Vortex Suppression Element for Fracturing Pipe Wear Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure and high-flow rate fracturing operations in hydraulic fracturing of subterranean hydrocarbon formations lead to vortex formation in pipes, causing significant wear on internal surfaces due to proppant abrasion, which existing equipment fails to effectively mitigate.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a vortex suppression element with an outer ring and array of inner axial vanes, which is inserted in pipe joints to suppress vortex formation without interfering with flow or tool passage, reducing wear and erosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-pressure and high-flow rate fracturing operations are conducted, then fracturing effectiveness is improved, but vortex formation causes increased wear on pipe internal surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
A vortex suppression element is introduced as an intermediary component within the pipe joint. This element comprises a plurality of substantially parallel axially extending vanes that intercept and suppress the vortex formation caused by high-flow fracturing operations, thereby protecting the pipe internal surfaces from wear while maintaining operational productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful vortex formation is extracted and suppressed by the vanes of the vortex suppression element. The vanes are positioned to intercept the vortex without significantly impeding the overall fluid flow, separating the harmful rotational motion from the beneficial forward flow
2Reliability
If vortex suppression elements are added to pipe joints, then wear and erosion are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex suppression element is segmented into multiple substantially parallel axially extending vanes that are distributed around the pipe joint. This segmentation allows the element to effectively suppress vortex formation while maintaining a compact structure that can be integrated into existing pipe joints without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex suppression element serves multiple functions: it suppresses vortex formation, reduces wear on pipe surfaces, and allows fluid flow to pass through. The element can be installed in various pipe joints and is applicable to different fracturing operations, providing universal protection against wear
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
Effectively suppresses vortex formation and associated wear in pipes during high-flow fracturing operations, enhancing equipment longevity and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
suppress vortex formation in the particulate laden fluid as it flows through the pipe joint
Data Source
AI summary
A vortex suppression element is configured to be inserted in a pipe joint between pipe segments for mitigation of erosion from particulate laden fluid flowing in at least one of the pipe segments. The vortex suppression element includes an outer ring, and an array of inner axial vanes secured to the outer ring. A method of using the vortex suppression element includes locating, in the pipeline, a pipe joint at a location where a vortex would form in the particulate laden fluid flowing in the pipeline in the absence of a vortex suppression element in the pipe joint in the pipeline; and inserting the vortex suppression element in the located pipe joint in the pipeline.