Spherical Separator for Solid Particle Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid particle separators are ineffective in handling high velocity fluid streams with a wide range of solid particle sizes, leading to equipment damage and contamination issues at oil and gas wellheads, as they require thick, heavy, and costly materials to withstand high pressures.
Innovation Solution
A spherical separator system utilizing gravitational, centrifugal, and Coriolis forces, along with mechanical filtration, to efficiently separate solid particles from high-pressure, high-velocity fluid streams, allowing for a smaller, lighter, and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid-liquid extraction is used to separate solid particles from liquid, then solid particle removal can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful solid particles from the liquid stream using a filter medium, separating the solid phase from the liquid phase. This direct extraction approach replaces complex liquid-liquid extraction systems while achieving the same particle removal goal through a simpler filtration mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a filter medium as an intermediary component between the liquid stream and the separation process. This mediator enables particle removal through adsorption and physical filtration, simplifying the overall system by replacing complex extraction equipment with a straightforward filter-based approach.
2Reliability
If conventional filtration methods are used, then solid particles can be removed, but the filter medium becomes contaminated and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables recovery and regeneration of the filter medium after it becomes contaminated with solid particles. Instead of discarding the filter medium after single use, it can be cleaned and reused multiple times, extending its service life and reducing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter medium is designed to facilitate easy cleaning and regeneration processes. The structure allows for self-maintenance through straightforward cleaning procedures, enabling the filter medium to restore its functionality without requiring complex replacement mechanisms.
3Reliability
If filter medium is used for particle removal, then solid particles can be separated from liquid, but the filter medium gets contaminated and needs cleaning or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recovery system for the filter medium that captures and regenes used filter material. This prevents the filter medium from being discarded after contamination, instead recovering it for cleaning and reuse, thereby reducing maintenance frequency and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter medium serves as a removable intermediary that can be easily detached, cleaned, and replaced. This design simplifies maintenance by allowing straightforward removal and cleaning of the contaminated filter medium without disrupting the entire separation 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
The system effectively removes a wide range of solid particle sizes from high-velocity fluid streams, reducing equipment damage and contamination, while maintaining efficiency regardless of fluid velocity, and can operate at pressures up to 20,000 psi with a more practical and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
a filter medium, such as diatomaceous earth, kieselguhr, or other porous materials
Implementation Method 2
The filter medium may be contaminated with the solid particles and may need to be cleaned or replaced
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and method to separate solid particle components from a fluid. The invention uses a novel combination of mechanical filtration, solids decantation and real and imaginary forces. The invention comprises a spherical vessel with a tangential inlet to introduce the fluid and a fluid exhaust and filter arranged on the center line of the interior of the vessel. A combination of pressurized fluid and solid particles enter the invention at the tangential inlet and will move primarily in a circular path around the interior of the vessel. The path of the fluid and solid particles mixture in a circular path will cause the larger mass particles to settle at the vessels lower region. Less massive particles may be entrained in the exiting fluid flow toward a filter element where they are removed from the exiting fluid.