Water Well Rehabilitation With Multi-Stage Nitrogen Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for rehabilitating water wells face challenges with the use of compressed nitrogen due to the high volume and pressure requirements, which are costly, difficult to acquire, and pose safety concerns, especially in remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a mobile platform with multiple compression stages to generate and deliver high-purity nitrogen gas, including a first compressor, nitrogen generator, and second compressor, to achieve pressures up to 2500 psi, and a gas venting apparatus for well treatment, or using depleted nitrogen tanks for re-pressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compressed nitrogen is used for well rehabilitation, then the well can be effectively cleaned, but the cost and safety concerns increase due to high volume and pressure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter of the nitrogen gas through multi-stage compression, achieving the required high pressure (up to 2500 psi) for effective well rehabilitation while managing the volume and distribution of nitrogen delivery to reduce safety concerns and costs
2Productivity
If high pressure nitrogen (2500 psi) is delivered to the well, then effective cleaning is achieved, but the complexity and cost of nitrogen acquisition increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the compression process into multiple stages, with each stage compressing the nitrogen to a specific pressure level. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high final pressure while managing intermediate pressures and volumes, reducing the complexity of acquiring and delivering high-pressure nitrogen in a single step
3Quantity of substance
If multiple compressors and nitrogen generation equipment are used, then high-purity nitrogen at high pressure is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple compression stages and nitrogen generation equipment into an integrated system. By combining these components and coordinating their operation, the system achieves the required nitrogen purity and pressure while managing overall system complexity through unified control and integrated design
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
Provides a cost-effective and safe means to deliver high-purity nitrogen at high pressures, reducing waste and ensuring continuous supply, suitable for well rehabilitation in various locations.
Implementation Method 1
compressing air from atmospheric pressure to a first pressure (e.g., at least about 150 psi) higher than atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 2
removing oxygen from the air, resulting in a nitrogen gas having at least 80% nitrogen
Implementation Method 3
compressing the nitrogen gas to a second pressure higher than the first pressure
Implementation Method 4
discharging the pressurized nitrogen gas through the gas venting apparatus and into the well bore
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for rehabilitating a water well using compressed nitrogen. The method includes compressing air to a first pressure higher than atmospheric pressure; providing the air at the first pressure to a nitrogen generator; removing oxygen from the air, resulting in a nitrogen gas having at least 80% nitrogen; compressing the nitrogen gas to a second pressure higher than the first pressure; inserting a venting apparatus into the bore; and discharging the pressurized nitrogen gas into the bore. In another aspect, a different method of treating a water well is disclosed. The method comprises providing a tank of pressurized nitrogen gas; inserting a venting apparatus into the bore; discharging the pressurized nitrogen gas into the bore; depleting the pressure of the nitrogen gas in the tank to produce low-pressure nitrogen; re-pressurizing the low-pressure nitrogen to a desired pressure; and discharging the re-pressurized nitrogen gas into the bore.