Subsea Well Flow Liquid Separator and Compressor Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional subsea well flow compression systems face challenges with liquid and sand ingress, leading to high operational complexity and costs due to the need for robust liquid separation and pumping systems, which are often inadequate for low liquid production rates and variable liquid content.

Innovation Solution

A simplified compression system where a liquid separator upstream the compressor reduces droplet size and concentration of liquid before it enters the compressor, utilizing compressed gas or adjustable choking to reintroduce the separated liquid into the gas flow, eliminating the need for a separate pumping system and allowing the compressor to handle the liquid, thereby reducing system height and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a liquid separator with collection volume is used to protect the compressor, then liquid and sand can be separated and collected, but the system complexity and height increase due to the need for separate pumping systems and level control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressor protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the liquid separator and compressor into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate pumping systems and level control mechanisms. The liquid separator is positioned such that liquid can drain directly into the compressor, merging two previously separate functions into one system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The compressor is designed to serve dual functions: both compressing gas and receiving/draining liquid. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated liquid handling equipment, reducing system complexity while maintaining protection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a liquid separator with collection volume is used to protect the compressor, then liquid and sand can be separated and collected, but the system height increases requiring additional vertical space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressor protectionVSAvoidsystem height

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional liquid separation systems are used, then liquid can be separated from gas, but operational costs and maintenance intervals increase due to inadequate performance with low liquid production rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid separationVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows dynamic adjustment of liquid handling capacity. The liquid separator can effectively handle both low liquid production rates and higher rates, with the compressor able to accommodate varying liquid volumes without requiring separate pumping systems or complex level control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables continuous operation with reduced maintenance intervals and lower operational costs by ensuring the compressor can tolerate higher liquid concentrations, simplifying the system design and reducing the need for complex level control and pumping infrastructure.

Implementation Method 1

separated liquid from the liquid separator is sucked in by an ejector into the gas flow in front of the compressor inlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

using compressed gas from the compressor to operate an ejector or eductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEjector effect: Injector

Implementation Method 3

at least one atomizing nozzle for fine-dividing the separated liquid before return into the gas from the liquid separator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtomization:

Implementation Method 4

a liquid separator is often included upstream the compressor. Thereby, liquid and sand can be collected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational separation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 5

Liquid separators involve in this context inter alia separators, scrubbers, cyclones and liquid slug collectors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentUS9566542B2Method and a device for liquid treatment when compressing a well flow

Publication Date: 2017.02.14 ONESUBSEA AS

AI summary

A device for separating liquid from gas in a well flow when compressing the well flow comprises a liquid separator (1′) having an inlet (13) for the well flow, an outlet (5) for gas and an outlet (4) for liquid. According to the invention separated liquid from the liquid separator (1′) is fine-divided in connection with the liquid outlet (4), and the fine-divided liquid is supplied into the gas outlet (5) at a mixing point (8) downstream the liquid separator (1′) and upstream a compressor (11).