Liquid purification or separation – Processes – Including controlling process in response to a sensed condition
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-15
2001-08-21
Hruskoci, Peter A. (Department: 1724)
Liquid purification or separation
Processes
Including controlling process in response to a sensed condition
C166S250010, C166S267000, C166S105100, C166S357000, C210S747300, C210S787000, C210S801000, C210S804000, C210S104000, C210S109000, C210S115000, C210S170050, C210S521000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06277286
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and device for separation of a fluid comprising several fluid components, especially separation of a well fluid in connection with a pipe for production of hydrocarbons/water.
It has previously be proposed that well fluids in vertical wells should be handled using separators. Such separators can comprise semi-permeable filters which are only pervious to water as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,241,787 or cyclones as described in NO 172426.
A disadvantage with these devices is that they are relatively complicated in their construction and/or have many moving parts. Moreover, the aforementioned solutions would require extensive maintenance/inspection when used in wells having high pressure and high temperature. Another factor is that these solutions are specially adapted for installation in vertical sections of wells. They would also result in extra pressure loss and consume energy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above disadvantages can be avoided with the present invention. The invention has been specially developed to be able to separate fluids in horizontal sections of wells, something which is very advantageous in the recovery of horizontal formations where the well is formed by means of horizontal drilling for example.
Other advantages to be achieved when using the invention in connection with long (horizontal) wells in particular are:
less pressure loss owing to reduced transport of water together with hydrocarbons
simpler (and smaller) downstream equipment for separation
the amount of water with chemicals released at sea can be greatly reduced
no salt deposition in production equipment downstream of the well
minimization of hydrates problem
minimization of corrosion problems in transport pipes and process equipment (can lead to use of cheaper materials)
separation of oil/water in the well can lead to simplifications owing to large drops, lack of stabilizing surfactants high temperature and low viscosity
good capacity in relation to energy consumption and investments
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Almdahl Per Magne
Gramme Per Eivind
Kamps Hielke
Søntvedt Terje
Hruskoci Peter A.
Norsk Hydro ASA
Wenderoth , Lind & Ponack, L.L.P.
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