WO2014083312A2 - Apparatus and method for controlling the flow of a fluid - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for controlling the flow of a fluid Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2014083312A2 WO2014083312A2 PCT/GB2013/052949 GB2013052949W WO2014083312A2 WO 2014083312 A2 WO2014083312 A2 WO 2014083312A2 GB 2013052949 W GB2013052949 W GB 2013052949W WO 2014083312 A2 WO2014083312 A2 WO 2014083312A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- flow
- fluid
- control valve
- jet pump
- inlet
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 145
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 25
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 78
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 14
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010926 purge Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 2
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001934 delay Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002737 fuel gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003517 fume Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000002588 toxic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23G—CREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
- F23G7/00—Incinerators or other apparatus for consuming industrial waste, e.g. chemicals
- F23G7/06—Incinerators or other apparatus for consuming industrial waste, e.g. chemicals of waste gases or noxious gases, e.g. exhaust gases
- F23G7/08—Incinerators or other apparatus for consuming industrial waste, e.g. chemicals of waste gases or noxious gases, e.g. exhaust gases using flares, e.g. in stacks
- F23G7/085—Incinerators or other apparatus for consuming industrial waste, e.g. chemicals of waste gases or noxious gases, e.g. exhaust gases using flares, e.g. in stacks in stacks
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23G—CREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
- F23G7/00—Incinerators or other apparatus for consuming industrial waste, e.g. chemicals
- F23G7/06—Incinerators or other apparatus for consuming industrial waste, e.g. chemicals of waste gases or noxious gases, e.g. exhaust gases
- F23G7/08—Incinerators or other apparatus for consuming industrial waste, e.g. chemicals of waste gases or noxious gases, e.g. exhaust gases using flares, e.g. in stacks
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
- E21B41/005—Waste disposal systems
- E21B41/0071—Adaptation of flares, e.g. arrangements of flares in offshore installations
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04F—PUMPING OF FLUID BY DIRECT CONTACT OF ANOTHER FLUID OR BY USING INERTIA OF FLUID TO BE PUMPED; SIPHONS
- F04F5/00—Jet pumps, i.e. devices in which flow is induced by pressure drop caused by velocity of another fluid flow
- F04F5/14—Jet pumps, i.e. devices in which flow is induced by pressure drop caused by velocity of another fluid flow the inducing fluid being elastic fluid
- F04F5/36—Jet pumps, i.e. devices in which flow is induced by pressure drop caused by velocity of another fluid flow the inducing fluid being elastic fluid characterised by using specific inducing fluid
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04F—PUMPING OF FLUID BY DIRECT CONTACT OF ANOTHER FLUID OR BY USING INERTIA OF FLUID TO BE PUMPED; SIPHONS
- F04F5/00—Jet pumps, i.e. devices in which flow is induced by pressure drop caused by velocity of another fluid flow
- F04F5/44—Component parts, details, or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04F5/02 - F04F5/42
- F04F5/48—Control
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04F—PUMPING OF FLUID BY DIRECT CONTACT OF ANOTHER FLUID OR BY USING INERTIA OF FLUID TO BE PUMPED; SIPHONS
- F04F5/00—Jet pumps, i.e. devices in which flow is induced by pressure drop caused by velocity of another fluid flow
- F04F5/54—Installations characterised by use of jet pumps, e.g. combinations of two or more jet pumps of different type
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23K—FEEDING FUEL TO COMBUSTION APPARATUS
- F23K5/00—Feeding or distributing other fuel to combustion apparatus
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23K—FEEDING FUEL TO COMBUSTION APPARATUS
- F23K5/00—Feeding or distributing other fuel to combustion apparatus
- F23K5/002—Gaseous fuel
- F23K5/007—Details
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23K—FEEDING FUEL TO COMBUSTION APPARATUS
- F23K5/00—Feeding or distributing other fuel to combustion apparatus
- F23K5/02—Liquid fuel
- F23K5/14—Details thereof
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23K—FEEDING FUEL TO COMBUSTION APPARATUS
- F23K5/00—Feeding or distributing other fuel to combustion apparatus
- F23K5/02—Liquid fuel
- F23K5/14—Details thereof
- F23K5/147—Valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23K—FEEDING FUEL TO COMBUSTION APPARATUS
- F23K2203/00—Feeding arrangements
- F23K2203/10—Supply line fittings
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23K—FEEDING FUEL TO COMBUSTION APPARATUS
- F23K2400/00—Pretreatment and supply of gaseous fuel
- F23K2400/20—Supply line arrangements
- F23K2400/201—Control devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23K—FEEDING FUEL TO COMBUSTION APPARATUS
- F23K2900/00—Special features of, or arrangements for fuel supplies
- F23K2900/05002—Valves for gaseous fuel supply lines
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling the flow of a fluid, and in particular but not exclusively to an apparatus and a method for controlling the flow of a fluid to avoid flaring or venting of low pressure (LP) hydrocarbon gas.
