Wellbore Fluid Separation Device with Classifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separation devices for fluid constituents from well holes are not compact or simple in design and struggle to reliably separate and deliver all constituent parts efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A separation device with a container that utilizes centrifugal force in the radial direction and gravitational force in the vertical direction, featuring a classifier device with radial discharge lines and vertically connected delivery lines to separate and deliver fluid constituents, allowing for separate and controlled delivery of each constituent based on density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gravity classifier with cyclone separation device is used for separating fluid constituents, then separation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cyclone separation device and gravity classifier into a single integrated container system. The cyclone separator is positioned in the upper section while the gravity classifier occupies the lower section, with fluid flowing sequentially through both. This merging eliminates the need for separate standalone units while maintaining the separation effectiveness of both methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The gravity classifier is nested within the lower section of the same container that houses the cyclone separator in the upper section. The classifier device with its multiple delivery lines is positioned below the cyclone outlet, creating a vertical nesting arrangement where the fluid passes through the cyclone first, then enters the gravity classifier for further separation.
2Ease of operation
If separate delivery lines for different fluid constituents are implemented, then delivery control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gravity classifier is divided into multiple sections with separate delivery lines for different fluid constituents (oil, water, sand). Each delivery line is positioned at a specific height to access different density layers. This segmentation allows independent control of each constituent's delivery while using a single integrated classifier structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery lines are arranged vertically at different heights within the classifier, utilizing the vertical dimension to access different fluid layers. This vertical arrangement allows multiple constituents to be delivered simultaneously or independently through lines positioned at different elevation levels, simplifying the control mechanism.
3Productivity
If spiral-shaped discharge lines are used to feed fluid with radial motion component, then separation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge lines are designed with a spiral shape that feeds fluid into the cyclone separator with a radial motion component. This curved spiral configuration generates the necessary centrifugal force for effective separation while being manufacturable as a continuous formed component.
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
Enables efficient, compact, and reliable separation and delivery of fluid constituents, accommodating varying proportions of constituents from different well holes, with features like spiral-shaped discharge lines and modular design for easy maintenance and control.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid is separated, at least partially after entering via at least one feed pipe, by centrifugal force in the radial direction
Implementation Method 2
and/or by the force of gravity in the vertical direction
Implementation Method 3
the fluid is fed with a radial motion component to cause a separation due to the centrifugal force
Implementation Method 4
Following the feed or also already during the separation due to the centrifugal force, separation occurs due to the force of gravity, so that the different constituents are arranged vertically one above the other, layered in the container
Data Source
AI summary
A separation device for the separation of constituents of different density, in particular of a fluid fed from a well hole, exhibits a container in which the fluid at least partially after entry via a feed line is separated into its constituents using centrifugal force in the radial direction and/or using gravitational force in the vertical direction. To improve this type of separation device such that it can be constructed more compact and in a constructively more simple manner and also that it simultaneously can reliably enable separation of all constituents and their removal from the separation device, a classifier device is arranged in a lower section of the container interior, which at least exhibits one discharge line, extending radially outwards, for the discharge of the fluid into the container interior and delivery lines, joined to the container interior at different levels in the vertical direction, for the separated fluid constituents.