Well Stream Compression With Upstream Phase Ratio Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compression systems for multiphase production fluid flows are sensitive to excess liquid, which can negatively impact compressor performance and require separate pumps for liquid handling, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A separation sub-system separates gas and liquid phases and controls the gas-to-liquid ratio in a compressible fluid stream, eliminating the need for separate liquid pumps by integrating a compressor with a separation unit and flow control devices to manage liquid levels and phase mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separation sub-system with flow control devices is integrated upstream from the compressor, then the gas-to-liquid ratio can be controlled to protect the compressor from excess liquid, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The separation unit is positioned upstream from the compressor to perform phase separation before the compressible fluid stream enters the compressor. Flow control devices are installed on both the gas and liquid phase lines to pre-regulate the gas-to-liquid ratio, preventing excess liquid from reaching the compressor and causing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation unit acts as an intermediary component between the production fluid source and the compressor. It receives multiphase production fluid, separates it into gas and liquid phases, and controls the mixing ratio before delivering the compressible fluid stream to the compressor, thereby protecting the compressor from direct exposure to excess liquid.
2Ease of operation
If separate pumps are used for liquid handling, then liquid can be boosted independently, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the liquid handling function into the existing compressor infrastructure by routing the liquid phase through a flow control device that mixes it with the gas phase at a controlled ratio. This eliminates the need for separate liquid pumps, as the compressor handles the mixed compressible fluid stream containing both gas and controlled amounts of liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor system is designed to perform multiple functions: it compresses the gas phase while simultaneously handling the liquid phase that has been mixed in at the controlled gas-to-liquid ratio. The separation unit and flow control devices enable the system to adapt to varying production conditions without requiring additional dedicated equipment.
3Productivity
If the gas and liquid phases are recombined downstream from the compression system, then they can be transported in one pipeline, but the compressor is exposed to excess liquid
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the conventional approach of separating phases upstream and recombining them downstream (which would expose the compressor to liquid), this system inverts the sequence by controlling the gas-to-liquid ratio upstream before compression. The separation unit and flow control devices ensure the compressor receives a protected compressible fluid stream with controlled liquid content, while the mixed stream is transported downstream in a single pipeline.
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 system complexity, lowers costs, minimizes environmental footprint, and reduces space requirements by handling liquids within the compressor, enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a separation unit including a pressure vessel operable to separate the production fluid, or a fluid stream derived from the production fluid, into a gas phase stream and a liquid phase stream
Implementation Method 2
the flow control device is configured to create a pressure differential across the first line and thereby facilitate driving the liquid phase stream from the separation unit into the second line
Implementation Method 3
the gas phase stream flowing through the first line mixes with the liquid phase stream flowing through the second line at the junction to form a compressible fluid stream
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for processing a well stream or production fluid, and in particular for separating and compressing the well stream or production fluid. The systems and methods include mechanisms to efficiently compress the well stream or production fluid and to mix the well stream or production fluid before it enters a compressor with one or more compressing stages, driven by a motor. A gas-to-liquid ratio of the fluid entering the compressor may be regulated to ensure it aligns with the tolerance levels and operational envelope of the compressor. In some embodiments, a cooling mechanism may be provided for the compressor motor, utilizing fluid extracted from the well stream.