CN114929988A - Device and method for regulating pressure - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for regulating the pressure drop in the flow direction of a fluid flow, comprising a chamber (3), which chamber (3) is provided with a tangential inlet (4) for at least a first part of the fluid flow to flow therethrough into the chamber, and with an outlet (5). A second part of the fluid flow enters the chamber through the second inlet 11. The tangential inlet (4) is connected to the inflow opening (8) by a channel (9). A vortex (6) is formed in the chamber (3) and the flow of liquid is reversed at the upper end of the chamber to flow axially back towards the outlet (5). The vortex flow provides for energy absorption distributed over the chamber and thus for a controlled and gradual pressure reduction. The pressure drop through the device is determined by the mutual ratio of the first and second portions of the fluid flow, which is determined by the flow resistances of the first and second inlets (4, 11).

Description

Apparatus and method for regulating pressure

technical field

The present invention relates to a device for regulating the pressure drop in the flow direction of a fluid flow. The invention also relates to a method for regulating the pressure drop in the flow direction of a fluid flow by means of such a device.

Background technique

According to the prior art, the pressure reduction in the flow direction of the fluid flow is obtained by directing the fluid flow through a constriction device/valve. In the constriction device/valve, the flow rate increases and the pressure decreases. However, this results in relatively large shear forces in the fluid, which may be undesirable or not allowed, for example, in the case of dispersions, or thixotropic or dilatant non-Newtonian fluids. Erosion caused by higher flow rates at the location of the retraction device/valve may also pose a problem.

For example, valves are used to reduce pressure in oil extraction. In order to increase oil production, a stream of water is injected into the ground close to the oil well through an injector. The injected water pushes the oil present in the ground to the well. At the point of injection, eg at a depth of 400 meters, the pressure in the water flow must usually be reduced. This is because the pressure in the approaching water flow there is usually too high, among other reasons due to the high static pressure (eg 40 bar in the case of injection at a depth of 400 meters). The drop in pressure in the water flow is then obtained by directing the water flow through a valve built into the injector. It has now been found that a dispersion of polymer particles in water pushes the oil present in the subsurface more than water alone. However, if such a dispersion is directed through a valve, the polymer particles are subjected to very high shear forces so that they can rupture/disintegrate, which is highly undesirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now provides a solution to the stated problem and there are many other options for use beyond the stated use in oil extraction.

The present invention provides a device for regulating the pressure drop in the flow direction of a fluid flow, characterized in that the device comprises a chamber which is elongated and has at least substantially along at least a greater part of its length. of upper circular cross-section, the chamber is configured and adapted to flow at least a portion of the fluid flow therethrough, the chamber is provided with at least one first inlet configured and adapted to allow the flow of the fluid to flow therethrough At least a first portion flows therethrough into the inlet chamber, and the chamber is further provided with at least one outlet configured and adapted to flow at least a portion of the fluid flow therethrough through the outflow chamber. The present invention also provides a method of regulating the pressure drop in the direction of flow of a fluid flow by such a device, characterized in that the method comprises flowing at least a portion of the fluid flow through a chamber such that the fluid flowing through the chamber A first vortex extending along at least a larger portion of the chamber is created in at least a portion of the flow.

The first vortex provides for the absorption of energy distributed over the chamber and thus for a controlled and gradual pressure reduction. The invention can be applied particularly advantageously where relatively high shear forces and/or flow accelerations are not desired or allowed.

Description of drawings

The invention is further explained below on the basis of exemplary embodiments. In the picture:

- Figure 1 shows a cross-section of an exemplary use of the device according to the invention;

- Figure 2 shows an enlarged first part of the cross section;

- Figure 3 shows an enlarged second part of the cross section;

- Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the first part of the device;

- Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the second part of the device;

- Figure 6 shows a perspective view and a cross-section of an alternative embodiment of the first insert according to the invention; and

- Figure 7 shows a cross-section of a part of an alternative embodiment of a device according to the invention comprising an alternative embodiment of a second insert according to the invention.