- LP low pressure
- LP gas low pressure gas
- the flare systems provided on both onshore and offshore oil and gas production installations enable low pressure (LP) gas to be flared whenever needed.
- LP gas The main reason for flaring LP gas is that operators find it uneconomical to use a dedicated compressor to boost the pressure of the LP gas to a higher pressure so that it can be utilised as fuel gas or for other useful purposes.
- the flow of gas may have droplets of liquid (oil or water) entrained within it.
- fluids consisting mainly or wholly of liquids may be used in certain embodiments of the invention.
- the term "fluid” as used herein is intended to encompass pure gases, mixtures of gases and liquids and pure liquids.
- low pressure low pressure
- high pressure high pressure
- LP low pressure
- HP high pressure
- a low pressure fluid may typically have a pressure of about 1-2 atmospheres (1-2 x 10 5 Pa)
- a high pressure fluid may typically have a pressure of 2-5 atmospheres (2-5 x 10 5 Pa) or more.
- the LP gas produced in oil and gas production installation may suffer from the following conditions: Its flow rate is small, often no more than a few MMscfd (million standard cubic feet per day) of gas at near atmospheric pressure
- the flow rate is often erratic and may vary depending on the temperature of the surrounding environment, other process system upset conditions, variations to production from the wells and other causes.
- an apparatus for controlling the flow of a fluid including:
- a LP fluid inlet connected to a supply of LP fluid
- a LP fluid outlet connected to a flare system for flaring LP fluid whenever needed, a first LP flow line connecting the LP fluid inlet to the LP fluid outlet,
- a jet pump having a LP jet pump inlet, a HP jet pump inlet and a HP jet pump outlet, a second LP flow line having a first end connected to the first LP flow line at a first connection point between the LP fluid inlet and the LP fluid outlet and a second end connected to the LP jet pump inlet,
- HP fluid inlet connected to a supply of HP fluid
- a HP flow line having a first end connected to the HP fluid inlet and a second end connected to the HP jet pump inlet, a medium pressure (MP) jet pump discharge line having a first end connected to the MP jet pump outlet and a second end connected to a MP fluid outlet; a first LP flow control valve in the first LP flow line between the first connection point and the LP fluid outlet,
- MP medium pressure
- a flow meter configured to detect the flow of LP fluid in the first LP flow line between the LP fluid inlet and the first connection point
- control system connected to the flow meter and to the first and second LP flow control valves, wherein the control system is configured to control operation of the first and second LP flow control valves according to signals received from the flow meter.
- the outlet fluid pressure of the jet pump is always lower than the HP pressure ,but higher than the pressure of LP inlet ,that is why it is referred to as MP (medium pressure) fluid.
- the apparatus allows LP gas to be diverted from the flare system and compressed to a pressure that allows it to be put to a useful purpose, such as providing power or heat. Environmental and health and safety problems are thus reduced.
- a conventional compressor system is not required, thereby reducing the cost of the system.
