Subsea Sand Collection via Vertical Drainage and Slurry Ejector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deepwater subsea hydrocarbon production systems face challenges in efficiently removing and managing solid particles that accumulate at the bottom of subsea oil/water separation stations, leading to potential operational disruptions and increased complexity due to existing collection methods.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vertical drainage channel connected to a high-pressure slurry ejector with a discharge pipe allows for continuous and periodic removal of sand from the bottom of the oil/water separation station, featuring a passive network for simplified design, reliable operation, and flexibility in handling abnormal sand production without moving parts or internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multiphase cyclonic desander is used to remove sand continuously, then sand removal efficiency is improved, but the system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sand collection function from the main production stream by introducing separate sand traps positioned at strategic locations in the oil/water separation station. These sand traps independently collect sand particles without interfering with the continuous oil/water separation process, thereby maintaining sand removal efficiency while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sand removal function into multiple independent sand traps distributed throughout the oil/water separation station. Each sand trap operates independently to collect sand particles, allowing the system to handle variable sand loads without requiring a single complex high-capacity removal system.
2Reliability
If sand traps are installed all along the pipes of the oil/water separation station, then sand accumulation is reduced, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies sand traps only at specific critical locations within the oil/water separation station where sand accumulation is most likely to occur, rather than installing them throughout the entire pipe network. This localized approach effectively controls sand accumulation at key points while minimizing the total number of components and system complexity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the oil/water separation station operates for several years, then production continuity is maintained, but sand particles form significant layers at the bottom of pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary sand collection through sand traps positioned at the inlet and throughout the oil/water separation station pipes. These sand traps continuously capture sand particles as they settle, preventing sand layers from forming in the main production pipes during long operational periods, thereby maintaining production continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sand traps operate continuously throughout the operational duration of the oil/water separation station, providing uninterrupted sand removal. This continuous action ensures that sand particles are constantly collected and removed from the system, preventing accumulation even over several years of operation.
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 ensures continuous operation of the oil/water separation station by allowing independent cleaning of each pipe, reducing the risk of operational disruptions and maintaining high reliability, with low-frequency maintenance and remote operation, effectively managing sand deposits and preventing compaction.
Implementation Method 1
a high-pressure slurry ejector having a suction port connected to the discharge pipe via a supply valve
Implementation Method 2
at least one vertical drainage channel intended to open into a lower part of a horizontal body of the oil/water separation station
Data Source
AI summary
A system for collecting solid particles accumulating at the bottom of a subsea oil/water separation station of an installation for the subsea disposal of water produced during the deepwater subsea production of hydrocarbons, comprises at least one vertical drainage channel intended to open into a lower part of a horizontal body (of the oil/water separation station, a discharge pipe to be positioned horizontally under the horizontal body of the oil/water separation station and into which the drainage channel opens, and a high-pressure slurry ejector having a suction port connected to the discharge pipe via a supply valve.