Wellhead Platform System for Low-Pressure Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wellhead platform systems face challenges in efficiently extracting raw mixtures during late stages of reservoir extraction when flowing pressure is low, leading to excess liquid blocking the flow and valuable mixtures being left behind, and they also suffer from redundant components and space consumption.

Innovation Solution

A wellhead platform system comprising a controller, separator subsystem, scrubber subsystem, first stage compressor subsystem, and second stage compressor subsystem, which dynamically configures modes based on wellhead flowing pressure to extend extraction lifecycle, reduce liquid blockage, and minimize footprint by optimizing the use of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional booster compressor subsystem is used to assist extraction, then extraction capability is improved, but it becomes ineffective when flowing pressure drops below certain threshold

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction capabilityVSAvoidsystem effectiveness at low pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes operational parameters dynamically by switching between different compressor subsystems based on pressure thresholds. The first compressor handles higher pressure ranges while the second compressor takes over at lower pressure ranges, allowing the system to maintain extraction capability across the entire pressure spectrum from high to very low pressure conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple subsystems are installed to handle different extraction stages, then extraction coverage is improved, but space consumption and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction stage coverageVSAvoidfootprint on wellhead platform

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Each compressor subsystem is designed to perform multiple functions across different operational stages. The first compressor can operate independently at higher pressures, the second compressor handles very low pressures, and they can work in sequence or combination to cover the entire extraction lifecycle, reducing the need for additional specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the functionality of multiple compression stages into a coordinated two-compressor arrangement. By combining the operational ranges of two compressors and integrating them with a single separator and control system, the design achieves comprehensive extraction coverage while minimizing the total footprint compared to having separate complete systems for each stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If unloading operation is performed to remove excess liquid, then flow blockage is reduced, but valuable remaining mixtures are still left in reservoir

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow continuityVSAvoidremaining valuable mixtures

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time pressure conditions. The controller continuously monitors pressure and switches between compressors and operational modes (including unloading operations) to optimize extraction at each stage. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain flow continuity while pushing extraction to the absolute limit of what is feasible, minimizing residual materials.

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

Enables continued extraction of raw mixtures during low pressure conditions, extending the lifecycle of the reservoir and reducing the number of components and space required on the wellhead platform, thereby improving efficiency and space utilization.

Implementation Method 1

a separator subsystem (432) configured to separate a gas phase and a liquid phase from the multi-phase raw mixtures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase separation: Density Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a first compressor subsystem (436a, 436b) configured to compress the gas phase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS9803460B2Wellhead platform systems for use in extracting and testing multi-phase raw mixtures

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 PTT EXPLORATION & PROD PUBLIC CO LTD

AI summary

Example embodiments include systems for use in a wellhead platform. The system may comprise a separator subsystem, a scrubber subsystem, a first stage compressor subsystem, and a second stage compressor subsystem. The separator subsystem may comprise a separator inlet section for receiving multi-phase raw mixtures, a separator container body for housing the received multi-phase raw mixture, and a separator gas outlet section for separating gas. The scrubber subsystem may comprise a scrubber inlet section connected to the separator gas outlet section, a scrubber container body, and a scrubber gas outlet section for separating gas. The first stage compressor subsystem may be operable to receive gas separated from the scrubber subsystem, compress the received gas, and output the compressed gas. The second stage compressor subsystem may be operable to receive compressed gas from the first stage compressor subsystem, further compress the received compressed gas, and output the further compressed gas.