AUTOMATED CLOSED LOOP FLOWBACK AND SEPARATION SYSTEM
First Claim
1. A method of separating and controlling the flow of fluids in an oil and gas well system, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) routing the flow of fluids to a sandbuster to remove solid materials from the fluid;
b) routing the flow of fluids from the sandbuster to one or more blast choke barrels;
c) monitoring fluid pressures in predetermined locations in the one or more blast choke barrels;
d) adjusting the flow of fluids through the one or more blast choke barrels based on the monitored pressures;
e) routing the flow of fluids from the one or more blast choke barrels to a closed loop separation tank; and
f) separating the flow of fluids into a remaining solid material, produced water, produced oil, and gas.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automated closed loop flowback and separation system that allows automated control and remote operation of a flowback operation from a safe distance without any fluid or gas release to the atmosphere. Four-phase separation tanks allow the transport gas, well bore cuttings, produced oil, and produced water to be automatically separated and transported through process piping for reuse or sale, eliminating the need for auxiliary equipment. Flow measurement instruments, pressure transmitters, and level transmitters work in conjunction with an automated blast choke to send data to a programmable logic controller for use in calculating the erosion status of the choke restriction and adjusting the choke to compensate. The programmable logic controller works with a touch-screen or similar human-machine interface to allow remote monitoring and control or automated control of the system. The automated blast choke can vary the choke restriction opening based on the pressure differential and flow rate conditions.
104 Citations
1 Claim
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1. A method of separating and controlling the flow of fluids in an oil and gas well system, the method comprising the steps of:
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a) routing the flow of fluids to a sandbuster to remove solid materials from the fluid; b) routing the flow of fluids from the sandbuster to one or more blast choke barrels; c) monitoring fluid pressures in predetermined locations in the one or more blast choke barrels; d) adjusting the flow of fluids through the one or more blast choke barrels based on the monitored pressures; e) routing the flow of fluids from the one or more blast choke barrels to a closed loop separation tank; and f) separating the flow of fluids into a remaining solid material, produced water, produced oil, and gas.
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Specification