Top-Side-Less Pump Multiphase Fluid Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid systems, such as pumps and compressors, face challenges in managing multiphase fluids that vary from all gas to all liquid and mixtures in between, requiring compact configurations and efficient processing to generate a liquid-rich fluid for pumping, especially in subsea applications where components must operate submerged.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a multiphase fluid management system with integrated motor and pump configurations, including a primary and secondary gas/liquid extraction unit, an ejector, and axial thrust compensators, utilizing medium pressure liquid-rich fluid for lubrication and heat removal, and a top-side-less design allowing subsea operation without surface-based components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact integrated motor fluid system configuration is used, then the system size is reduced, but the complexity of managing multiphase fluid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid management system is divided into separate functional modules: a first gas/liquid extraction unit for initial separation, a second gas/liquid extraction unit for further processing, and an ejector for fluid delivery. This segmentation allows each module to handle specific aspects of multiphase fluid management independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining compact integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector acts as an intermediary device that receives fluid from the extraction units and delivers it to the bearing lubrication inlet. This intermediary component simplifies the connection between separation and lubrication functions, enabling compact integration without direct complex interconnections between all system components.
2Ease of operation
If multiphase fluid is treated to generate liquid rich fluid for pumping, then the pumpability of the fluid is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid treatment process is segmented into two sequential extraction units. The first extraction unit performs initial gas/liquid separation to produce liquid-rich fluid suitable for pumping. The second extraction unit further processes the fluid to remove remaining gas content. This segmentation allows progressive fluid treatment, improving pumpability step-by-step while managing processing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid management system operates continuously, with the first extraction unit processing incoming multiphase fluid, the second extraction unit continuously removing gas, and the ejector continuously delivering liquid-rich fluid to the bearing lubrication inlet. This continuous operation ensures consistent liquid-rich fluid supply for pumping without intermittent processing complexity.
3Reliability
If a top-side-less design is used for subsea operation, then the system reliability in submerged environment is improved, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor and pump components are merged into a single integrated assembly where the motor housing serves dual purposes: as the motor housing and as the pump casing. The impeller is integrated within the motor structure, and the bearing lubrication system is combined with the fluid management system. This merging eliminates the need for separate top-side components and reduces design complexity while ensuring reliability in subsea environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor housing serves multiple functions: it houses the motor, acts as the pump casing, provides bearing support, and serves as the inlet for multiphase fluid. The ejector serves both as a fluid delivery mechanism and as a pressure regulation device. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the top-side-less design while maintaining subsea operation reliability.
4Temperature
If medium pressure liquid rich fluid is used for lubrication and heat removal, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the fluid management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the liquid-rich fluid extracted from the multiphase stream to provide both lubrication and cooling for the bearings. The same fluid that is being processed for pumping also serves the lubrication function, eliminating the need for separate lubrication fluid systems. This self-service approach improves cooling efficiency while reducing fluid management complexity through resource reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the liquid-rich fluid after gas extraction, the system recovers it and redirects it through the ejector to the bearing lubrication inlet. This recovered fluid provides both lubrication and cooling functions, improving thermal management efficiency while managing fluid resources more effectively to reduce overall system complexity.
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 configuration effectively manages multiphase fluids by producing a liquid-rich fluid for pumping, ensuring efficient operation and heat management in subsea environments, enhancing the compactness and reliability of fluid systems.
Implementation Method 1
an ejector coupled to the gas outlet of the first gas/liquid extraction unit and coupled to the liquid outlet of the liquid separator
Implementation Method 2
A second gas/liquid extraction unit has a liquid outlet coupled to supply liquid rich fluid to the bearings
Implementation Method 3
utilizing medium pressure liquid-rich fluid for lubrication and heat removal
Data Source
AI summary
A top side-less pump system for managing multiphase fluid includes a pump subsystem having a suction and a discharge. A first gas liquid extraction unit has a multiphase fluid inlet and a liquid outlet. The liquid outlet is coupled to the suction for providing a liquid rich fluid to the bearing lubrications. An ejector is coupled to a gas outlet of the main gas liquid extraction unit to receive a gas rich fluid. A second gas liquid extraction unit is coupled to an outlet of the ejector. A water based lubrication liquid unit is coupled to the inlets of the pump and, after being energized at higher pressure, injected into the bearings through built in lubrication and cooling passages.