Subsea Duplex Pump Integrating Gas-Liquid Separation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional subsea remediation systems require separate liquid/gas separator devices, which are cumbersome and expensive, especially in deep-sea environments where gas hydrates and paraffin deposits pose significant blockage issues in pipelines.

Innovation Solution

A subsea duplex pump design that integrates gas and liquid separation within a single unit, utilizing a first chamber for receiving mixed fluids, a second chamber with a plunger mechanism for separating gases and liquids, and discharge conduits for efficient discharge of separated fluids, eliminating the need for a separate separator device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate liquid/gas separator device is used in conventional subsea remediation systems, then gas and liquid can be separated effectively, but the system becomes cumbersome and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas-liquid separation effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the gas-liquid separation function with the pump function into a single integrated device. The pump body includes a separation chamber with a gas outlet positioned above the liquid outlet, allowing gas and liquid to separate by density while being pumped simultaneously. This eliminates the need for a separate downstream separator and reduces system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a pumping device and a gas-liquid separator. The separation chamber integrated into the pump body enables the same device to handle both fluid transport and phase separation, reducing the number of components needed in the subsea remediation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional subsea remediation systems use separate separator devices, then proper fluid separation is achieved, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid separation performanceVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the separator and pump into one unit, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, installed, and maintained. This integration lowers operational costs by eliminating redundant equipment while maintaining effective gas-liquid separation through the density-based separation chamber design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If separate separator devices are deployed in deep-sea environments, then gas hydrate and paraffin blockage issues are addressed, but equipment requirements and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipeline blockage preventionVSAvoidequipment quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated pump-separator reduces equipment quantity by combining two functions into one device. The separation chamber allows gas to rise and liquid to be pumped downward, preventing gas hydrate and paraffin blockages in the liquid line while eliminating the need for separate separator equipment in deep-sea environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated subsea duplex pump effectively separates and discharges gas and liquid, reducing the need for additional equipment and lowering operational costs, while maintaining efficiency in deep-sea conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a first chamber; a liquid-gas inlet port for receiving liquid and gas into the first chamber; a second chamber; at least one plunger in the second chamber, the at least one plunger configured to expand outwardly and retract inwardly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDensity gradient: Density Gradient

Implementation Method 2

at least one suction valve communicating the first chamber with the second chamber; at least one gas discharge valve communicating the first chamber with a gas discharge conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11448055B2Subsea duplex pump, subsea pumping system, and subsea pumping method

Publication Date: 2022.09.20 WRIGHTS IP HLDG LLC

AI summary

A subsea pump includes a liquid-gas inlet port for receiving liquid and gas into a first chamber, a plunger in a second chamber, a suction valve communicating the first chamber with a second chamber, a gas discharge conduit, a gas discharge valve communicating the first chamber with the gas discharge conduit, and a liquid discharge port for discharging liquid from the second chamber. The plunger retracts inwardly to create a vacuum in the second chamber that opens the suction valve and pulls liquid from the first chamber into the second chamber. The plunger extends outwardly against the suction to cause the suction valve to close and create a positive pressure that opens the gas discharge valve and forces the gas in the first chamber through the gas discharge valve into the gas discharge conduit. Liquid in the second chamber is discharged through the liquid discharge port via the positive pressure.