Thermal Desorption Vessel with Multi-Point Vapor Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal desorption methods for oily slurry separation in well drilling operations face inefficiencies due to vapor comingling, leading to increased energy requirements, hydrocarbon cracking, and equipment damage from mist and solids, which complicates the separation process and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a thermal desorption system with a desorption vessel and multiple vapor outlets connected to eductors for vapor condensation, operating under negative pressure to prevent vapor comingling, reduce energy consumption, and eliminate the need for blowers and additional equipment, while using eductors to efficiently condense vapors and manage solids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple vapor outlets are implemented to prevent vapor comingling, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The desorption vessel is segmented into multiple zones along its length, with vapor outlets positioned at different locations corresponding to different boiling point ranges. Low boiling point vapors are removed through outlets at the inlet end, while high boiling point vapors are removed through outlets at the middle and outlet ends, preventing vapor comingling and improving energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point vapor removal approach to a distributed multi-point removal system along the longitudinal dimension of the vessel. This spatial distribution allows different vapor compositions to be removed at different positions, eliminating the need for vapor reheating and reducing energy loss
2Quantity of substance
If vapor outlets are placed near the inlet or middle of the desorption vessel, then high boiling point vapors can be removed, but low boiling point vapors may condense prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the desorption vessel are assigned different functions: the inlet end region is optimized for low boiling point vapor removal, while the middle and outlet end regions are optimized for high boiling point vapor removal. This local specialization prevents premature condensation by matching vapor outlet placement with the thermal characteristics of vapors at each location
3Reliability
If high boiling point vapors are heated beyond their boiling point to prevent premature condensation, then vapor separation improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts low boiling point vapors from the system at the inlet end before they can cause premature condensation issues. By removing these vapors early, the remaining high boiling point vapors do not require excessive heating, thus maintaining reliable vapor separation while reducing energy consumption
4Reliability
If blowers and additional equipment are used to manage vapors and prevent equipment damage, then system reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The eductor devices utilize the kinetic energy of the injected liquid stream to create negative pressure and draw out vapors automatically. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external blowers or complex vapor management equipment, while still protecting the system from vapor-related damage
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 approach reduces energy requirements, minimizes hydrocarbon cracking, and simplifies equipment design, achieving efficient separation of oily solids with lower energy consumption and reduced equipment needs, thereby improving the thermal desorption process.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit disposed adjacent to the desorption vessel configured to heat a slurry including solids and oil disposed in the inner chamber of the desorption vessel
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of vapor outlets in fluid communication with the inner chamber of the desorption vessel, wherein each vapor outlet is in fluid communication with a condenser or an eductor for condensing vapors generated by heating the slurry
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems involving thermal desorption of an oily slurry are provided. In some embodiments, such systems include a desorption vessel including an inner chamber; a heating unit disposed adjacent to the desorption vessel configured to heat a slurry including solids and oil disposed in the inner chamber of the desorption vessel; and a plurality of vapor outlets in fluid communication with the inner chamber of the desorption vessel, wherein each vapor outlet is in fluid communication with a condenser or an eductor for condensing vapors generated by heating the slurry.