Tangential Inlet Fluid Separator for Gas Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid extraction and separation systems in the oil and gas industry face challenges in efficiently analyzing wellbore fluids, particularly in separating gases based on density and viscosity differentials, which hinders accurate formation evaluation and drilling optimization.
Innovation Solution
A fluid extraction system with compact, tangentially designed fluid separators that utilize flow energy to enhance separation by inducing higher fluid velocities and incorporating energy input devices like thermal energy and sonicators to improve gas separation, along with a gas logging unit for chemical analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fluid separators are used to separate gases from wellbore fluids, then gas separation is achieved, but the separation efficiency is insufficient due to inadequate utilization of flow energy
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid separator is designed with a tangential inlet that dynamically converts the kinetic energy of incoming fluid into rotational vortex flow. This dynamic flow pattern enhances the separation process by creating centrifugal forces that efficiently separate gas from liquid based on density differences, rather than relying on static separation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow parameters (velocity distribution, flow direction) by introducing fluid tangentially to create a vortex pattern. This parameter change optimizes the separation efficiency by maximizing the utilization of flow energy and creating favorable conditions for gas-liquid separation throughout the separator volume.
2Speed
If fluid velocity is increased to enhance separation, then separation performance improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into distinct functional zones: a vortex generation zone with tangential inlet, a separation zone where centrifugal forces act on the fluid, and an outlet zone. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the kinetic energy of the incoming fluid itself to generate the vortex flow and drive the separation process, rather than requiring external energy input devices. The fluid's own flow energy is harnessed to create the necessary high-velocity conditions for effective separation.
3Productivity
If thermal energy devices and sonicators are added to improve gas separation, then separation effectiveness increases, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides options for partial implementation where the enhanced vortex separator can be used alone for many applications, or combined with thermal energy devices and sonicators only when additional separation effectiveness is required. This allows the system to be scaled according to specific needs without always requiring the full complex configuration.
4Measurement precision
If real-time fluid analysis is implemented to improve drilling optimization, then decision-making accuracy improves, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid separator system is designed to serve multiple functions: primary gas-liquid separation, real-time fluid sampling, and provision of samples for compositional analysis. This multi-functionality allows a single integrated system to provide both separation and analytical capabilities, reducing the need for separate dedicated analysis equipment.
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 effectively separates gases from wellbore fluids based on density and viscosity, enabling accurate chemical composition analysis and enhancing drilling optimization by providing real-time data for well operators.
Implementation Method 1
gases entrained in the fluid sample separate and migrate toward a center of the vortex
Implementation Method 2
the fluid sample flows and forms a vortex within the flow chamber
Implementation Method 3
incorporating energy input devices like thermal energy and sonicators to improve gas separation
Implementation Method 4
incorporating energy input devices like thermal energy and sonicators to improve gas separation
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed example embodiment of a fluid extraction system includes a fluid circuit fluidly coupled to a source of a fluid and configured to receive a fluid sample from the source, and a fluid separator arranged in the fluid circuit and configured to receive the fluid sample. The fluid separator includes a body that defines at least one fluid inlet, a flow chamber defined within the body, and is configured to receive and spin the fluid sample from the at least one fluid inlet. The fluid sample spirals inward and forms a vortex, and gases entrained within the fluid sample separate and migrate toward a center of the vortex. An outlet defined in the flow chamber provides a gas outlet that entrains and removes the gases and a liquid outlet receives and removes a remaining portion of the fluid sample.