Subsea Fluid Injection Apparatus with Check Valve for Corrosion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea fluid injection systems face challenges in preventing excess treatment chemicals from flowing back into production systems, which can damage components susceptible to corrosion, such as carbon steel and titanium, during scale squeeze and gas lift operations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a first flow path coupling a subsea well to a production flow system, featuring an inlet for receiving fluids, a second flow path connecting the inlet to the production system, and at least one flow barrier, such as a check valve or choke valve, to prevent fluid passage from the inlet to the well, along with a control module to manage fluid flow and dosing of treatment chemicals based on sensor feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If treatment chemicals are injected into the production system to treat scale and deposits, then the production system is effectively treated, but excess treatment chemicals may flow back into the system and cause corrosion to susceptible components
Solution Approach 1:
A neutralizing agent is introduced as an intermediary substance to counteract the harmful effects of excess treatment chemicals. The neutralizing agent is injected through a separate injection system at a neutralizing agent injection location, creating a chemical reaction that neutralizes the excess treatment chemicals before they can cause corrosion damage to susceptible components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dosing of treatment chemical is calculated to provide effective treatment without significant excess, then harmful effects are reduced, but it is difficult to fully eliminate excess treatment chemical flow back
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor system continuously monitors the presence and concentration of treatment chemicals in the production system. This feedback information is used to trigger the injection of neutralizing agent when excess treatment chemicals are detected, creating a closed-loop control system that dynamically responds to chemical conditions in the production system.
Solution Approach 2:
The neutralizing agent is positioned and ready for injection at a location upstream of susceptible components. By introducing the neutralizing agent before the excess treatment chemicals reach vulnerable areas, the system proactively prevents corrosion damage rather than reacting after damage occurs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flow barriers such as check valves are installed to prevent chemical passage, then protection is provided, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control function is divided into multiple segments: a check valve prevents backflow to the well, while a separate controllable valve provides regulated access to the production system. This segmentation allows each valve to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system protection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides an apparatus for introducing a fluid into a subsea production flow system, a system and a method of use. The apparatus comprises a first flow path through the apparatus for fluidly coupling a subsea well to a subsea production flow system and an inlet for receiving a fluid. A second flow path fluidly connects the inlet and the subsea production flow system. A valve is operable to control the flow of the fluid through the inlet to the subsea production flow system. In one embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus for preventing or reducing flow of a first treatment chemical into a subsea production flow system, a system, and a method of use. In an alternative embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus for injecting a gas into a subsea production flow system, a system, and a method of use.