Subsea Phase Separation and Gas Reinjection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore petroleum production faces challenges with increasing water production, leading to economically unfeasible field operations due to the need for large topside processing capacities and environmental restrictions on gas venting, which can be mitigated by implementing a flexible subsea phase-separation and reinjection system.
Innovation Solution
A scalable modular subsea system capable of separating oil, water, and CO2 gas, allowing for their reinjection into the reservoir, reducing the need for large topside processing equipment and maintaining reservoir pressure through subsea processing, utilizing subsea separators, booster pumps, and heat exchangers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If subsea phase separation and reinjection system is implemented, then the volume of CO2 and water reaching topside is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional subsea equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid stream into separate phases (gas, oil, water) using subsea separators, allowing each phase to be handled independently. This segmentation enables CO2 and water to be reinjected subsea while only oil requires topside processing, reducing the volume of materials reaching the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts CO2 gas and water phases from the production stream at subsea level through phase separation, and reinjects them directly into the reservoir without transporting them to the topside platform. This extraction and local reinjection eliminates the need for large processing capacities at the surface.
2Productivity
If large topside processing capacities are installed, then gas and water treatment capability is improved, but the platform footprint and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the gas treatment and water treatment functions from the topside platform and relocates them to subsea equipment. The subsea separators and reinjection system perform phase separation and reinjection operations directly at the reservoir location, eliminating the need for large processing facilities on the platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The system moves processing operations from the horizontal dimension (topside platform) to the vertical dimension (subsea location), utilizing the space below the platform rather than expanding the platform footprint. This dimensional shift allows gas and water treatment without increasing surface area.
3Area of stationary object
If subsea processing is implemented, then processing equipment footprint on platform is reduced, but the system adaptability to different production scenarios must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic control capabilities in the subsea equipment, allowing adjustment of separator operations and reinjection rates according to varying production conditions. The modular subsea architecture enables adaptation to different production scenarios such as changing fluid compositions, production rates, and reservoir pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The subsea processing system is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle various production scenarios including different gas-to-liquid ratios, water cuts, and fluid compositions. The same subsea infrastructure can adapt to greenfield, brownfield, and blackfield production stages through configurable operations.
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 solution enables efficient phase separation and reinjection, reducing the volume of CO2 and water reaching the topside, minimizing the need for large processing capacities, and maintaining reservoir pressure, thus enhancing oil recovery and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a subsea separator with an inlet for receiving well fluids from a separator inlet stream; a gas stream outlet and a liquid stream outlet
Implementation Method 2
a booster pump in communication with the gas stream outlet of the subsea separator... where the gas stream pressure is boosted by the booster pump
Implementation Method 3
a liquid pressure booster in communication with the liquid stream outlet of the subsea separator... where the liquid stream pressure is boosted by the liquid pressure booster
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a scalable modular fluid separation system at least comprising: a) a subsea separator with an inlet for receiving well fluids from a separator inlet stream; b) a gas stream piping from a gas stream outlet of the subsea separator; c) a booster pump in communication with the gas stream outlet of the subsea separator; d) a liquid stream piping from a liquid stream outlet of the subsea separator; and e) a liquid pressure booster in communication with the liquid stream outlet of the subsea separator.