Sand separation and removal method and apparatus

• US 4,673,500 A
• Filed: 04/15/1985
• Issued: 06/16/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 04/15/1985
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Amoco Corporation (BP PLC)
• Original Assignee: Amoco Corporation (BP PLC)
• Inventors: Hoofnagle, Rodger A., Young, William S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sever, Frank
• Application Number:
  US06/723,244
• Time in Patent Office: 792 Days
• Field of Search: 210/DIG. 5, 210/323.1, 210/323.2, 210/332, 210/334, 210/295, 210/299, 210/307, 210/314, 210/316, 210/312, 210/313
• US Class Current: 210/307
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 11/0219 Fixed bed of solid material
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 29/52 in parallel connection
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 35/16 Cleaning-out devices , e.g. for removing the cake from the filter casing or for evacuating the last remnants of liquid
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 36/001 Filters in combination with devices for the removal of gas, air purge systems
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 43/35 specially adapted for separating solids down-hole drilling fluid separation systems E21B21/002; separating solids from drilling fluids E21B21/065
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 210/05 Coalescer

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for separating and removing sand from fluid streams are provided. The apparatus is comprised of a closed separator vessel having first and second compartments therein. An inlet connection is attached to the vessel for introducing the fluid stream into the first compartment and filter means for separating sand from the fluid stream are disposed within the first compartment. The fluid stream is caused to flow from the first compartment through the filter means into the second compartment from where the fluid stream is removed by way of an outlet connection attached to the vessel. Conduit means attached through a wall of the vessel are disposed within the first compartment for conducting and periodically discharging sand wash liquid thereinto. Second filter means are connected to the conduit means for discharging the wash liquid and preventing sand from entering and clogging the conduit means and at least one sand outlet connection for periodically withdrawing wash liquid and sand from the first compartment is attached to the vessel.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

means for removing sand from the interior of a separator vessel, the separator vessel including a closed separator vessel including an upper interior surface and a lower interior surface,

an inlet for introducing a fluid stream into the separator vessel,

first filter means for separating sand from the fluid stream disposed within the separator vessel adjacent the upper interior surface, the first filter means including an outlet for discharging the fluid stream from which sand has been separated and removed,

a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the outlet in the first filter means for discharging the fluid stream from the separator vessel,

at least one sand discharge outlet for removing separated sand from the interior of the separator vessel, and

means for washing separated sand from the interior of the separator vessel comprising at least one wash conduit extending into a lower portion of the separator vessel for introducing a wash liquid, an outlet end of the at least one wash conduit including second filter means spaced above the lower interior surface of the separator vessel for preventing the entry of sand into the at least one wash conduit.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first filter means comprises at least one perforated tube covered by at least one layer of porous material having openings therein of a size selected to prevent the passage of sand therethrough.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second filter means comprises at least one perforated tube covered by at least one layer of porous material having openings therein of a size selected to prevent the passage of sand therethrough.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the filter means is spaced above the lower interior surface of the separator vessel.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 and including nozzle means for preventing sand from clogging the sand discharge outlet, the nozzle means comprising a conduit in communication with the at least one wash conduit, and a jet nozzle on an outlet end thereof for directing a flow of wash liquid directly towards the sand discharge outlet.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for separating sand comprises an elongated filter disposed within the separator vessel adjacent an upper interior surface and including an outlet for discharging the fluid stream from which sand has been separated and removed to the fluid outlet.