Solid Chemical Injection System for Oilfield Tubulars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for addressing contaminant buildup in oilfield tubulars and pipelines are costly and inefficient, requiring large volumes of liquid solvents and involving complex formulations specific to each oil well, with solid chemical inhibitors not being readily flowable for continuous on-site application.
Innovation Solution
A system for on-site particle size reduction and in-line delivery of solid chemicals, using a solid chemical tank, size reduction apparatus, valve for controlled discharge, and pressurization devices to inject size-reduced solid chemicals into oilfield production lines, reducing the need for liquid solvents and enhancing safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid solvents and chemical inhibitors are used to address contaminant buildup, then contaminant deposition is inhibited, but transportation and storage costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the chemical inhibitor from liquid to solid form. This eliminates the need for large volumes of liquid solvent while maintaining the inhibitor's effectiveness in preventing contaminant deposition in oilfield tubulars
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transition by converting chemical inhibitors from liquid phase to solid phase (pellets or flakes). This phase change reduces the volume required for transport and storage while preserving the chemical's inhibitory function against contaminant buildup
2Quantity of substance
If solid chemical inhibitors are used, then transportation and storage costs are reduced, but the solid chemical is not readily flowable for continuous injection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments solid chemical inhibitors into small pellet or flake forms. This segmentation maintains the solid state advantages for transport and storage while improving flowability and enabling continuous injection into oilfield production lines
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a dynamic system where solid chemical pellets are continuously fed, size-reduced if necessary, and injected into the production stream. This dynamic approach maintains flowability during injection while preserving the cost benefits of solid chemical storage
3Reliability
If chemical solvents are formulated specifically for each oil well, then contaminant remediation is effective, but the formulation and transport process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates universal solid chemical inhibitor formulations that can be effectively applied across multiple oil wells and contaminant types. This eliminates the need for complex well-specific formulations while maintaining remediation effectiveness through the versatile solid pellet delivery system
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 significantly reduces transportation costs by up to 95%, minimizes energy use, and ensures accurate and continuous dosing of solid chemicals, maintaining or restoring flow in oilfield tubulars and equipment while safely storing unused chemicals.
Implementation Method 1
one or more pressurization devices such that positive pressure is applied to at least a portion of the system
Implementation Method 2
a solid chemical size reduction apparatus wherein the solid chemical size reduction apparatus reduces the size of the solid chemical
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and apparatus for injecting a solid chemical for inhibiting, decreasing or preventing precipitation and/or deposition of foulants and/or contaminants in oilfield tubulars. The use of solid chemicals or highly viscous fluids providing ease of shipment, greater economy in storage, shipment and delivery and increased ease of use.