- the system can also cope with low and varying flow rates of LP gas.
- the design of the jet pump allows a full turn-down of the LP flow rate from the design value to a zero flow.
- the LP flow control valves may be closed to prevent sub-atmospheric pressures being established in the LP flow lines.
- the jet pump can operate continuously with minimum control if the creation of sub-atmospheric conditions in the LP flow line is not an issue for the operator, or if the flare/vent/relief gas is at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.
- control system is configured such that when the flow meter detects a flow of LP fluid, the control system closes the first LP flow control valve on the flare line and opens the second LP flow control valve so that the LP fluid is directed into the LP jet pump inlet.
- the apparatus includes a first HP flow control valve in the HP flow line, said first HP flow control valve being connected to the control system, wherein the control system is configured such that when the flow meter detects a flow of LP fluid the control system opens the first HP flow control valve allowing HP fluid to flow from the HP fluid inlet into the HP inlet of the jet pump. This ensures that the HP motive fluid is only supplied to the jet pump when it is needed.
- the apparatus may include a pressure detector for detecting the pressure of fluid in the second LP flow line, said pressure detector being connected to the control system.
- control system is configured to adjust the first HP flow control valve according to the detected pressure of fluid in the second LP flow line, so as to control the flow rate of HP fluid into the HP jet pump inlet. This allows control over the pressure reduction produced at the LP inlet of the jet pump, allowing the pressure at that point to be maintained at a substantially uniform level.
- control system is configured such that when the pressure detector detects a pressure in the second LP flow line that is higher than a predetermined value, the control system opens the first LP control valve so that at least some LP fluid is directed from the LP gas inlet towards the LP gas outlet for temporary flaring. This ensures that if there is a sudden and large increase in the flow of LP gas, which exceeds the capacity of the jet pump, the excess gas can be safely diverted to the flare system.
- the apparatus includes:
- a return flow line having a first end connected to the jet pump discharge line at a second connection point between the HP jet pump outlet and the HP fluid outlet, and a second end connected to the second LP flow line between the second LP flow control valve and the LP jet pump inlet, and
- control system in the return flow line, said control system being connected to the return flow control valve, wherein the control system is configured to control operation of the return flow control valve according to signals received from the pressure detector.
- This arrangement allows the jet pump to operate continuously, even when the flow of LP gas is low or absent, the return flow of gas through the return flow line ensuring that the pressure at the LP inlet of the jet pump is not forced too low or below atmospheric pressure.
- control system is switchable to an alternative operational mode, wherein the control system opens the first LP flow control valve and closes the second LP flow control valve so that the LP fluid is directed towards the LP fluid outlet, so directing the LP gas to the flare system.
- the apparatus may include a knock-out pot in the first LP flow line between the LP fluid inlet and the first connection point, to catch any droplets of liquid in the LP fluid entering the apparatus.
- the apparatus may include a by-pass line connected around the first LP flow control valve and a pressure release device provided within the by-pass line, to allow the safe release of the LP gas to the flare system if the flow rate becomes too high beyond the design capacity of the jet pump.
- the apparatus includes an oxygen detector in the first LP flow line and the control system is configured to close the second LP flow control valve if oxygen is detected in the first LP flow line.
- the control system is thus configured to prevent air being pulled into the system through the flare system in the absence of a flare if for any reason the first LP control valve in the first LP flow line fails to close.
- the apparatus may include a plurality of jet pumps connected in parallel, allowing a greater LP flow rate to be handled.
- the plurality of jet pumps may all be controlled by a single set of flow control valves as described herein.
- a method for controlling the flow of a fluid in an apparatus comprising: supplying LP fluid to the LP fluid inlet,
- the method comprises closing the first LP flow control valve and opening the second LP flow control valve when the flow meter detects a flow of LP fluid, to direct LP fluid into the LP jet pump inlet.
- the method comprises opening the first HP flow control valve when the flow meter detects a flow of LP fluid, to allow HP fluid to flow from the HP fluid inlet into the HP inlet line of the jet pump.