Detailed ways

The exemplary embodiment of the device ( 1 ) according to the invention shown in FIGS. 1-5 is here an injector for injecting a liquid stream ( 2 ) deep underground. The liquid here is a dispersion of polymer particles in water. According to the invention, the device (1) comprises an elongated chamber (3), here having a conical shape, with a wider first outer end (12) pointing downwards in use and away from The first outer end (12) points towards and upwards the narrower second outer end (13). The device (1) also comprises a plurality of inflow openings (8) near the second outer end (13) of the chamber (3), and a plurality of inflow openings (8) near the first outer end (12) of the chamber (3) Outflow opening (10). The chamber (1) is provided at its first outer end (12) with a first inlet (4) and an outlet (5), which outlet (5) is located centrally with respect to the chamber (3) and where it is inserted by the first Pieces (14) are formed. The device (1) also comprises a channel (9) connecting the inflow opening (8) to the first inlet (4) and extending adjacent to the chamber (3) located eccentrically in the device (1). The chamber (3) is also provided at its second outer end (13) with a second inlet (11), which is central with respect to the chamber (3) and is hereby provided by a second insert ( 15) Formation. The device ( 1 ) here also comprises a second chamber ( 7 ) which forms the connection between the outlet ( 5 ) and the outflow opening ( 10 ).

According to the method of the present invention, a liquid flow (2) supplied through a conduit (not shown) is caused to flow through an inflow opening (8) into a device (1) having a higher internal pressure (P ₁ ) and at a lower internal pressure ( P ₂ ) again flows out of the device ( 1 ) through the outflow opening ( 10 ). The pressure drop across the device (1) is mainly obtained by passing the liquid flow (2) through the chamber (3) and creating therein a first vortex (6) extending along the length of the chamber (3). The first vortex (6) provides for absorbing the energy distributed over the chamber (3) and thus for a controlled and gradual pressure reduction. Thus, the polymer particles are only subjected to relatively small shear forces and thus do not break/disintegrate into smaller particles, or hardly at all.

Here the first part (2a) of the liquid flow (2) flows through the first inlet (4), entering the chamber (3) mostly tangentially at its first outer end (12). A first vortex (6) is thus created extending along the length of the chamber (3). The liquid flow "reverses" at the second outer end of the chamber (3) and then flows generally axially therethrough back to the outlet (5) at its first outer end (12). The second part (2b) of the liquid flow (2) is flown there axially through the second inlet (11) into the chamber (3) and then generally axially through to the outlet (5).

Among other factors, the pressure drop over the device (1) is determined by the mutual ratio of the second part (2b) of the liquid flow (2) and the first part (2a) of the liquid flow (2), the first part (2a) of the liquid flow (2). The two parts (2b) flow generally axially through the second inlet (11) into the chamber (3) and the first part (2a) of the liquid flow (2) flows through the first inlet (4) mostly tangentially into the chamber Chamber (3): The larger the second part (2b), the smaller the pressure drop. The mutual ratio is determined by other factors such as the flow resistance of the first inlet (4) and the second inlet (11). Thus, for example, the pressure drop can be varied by adjusting the flow resistance of the second inlet (11). This can be done, for example, by replacing the second insert (15) with a different insert with a different flow resistance or by completely closing the second inlet (11). For example, the pressure drop can also be varied by adjusting the flow resistance of the outlet (5), eg by replacing the first insert (14) with a different insert with a different flow resistance.

Since the given example involves an injector for injecting a liquid stream (2) deep into the ground, the diameter of the device (1) needs to be relatively small along its entire length in order to be able to fit in a downhole drill pipe, and in use In this case, the inflow opening (8) is located on the upper side of the device (1), the outflow opening (10) is located on the lower side of the device (1), and the wall thickness is large enough, which is related to the high pressure that occurs. The device (1) here satisfies all these requirements. This is achieved in particular by the passage (9) connecting the inflow opening (8) to the first inlet (4) and next to the chamber (3) and extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chamber (3) and the passage through the chamber (3) eccentric placement to achieve.

Since a dispersion of polymer particles in water is used in the given example, the concentration of polymer particles in the water can start to vary above the chamber (3) as a result of centrifugal and gravitational forces occurring in the chamber (3), All of this depends on the size and specific gravity of the polymer particles. In the second chamber ( 7 ) forming the connection between the outlet ( 5 ) and the outflow opening ( 10 ), the liquid ( 2 ) flowing out of the outlet ( 5 ) is homogenized again, if this is necessary. Since the narrower second outer end (13) of the chamber (3) points upwards in use, possible dirt (eg sand) does not accumulate in it.

Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the second insert (15') forming an alternative embodiment of the second inlet (11'). The second inlet (11') is now implemented such that the second part (2b') of the liquid flow (2) flowing therethrough forms a second vortex (6") therein. The second part of the liquid flow (2) (2b') then flows at least mostly tangentially into the chamber (3). The direction of rotation of the second vortex (6") is here the same as the direction of rotation of the first vortex (6), thus, the same as in Figures 1-5 The shear forces occurring in the second portion (2b') of the inflow chamber (3) are relatively small compared to the device (1) shown in .

Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention comprising an alternative embodiment of the first insert (14'), which here forms an alternative embodiment of the outlet (5'). The chamber (3) is now also provided with a third inlet (4") near its first outer end (12) for passing a third part (2a") of the liquid flow (2) therethrough through the inlet outlet ( 5'). The third inlet (4") is realised and positioned relative to the outlet (5') such that the third part (2a") of the liquid flow (2) flows at least mostly tangentially into the outlet (5') and forms a third part therein. Three vortices (6"). The direction of rotation of the third vortex (6"') in the outlet (5') is here the same as the direction of rotation of the first vortex (6') in the chamber (3). However, the axial component of the flow direction of the third part (2a") of the liquid flow (2) flowing into the outlet (5') is here the same as the liquid flow (2) flowing out of the chamber (3) through the outlet (5'). ') in the opposite direction of flow and thereby cause an increase in pressure drop over the device.

More generally, the relationship between pressure drop ("effort") and flow rate ("flow") is primarily determined by the shape, size and relative placement of the chambers, inlets, outlets, inflow and outflow openings. For example, by setting or changing inflow or outflow direction (axial/tangential, "following flow") discretely (eg, by replacing inserts or by partially or completely closing them) or continuously (by suitable structures/controls) "/"counter-flow", "with-rotation"/"counter-rotation") or setting or changing the inlet or outlet flow resistance to further control the desired operating characteristics of the device.

Apart from the controlled and gradual pressure reduction, the relatively small shear forces occurring in the fluid flow, and the relatively small erosion due to the relatively low flow rates and flow accelerations, the present invention is relatively There are further advantages to constricting the device/valve to reduce pressure, these are:

- No valve (spring) required;

- no or few moving parts;

- an open structure with little or no possibility of clogging; and

-Easy scalable/controllable in terms of pressure drop and flow.

In other embodiments, the vortex may also be generated or partially generated by means provided for this purpose, eg fixed or rotatable vanes provided in the chamber or eg in the inlet.

Obviously, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments given, but various modifications and combinations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art are possible within the scope of the present invention. reference numbers used

1 device

2 Fluid flow

2a, 2a' 2 (flow through 4, 4') first part

2b, 2b' 2 (flow through 11, 11') second part

2a” 2 (flow through 4”) third part

3 chambers

4,4’ first entry

4” Third Entry

5,5’ exit

6,6' (of 3) first vortex

6" (in 11') second vortex

6"' (in 5') third vortex

7 Second chamber

8 (1's) inflow openings

9 (between 8 and 4) channels

10 (1's) outflow openings

11,11’ 2nd entrance

12 (3's) first outer end

13 (3's) second outer end

14,14' first insert (form 5,5')

15, 15' 2nd insert (forming 11, 11')

A (1's) first part

B (1's) Part II

P ₁ pressure of incoming fluid flow

P ₂ pressure of outgoing fluid flow

Claims (28)

1. A device (1) for regulating a pressure drop in a flow direction of a fluid flow (2), characterized in that the device (1) comprises a chamber (3), the chamber (3) being elongated and having an at least substantially circular cross-section along at least a major part of its length, said chamber (3) being configured and adapted to have at least a portion of said fluid flow (2) flowing therethrough, said chamber (3) being provided with at least one first inlet (4,4 ') configured and adapted to flow at least a first portion (2a,2 a') of said fluid flow (2) therethrough into said chamber (3), and the chamber (3) is further provided with at least one outlet (5,5 ') configured and adapted to flow at least a portion (2, 2') of the fluid flow therethrough out of the chamber (3).

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the chamber is at least substantially cylindrical along at least a portion of its length.

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chamber (3) is at least substantially conical along at least a part of its length.

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one first inlet (4,4 ') is realized and positioned with respect to said chamber (3) so that at least one first portion (2a,2 a') of the fluid flow (2) flowing therethrough flows at least partially tangentially into said chamber (3).

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow resistance of the at least one outlet (5, 5') can be set or is discretely or continuously variable within a given range.

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one first inlet (4,4 ') is located in the vicinity of a first outer end (12) of said chamber (3) and said at least one outlet (5, 5') is also located in the vicinity of said first outer end (12) of said chamber (3).

7. A device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the device (1) further comprises at least one inflow opening (8) configured and adapted to let the fluid flow (2) flow therethrough into the device (1), the at least one inflow opening (8) being located in the vicinity of a second outer end (13) of the chamber (3) remote from the first outer end (12), and the device (1) further comprises at least one channel (9) connecting the at least one inflow opening (8) to the at least one first inlet (4) and extending adjacent to the chamber (3) and at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chamber (3).

