Subsea Reciprocating Pump Using Sequencing Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional subsea pumping systems require dedicated external power and fluid supplies, are sensitive to sand, and inefficient in handling viscous slurries and pressure boosting across multiple separation stages.
Innovation Solution
A subsea reciprocating pump system utilizing a sequencing valve to convert steady fluid pressure into pulsating pressure, driven by subsea available pressurized fluid, capable of handling sand and viscous slurries, and allowing for autonomous operation without external utilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional subsea pumps are used, then pumping function is provided, but the system requires external power supply and barrier oil supply over long distances, increasing system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system uses its own produced fluid under pressure to drive the pumping action through a sequencing valve, eliminating the need for external power supply, barrier oil systems, and complex electrical infrastructure. The system serves itself by utilizing the process fluid as both the pumped medium and the driving force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and utilizes the pressure energy already present in the produced fluid stream to drive the pumping mechanism, removing the need for separate external power sources and complex electrical systems that would otherwise be required.
2Reliability
If conventional pumps handle sand-containing fluids, then pumping continues, but sand causes wear and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a sequencing valve controlled by pressure differential to operate the pump, utilizing hydraulic principles to achieve reliable operation with sand-containing fluids without the wear issues associated with conventional mechanical pumping systems.
3Productivity
If ejectors are used for pressure boosting in later separation stages, then pressure is increased, but efficiency is low and motion fluid mixes with driven medium
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system separates the driving fluid path from the pumped fluid path using a sequencing valve and chamber system, allowing independent control and preventing mixing while maintaining efficient pressure boosting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the inefficient ejector mechanism with a mechanically controlled sequencing valve system that provides superior efficiency and prevents fluid mixing through physical separation of the driving and pumped fluid paths.
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 is robust to sand and capable of efficiently pumping viscous slurries, reducing the need for external power and fluid supplies, and effectively boosting pressure across multiple separation stages with improved efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A subsea pumping system utilizing a sequencing valve to convert steady fluid pressure into pulsating pressure
Implementation Method 2
driven by subsea available pressurized fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a subsea pumping system that comprises an reciprocating pump such as a membrane pump or a hose pump. The motive fluid for the pump is obtained from one of the well fluids which is pressurized in a separate stage.