- the method comprises detecting the pressure of fluid in the second LP flow line.
- the method includes controlling the flow rate of HP fluid according to the detected pressure of fluid in the second LP flow line.
- the method includes opening the first LP control valve to direct at least some LP fluid from the LP gas inlet towards the LP gas outlet and then to the flare system when the pressure detector detects a pressure in the second LP flow line that is higher than a predetermined value.
- the method includes controlling operation of the return flow control valve according to signals received from the pressure detector.
- the jet pump is operated continuously to capture unexpected flare/vent gas without causing delays in activation of the control system.
- the method includes selecting an alternative operational mode comprising opening the first LP flow control valve and closing the second LP flow control valve to direct LP fluid towards the LP fluid outlet.
- a low cost passive device known as a jet pump (or alternatively as a surface jet pump (SJP), eductor or ejector). Jet pumps use energy from a high pressure (HP) fluid source (which is generally available at an oil and gas production installation) to boost the pressure of LP gas.
- HP high pressure
- a jet pump can typically boost the pressure of LP gas by up to 4 or 5 times or to a lower boost pressure ratio, depending on the pressure and flow rate of HP gas available as the motive flow.
- two jet pump units can operate in series, each raising the pressure of the gas by a factor 2 to 3.
- the system may for example boost the pressure of LP gas from 1 atmosphere to a pressure that is many times higher than the pressure of the LP gas.
- boosting the pressure of LP gas by a factor of 2 to 3 may be sufficient.
- a plurality of jet pumps can also be installed in parallel to provide a wide pressure and flowrate range for the LP gas.
- the proposed solution provided by certain embodiments of the invention also enables the jet pump to cope with variations in the flow rate of LP gas.
- the variation may range from a zero flow rate to a maximum flow rate that is determined by the operator.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the components of an apparatus for controlling the flow of a fluid.
- the apparatus includes a LP fluid inlet 18 connected to a supply of LP fluid, a LP fluid outlet 9 connected to a flare system for flaring LP fluid, and a first LP flow line 10 connecting the LP fluid inlet 18 to the LP fluid outlet 9.
- a jet pump 6 has a LP jet pump inlet 6a, a HP jet pump inlet 6b and a HP jet pump outlet 6c.
- a second LP flow line 20 has a first end connected to the first LP flow line 10 at a first connection point 25 between the LP fluid inlet 18 and the LP fluid outlet 9, and a second end connected to the LP jet pump inlet 6a.
- a HP fluid inlet 1 is connected to a supply of HP fluid.
- a HP flow line 26 has a first end connected to the HP fluid inlet 1 and a second end connected to the jet pump inlet 6b.
- a jet pump discharge (MP) line 8 has a first end connected to the jet pump outlet 6c and a second end connected to a MP (medium pressure) fluid outlet 27, which is connected to a downstream gas processing or utilisation system.
- the outlet fluid pressure of the jet pump is always lower than the HP pressure of line 1 or 6b, but higher than the pressure of LP inlet line 20: that is why it is referred to as MP (medium pressure) fluid.
- a first LP flow control valve 4 is provided in the first LP flow line 10 between the first connection point 25 and the LP fluid outlet 9.
- a second LP flow control valve 3 is provided in the second LP flow line 20 between the first connection point 25 and the LP jet pump inlet 6a.
- a flow meter 12 is located in the first LP flow line 10 and is configured to detect the flow of LP fluid in the first LP flow line between the LP fluid inlet 18 and the first connection point 25.
- a control system 28,29 comprising a control unit 28 and a plurality of control lines 29 is connected to the flow meter 12 and to the first and second LP flow control valves 4,3.
- the control system 28,29 is configured to control operation of the first and second LP flow control valves 4,3 according to signals received from the flow meter 12.
- a first HP flow control valve 2 is provided in the HP flow line 26.
- the first HP flow control valve 2 is connected to the control system 28,29.
