Tee Flow Splitter Balances Two-Phase Streams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow splitters in oil-and-gas applications face challenges in balancing two-phase streams, leading to unbalanced gas flow and increased risk of failure, particularly during slugging operations, due to vortex flow, rheological properties, and geometric complexities, requiring costly instrumentation and large footprints.
Innovation Solution
A tee flow splitter design with a manifold, wedge-shaped spreader, and equally sized outlet openings that applies momentum control to split two-phase or one-phase streams into balanced parts without the need for control instrumentation or retention time, using a wedge-shaped spreader housed within the manifold to distribute the stream equally across horizontal outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard flow splitters are used in oil-and-gas applications, then the inlet stream can be divided into multiple outlets, but the gas phase flow becomes unbalanced due to vortex flow and geometric complexities, overloading one of the degassing vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric T-shaped manifold design where the inlet is positioned at a specific angle (30-60 degrees) relative to the outlets, and the outlets are arranged at non-symmetrical positions and angles. This asymmetric geometry disrupts vortex flow patterns and prevents the geometric complexities that cause unbalanced gas phase distribution, achieving reliable two-phase stream splitting without overloading degassing vessels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary flow distribution chamber between the inlet and outlets, where a distributed flow inlet connects to multiple outlets through equally spaced opening. This intermediary structure equalizes the flow distribution by providing a transition zone that balances both liquid and gas phases before reaching the outlets, eliminating the need for complex control instrumentation
2Reliability
If degassing vessels with symmetrical pipelines are used, then the inlet stream can be split into two phases, but control instrumentation and retention time are required to maintain balance, increasing cost and footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The flow splitter is designed to automatically balance the two-phase stream split through its inherent asymmetric geometry and distributed flow inlet design. The system is self-regulating and does not require external control instrumentation, valves, or retention time control mechanisms. The geometry itself performs the balancing function, eliminating costly control systems while maintaining reliable phase separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the manifold, specifically positioning the inlet at 30-60 degrees relative to the outlets and arranging outlets at specific non-symmetrical positions. These parameter changes fundamentally alter the flow dynamics to achieve automatic phase balance without requiring active control systems or retention time management
3Force
If centrifugal separator inlet devices are used, then inlet stream momentum can be controlled and energy dissipated, but the footprint and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex three-dimensional centrifugal separator structure, the patent employs a simplified T-shaped manifold design that controls momentum through angular geometry in two dimensions. The inlet is positioned at 30-60 degrees relative to the outlets, creating momentum control through angular redirection rather than requiring large-radius centrifugal paths, significantly reducing the footprint while maintaining effective momentum control
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 tee flow splitter effectively balances the split of two-phase or one-phase streams into equal parts, reducing the risk of unbalanced loads and operational costs, while minimizing footprint and weight, eliminating the need for expensive control instrumentation and retention time.
Implementation Method 1
A tee flow splitter design with a manifold, wedge-shaped spreader, and equally sized outlet openings that applies momentum control to split two-phase or one-phase streams into balanced parts
Implementation Method 2
A centrifugal separator inlet device that consists of pairs of cylindrical tubes connected by a manifold to a vessel inlet nozzle. A stream enters the tubes tangentially, creating centrifugal force that causes stream separation by spinning the liquid phase of the stream outward against the walls of the tubes
Data Source
AI summary
A flow splitter that divides a two-phase (gas-liquid) inlet stream or a one-phase (liquid-liquid) inlet stream into equal and substantially balanced parts for distribution to an equal number of outlets horizontally oriented and connected to the flow splitter. Because of the design of the flow splitter, no control instrumentation or retention time is required during a split. Openings in each face of the flow splitter help to equalize pressure in the split and allow liquid to fill an end chamber that supports impact forces on a wedge-shaped spreader oriented with its leading edge toward an inlet stream.