing energy consumption and safety risks, offering a more economical and safer method for maintaining oilfield operations.
Implementation Method 1
the heating component to heat the second volume to a temperature above the melting point of the solid chemical, thereby transforming loaded solid chemical positioned in the second volume into liquid phase
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods and apparatus using a solid chemical as an injectable for inhibiting, decreasing or preventing precipitation and/or deposition of foulants and/or contaminants in oilfield tubulars. The use of solid chemicals providing ease of shipment, greater economy in storage, shipment and delivery and increased ease of use.