- a pressure detector 11 is connected to the second LP flow line 20 to detect the pressure of fluid in the second LP flow line.
- the pressure detector 11 is connected to the control unit 28 via a control line 29 and provides the control unit 28 with signals indicating the pressure of fluid in the second LP flow line 20.
- a return flow line 7 has a first end connected to the jet pump discharge line 8 at a second connection point 30 between the jet pump outlet 6c and the MP fluid outlet 27, and a second end connected to the second LP flow line 20 at a third connection point 31 between the second LP flow control valve 3 and the LP jet pump inlet 6a.
- a return flow control valve 5 is provided in the return flow line 7.
- the control system 28,29 is connected to the return flow control valve 5 and is configured to control operation of the return flow control valve 5 according to signals received from the pressure detector 11.
- a knock-out pot 17 is provided in the first LP flow line 10 between the LP fluid inlet 18 and the first connection point 25. The knock-out pot 17 is connected to a liquid drain through a drain valve 15 and drain line 16.
- a first non-return valve 19a is provided in the jet pump discharge line 8 and a second non- return valve 19b is located in the second LP flow line 20 upstream of the LP inlet 6a of the jet pump 6.
- Isolation valves 13, 14a and 14b are provided in the second LP flow line 20, the HP flow line and the jet pump discharge line 8.
- a bypass line 32 is connected in parallel with the first LP flow control valve 4 and a pressure release device 24 equipped for example with a collapsing safety plate is provided within the bypass line 32.
- a purge gas line 23 is connected to the first LP flow line 10 at the first connection point 25, the purge gas line being connected to an oxygen detector 22a.
- a flow direction meter 21 and an oxygen detector 22 are provided in the first LP flow line 10, between the first connection point 25 and the LP fluid outlet 9.
- the apparatus also optionally includes pressure transducers 33,34,35 connected to the first LP flow line upstream and downstream of the flow meter 12 and to the HP flow line 26 upstream of the first HP flow control valve 2.
- Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus, which enables the jet pump 6 to operate safely and efficiently.
- the apparatus includes a number of control valves and pressure and flow rate instruments, which enable the jet pump 6 to operate whenever needed. They also help the jet pump 6 to handle variations in the LP gas flow rate by adjusting the HP flow rate as needed.
- a HP motive fluid is supplied to the HP fluid inlet 1 from an available source such as the recycle/discharge line of the main gas compression system (a standard component of an oil and gas production installation).
- the HP motive fluid could also be HP gas from HP wells or HP liquids, including HP liquids supplied by mechanical pumps.
- the HP motive fluid is supplied to the jet pump 6 via the HP flow line 26 and the first HP flow control valve 2.
- the LP fluid (mainly LP gas) supplied from the LP fluid inlet 18 is usually passed through a dedicated knock-out pot 17, which removes any liquids carried with the LP gas. This knock out pot 17 is only needed if the LP fluid is expected to contain liquids comprising more than about 1% or 2% by volume of LP fluid at the operating pressure and temperature.
- the separated LP gas then passes through the first LP flow line 10 and often a gas flow meter 12, and in the case of conventional flaring passes through LP outlet line 9 and the first LP flow control valve 4 to the flare system (not shown) for burning.
- the collected liquids may be drained from the knock-out pot 17 through the drain valve 15 and drain line 16.
- the flow of LP gas is diverted to the second LP flow line 20 and through the second LP flow control valve 3 and is fed to the LP jet pump inlet 6a of the jet pump 6.
- control system comprising the control unit 28 and the control lines 29 sends control signals to the LP flow control valves 3,4 whereby the second LP flow control valve 3 opens, followed by the first LP flow control valve 4 closing.
- control system causes the first HP flow control valve 2 to open to feed HP gas to the HP inlet 6b of the jet pump 6.
- Pressure transmitter 11 measures the pressure of the LP gas in the second LP flow line 20, under influence of the pressure drop generated by operation of the jet pump 6. This pressure reading is transmitted to the control unit 28, which adjusts the setting of the first HP flow control valve 2 to control the amount of HP gas delivered to the jet pump 6, according to the detected LP gas flow rate.
