Subsea Compressor Placement via Bubble Plume Trajectory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore acid gas compression poses health and regulatory risks due to potential sudden releases of hazardous gases, necessitating a solution to optimize the placement of subsea compressors to minimize environmental damage and increase response time in case of leaks.
Innovation Solution
A bubble plume model is developed to predict the trajectory of subsea leaks based on cross flow momentum parameters, allowing for the optimal placement of subsea compressors relative to inhabited areas, thereby maximizing the time available before gas reaches the surface and diluting toxic gases with water, reducing the risk of exposure and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If subsea compressors are placed closer to inhabited areas for operational convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but health and safety risks increase due to potential sudden releases of hazardous gases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional analysis by introducing a mathematical model that evaluates compressor placement in three-dimensional space, considering depth, horizontal distance, and bubble plume trajectory. This allows optimization of placement location to balance operational convenience with safety by quantifying the relationship between spatial position and risk exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by developing and applying a bubble plume trajectory model before finalizing compressor placement decisions. This predictive model allows operators to pre-assess the potential impact of leaks at different locations and select optimal placement that minimizes risk before any actual operation begins.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If subsea compressors are placed deeper below the surface, then health and safety risks are reduced by slowing gas dispersion, but response time for personnel decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the depth parameter in the bubble plume trajectory model to evaluate its effect on both safety and response time. The mathematical model allows optimization of the depth parameter to achieve the best compromise between slowing gas dispersion (improving safety) and maintaining acceptable response times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the bubble plume trajectory model to provide quantitative information about gas dispersion patterns at different depths. This feedback loop allows operators to adjust placement decisions based on predicted outcomes, balancing the competing requirements of safety and response time.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the bubble plume model is used to optimize compressor placement, then health and regulatory risks are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing physical trial-and-error placement methods with a mathematical bubble plume trajectory model. This computational approach substitutes complex physical experimentation with calculated predictions, reducing the need for extensive physical testing while maintaining safety optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by creating a virtual representation of the bubble plume behavior through mathematical modeling. This virtual model allows multiple scenario evaluations without physical experimentation, reducing the complexity of actual implementation while providing comprehensive safety analysis.
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 bubble plume model effectively optimizes the placement of subsea compressors, increasing the response time for personnel and reducing health and regulatory risks by slowing the dispersion of toxic gases, thus providing a safer and more environmentally friendly offshore hydrocarbon processing operation.
Implementation Method 1
A bubble plume model is developed to predict the trajectory of subsea leaks based on cross flow momentum parameters
Implementation Method 2
A bubble plume model is developed to predict the trajectory of subsea leaks based on cross flow momentum parameters
Implementation Method 3
compressing the acid gas injection stream to a pressure sufficient to inject the acid gas injection stream into a subterranean formation
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrocarbon processing method, including processing a gaseous hydrocarbon stream to form a first production stream and a first injection stream; and compressing the first injection stream in a compressor placed at a selected location below a surface of a sea; wherein the location of the subsea compressor relative to a nearest inhabited area is determined based on a bubble plume trajectory of a model leak of the first injection stream from the compressor; and wherein the bubble plume trajectory is determined using one or more crossflow momentum parameters is disclosed herein. Also disclosed are hydrocarbon processing facilities having subsea compressors placed at such selected locations, processes for designing such hydrocarbon processing facilities, and a mathematical model useful in such methods, processes, and facilities.