8. Device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said chamber (3) is provided, in proximity of said second outer end (13) thereof, with at least one second inlet (11,11 ') configured and adapted to cause a second portion (2b,2 b') of said fluid flow (2) to flow therethrough into said chamber (3).

9. Device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the flow resistance of said at least one second inlet (11, 11') can be set or is discretely or continuously variable within a given range.

10. Device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said at least one second inlet (11) is realized and positioned with respect to said chamber (3) so that said second portion (2b) of said fluid flow (2) flows therethrough, substantially axially into said chamber (3).

11. Device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said at least one second inlet (11 ') is realized and positioned with respect to said chamber (3) so that said second portion (2 b') of said fluid flow (2) flows therethrough, at least partially tangentially into said chamber (3).

12. Device (1) according to any one of claims 6-11, characterized in that said chamber (3) is further provided, near its first outer end (12), with at least one third inlet (4 ") configured and adapted to flow a third portion (2 a") of said fluid flow (2) therethrough into said at least one outlet (5').

13. Device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the flow resistance of said at least one third inlet (4 ") can be set or is discretely or continuously variable within a given range.

14. Device (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that said at least one third inlet (4 ") is realized and positioned with respect to said at least one outlet (5 ') so that said third portion (2 a") of said fluid flow (2) flows at least partially tangentially into said at least one outlet (5').

15. The device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a member, such as a fixed or rotatable blade, configured and adapted to generate a vortex at least partially in the fluid flow through the device.

16. A method for regulating a pressure reduction in a flow direction of a fluid flow (2) by means of a device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the method comprises flowing at least a part of the fluid flow (2) through the chamber (3) such that a first vortex (6, 6') extending along at least a larger part of the chamber (3) is created in at least a part of the fluid flow (2) flowing through the chamber (3).

17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising flowing at least a first portion (2a,2a ') of the fluid flow (2) through the at least one first inlet (4,4 '), at least partly tangentially into the chamber (3) and thereby at least partly generating the first vortex (6,6 ').

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising setting the flow resistance of the at least one outlet (5,5 '), or discretely or continuously varying the flow resistance of the at least one outlet (5, 5') within a given range.

19. A method according to any of claims 16-18, wherein the at least one first inlet (4,4 ') is located near a first outer end (12) of the chamber (3), the at least one outlet (5,5 ') is also located near the first outer end (12) of the chamber (3), and the chamber (3) is provided with at least one second inlet (11,11 ') near its second outer end (13), characterized in that the method further comprises flowing a second part (2b, b ') of the fluid flow (2) through the at least one second inlet (11,11 ') into the chamber (3).

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising setting the flow resistance of the at least one second inlet (11,11 '), or discretely or continuously varying the flow resistance of the at least one second inlet (11, 11') within a given range.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, comprising flowing the second portion (2b) of the fluid flow (2) through the at least one second inlet (11) substantially axially into the chamber (3).

22. The method according to claim 19 or 20, comprising flowing the second portion (2b ') of the fluid flow (2) through the at least one second inlet (11') at least partially tangentially into the chamber (3).

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the method comprises generating a second vortex (6 ") in the second portion (2b ') of the fluid flow (2) flowing through the at least one second inlet (11').

24. Method according to any of claims 19-23, wherein the chamber (3) is further provided with at least one third inlet (4 ") near its first outer end (12), characterized in that the method further comprises flowing a third portion (2 a") of the fluid flow (2) through the at least one third inlet (4 ") into the at least one outlet (5').

25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising setting the flow resistance of the at least one third inlet (4 ") or discretely or continuously varying the flow resistance of the at least one third inlet (4") within a given range.

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, comprising causing the third portion (2a ") of the fluid flow (2) to flow at least partially tangentially into the at least one outlet (5 ') and thereby creating a third vortex (6" ') in the third portion (2a ") of the fluid flow (2) flowing through the at least one outlet (5 ').

27. A method according to any of claims 16-26, characterized in that the method comprises at least partly generating vortices in the fluid flow through the device by means of a member provided for the purpose of generating vortices, such as a stationary or rotatable blade.

28. The method of any one of claims 16-27, further comprising controlling a desired operating characteristic of the device by setting an inflow direction or an outflow direction of at least one of the inlet and the outlet, or discretely or continuously varying the inflow direction or the outflow direction of at least one of the inlet and the outlet within a given range.

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