- the first HP flow control valve 2 opens fully. If the LP gas is at its minimum rate then the first HP flow control valve 2 throttles to reduce the HP gas flow rate to ensure that the LP gas pressure generated by the jet pump 6 is maintained at close to 1 bar or any desired set point despite any fluctuations in the LP gas flow rate.
- the first LP flow control valve 4 remains closed but is operational for safety reasons and in cases where for some reason the jet pump 6 in unable to handle the flow of LP gas (or all of it), control valve 4 opens to flare some of the gas as soon as the pressure transmitter 11 shows the pressure has reached a set point above the normal accepted pressure.
- the first LP flow valve 4 is also equipped with a bypass line 24 provided with a collapsing safety plate (as an example), which opens if the gas pressure detected by pressure detector 11 reaches a set maximum limit because of the failure of valve 4 to open.
- control valves 2, 3, 4 are used only for maintenance purposes when the jet pump system needs to be isolated for maintenance or change out of its internals if needed.
- the operation of the control valves 2, 3, 4 will be controlled fully automatically via the control unit 28, which may for example be a SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) industrial control system, which monitors the said pressures and via a PLC (programmable logic controller) sends signals to the control valves 2, 3, 4 for their timely operation.
- control unit 28 may for example be a SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) industrial control system, which monitors the said pressures and via a PLC (programmable logic controller) sends signals to the control valves 2, 3, 4 for their timely operation.
- the system can be further protected by return flow line 7 and return flow control valve 5.
- This return flow control valve 5 opens if under low to no LP flow rate the first HP flow control valve 2 fails to close for any reason.
- return flow control valve 5 opens, return flow line 7 re-circulates some gas from the discharge line 8 of the jet pump, and this gas is fed via the second LP inlet line 20 to the LP inlet 6a of the jet pump 6, so that the pressure of gas from the first LP flow line 10 does not drop below a specified value.
- the jet pump 6 can be run continuously.
- the above mentioned re-cycle flow through return line 7 could be used to avoid pulling pressure below atmospheric when no flare/vent gas is present.
- a neutral purge gas from line 23 can be introduced under jet pump suction.
- the flow direction meter 21 with Oxygen detector 22 in the first LP flow line downstream of the first connection point 25 can be used to indicate flow reserve and air being pulled-in in the absence of flare, thus allowing appropriate actions to be taken.
- the Oxygen detector 22 can detect oxygen if valve 4 opens erroneously and the system starts taking air from the flare system.
- the above mention control valves 2, 3, 4, 5 can be activated when required to prevent sub atmospheric low pressures and the intake of unwanted air.
- HP gas supply if a suitable HP gas supply is not available, a mechanical pump may be used to supply the required HP motive liquid to the HP jet pump inlet 6b.
- This HP liquid which may be oil or water, then acts as the motive flow.
- the pressure boosting system may for example be similar to that described in GB 2450565A, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
- Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/646,626 US20150338097A1 (en) | 2012-11-27 | 2013-11-08 | Apparatus and method for controlling the flow of a fluid |
GB1506809.1A GB2520912B (en) | 2012-11-27 | 2013-11-08 | Apparatus and method for controlling the flow of a fluid |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1221351.8 | 2012-11-27 | ||
GBGB1221351.8A GB201221351D0 (en) | 2012-11-27 | 2012-11-27 | Apparatus and method for controlling the flow of gas |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2014083312A2 true WO2014083312A2 (en) | 2014-06-05 |
WO2014083312A3 WO2014083312A3 (en) | 2014-11-27 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/GB2013/052949 WO2014083312A2 (en) | 2012-11-27 | 2013-11-08 | Apparatus and method for controlling the flow of a fluid |
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US (1) | US20150338097A1 (en) |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN104964305A (en) * | 2015-03-06 | 2015-10-07 | 上海浩用工业炉有限公司 | Tube heating furnace low-calorific value fuel gas stable combustion method |
WO2016060894A1 (en) * | 2014-10-15 | 2016-04-21 | Cameron Solutions, Inc. | System and method for safer venting of hydrogen or other combustible gases |
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GB2544757B (en) * | 2015-11-25 | 2021-05-19 | Caltec Production Solutions Ltd | Apparatus for generating a solution of CO2 in water, for enhanced oil recovery |
CN108291768A (en) * | 2015-12-03 | 2018-07-17 | 埃克森美孚上游研究公司 | Purposes of the injector for clearing up liquid from container |
CA3005442C (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2020-08-04 | Steven P. Judd | Apparatus and system for treating gaseous streams |
US20170241593A1 (en) * | 2016-02-23 | 2017-08-24 | Charles Koch | Liquid propane injection pump |
US10429067B2 (en) | 2016-11-30 | 2019-10-01 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Dynamic multi-legs ejector for use in emergency flare gas recovery system |
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GB2450565A (en) | 2007-06-29 | 2008-12-31 | Caltec Ltd | Pressure boosting apparatus with jet pump, mechanical pump and separator |
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US5195587A (en) * | 1992-03-04 | 1993-03-23 | Conoco Inc. | Vapor recovery system |
US6315000B1 (en) * | 2000-04-18 | 2001-11-13 | Mark A. Goodyear | Eductor system and method for vapor recovery |
US6537349B2 (en) * | 2001-03-27 | 2003-03-25 | Conoco, Inc. | Passive low pressure flash gas compression system |
GB2399864A (en) * | 2003-03-22 | 2004-09-29 | Ellastar Ltd | A system and process for pumping multiphase fluids |
US7255136B2 (en) * | 2004-08-30 | 2007-08-14 | Delaware Capital Formation, Inc. | Packing vent recovery system and method |
US20080110181A1 (en) * | 2006-11-09 | 2008-05-15 | Chevron U.S.A. Inc. | Residual boil-off gas recovery from lng storage tanks at or near atmospheric pressure |
WO2012024765A1 (en) * | 2010-08-24 | 2012-03-01 | Kemex Ltd. | Vapour recovery unit for steam assisted gravity drainage (sagd) system |
GB2536289A (en) * | 2015-03-13 | 2016-09-14 | Caltec Ltd | Oil/gas production apparatus |
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2012
- 2012-11-27 GB GBGB1221351.8A patent/GB201221351D0/en not_active Ceased
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2013
- 2013-11-08 GB GB1506809.1A patent/GB2520912B/en active Active
- 2013-11-08 WO PCT/GB2013/052949 patent/WO2014083312A2/en active Application Filing
- 2013-11-08 US US14/646,626 patent/US20150338097A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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GB2450565A (en) | 2007-06-29 | 2008-12-31 | Caltec Ltd | Pressure boosting apparatus with jet pump, mechanical pump and separator |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2016060894A1 (en) * | 2014-10-15 | 2016-04-21 | Cameron Solutions, Inc. | System and method for safer venting of hydrogen or other combustible gases |
US9732870B2 (en) | 2014-10-15 | 2017-08-15 | Cameron Solutions, Inc. | System and method for safer venting of hydrogen or other combustible gases |
US10677366B2 (en) | 2014-10-15 | 2020-06-09 | Cameron Solutions, Inc. | System and method for safer venting of hydrogen or other combustible gases |
CN104964305A (en) * | 2015-03-06 | 2015-10-07 | 上海浩用工业炉有限公司 | Tube heating furnace low-calorific value fuel gas stable combustion method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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GB201221351D0 (en) | 2013-01-09 |
GB2520912B (en) | 2016-12-28 |
GB201506809D0 (en) | 2015-06-03 |
GB2520912A (en) | 2015-06-03 |
WO2014083312A3 (en) | 2014-11-27 |
US20150338097A1 (en) | 2015-11-26 |
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