EP4405081A1 - Subsea facility and method for processing gas from a subsea gas production field - Google Patents
Subsea facility and method for processing gas from a subsea gas production fieldInfo
- Publication number
- EP4405081A1 EP4405081A1 EP22789631.3A EP22789631A EP4405081A1 EP 4405081 A1 EP4405081 A1 EP 4405081A1 EP 22789631 A EP22789631 A EP 22789631A EP 4405081 A1 EP4405081 A1 EP 4405081A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- gas
- liquid
- separator
- export line
- installation according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 15
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 9
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 119
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims description 32
- 238000004581 coalescence Methods 0.000 claims description 21
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 claims description 6
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000003112 inhibitor Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000012188 paraffin wax Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000002203 pretreatment Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 124
- 150000004677 hydrates Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000012071 phase Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007792 gaseous phase Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013529 heat transfer fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013535 sea water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D45/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces
- B01D45/02—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by utilising gravity
-
- 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
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/34—Arrangements for separating materials produced by the well
- E21B43/36—Underwater separating arrangements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D45/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces
- B01D45/04—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by utilising inertia
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D45/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces
- B01D45/12—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by centrifugal forces
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D46/0027—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours with additional separating or treating functions
- B01D46/003—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours with additional separating or treating functions including coalescing means for the separation of liquid
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D50/00—Combinations of methods or devices for separating particles from gases or vapours
- B01D50/20—Combinations of devices covered by groups B01D45/00 and B01D46/00
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the general field of underwater gas production. It relates more specifically to the subsea processing of gas with a view to exporting it to offshore or onshore installations.
- the gas export facilities used in practice generally do not include any processing unit.
- the gas produced is typically exported through a pipeline without prior treatment (apart from the addition of chemicals to avoid solid deposits, limit corrosion, etc.).
- Also known are the publications WO 2015/181386, WO 2016/192813 and WO 2014/079515 concerning gas export facilities which include in particular a cooling module supplied with a gas/liquid mixture coming directly from the gas fields, and a module gas/liquid separation system which makes it possible to separate the gas from the liquid in order to transport them to the installations on the surface via dedicated export lines.
- the main object of the present invention is therefore to provide an underwater processing installation which makes it possible to solve the problems mentioned above.
- a cooling module supplied with a gas/liquid mixture coming directly from at least one underwater gas field in order to cool the gas to a temperature making it possible to condense the heavy hydrocarbons and the water present in the mixture;
- the gas/liquid separation module comprises a gas/liquid separator and a coalescence filter separator connected in series, the gas/liquid separator having a gas outlet which is connected to a inlet of the coalescing filter separator and a liquid outlet which is connected to the liquid export line, the coalescing filter separator having a gas outlet which is connected to the gas export line and a liquid which is connected to the liquid export line.
- the gas treatment installation according to the invention is remarkable in particular in that its gas/liquid separation module comprises a gas/liquid separator mounted in series with a coalescence filter separator, which gives it a high separation performance.
- the installation according to the invention is based on lowering the dew point of the gas/liquid mixture by combining a cooling module and a high-performance gas/liquid separation module, which can allow passive export of the gas (i.e. without the need for a compressor).
- Such an installation thus finds a particularly advantageous application in gas fields located at great depth and far from the shore.
- the lowering of the dew point of the gas/liquid mixture takes place to a level subsequently allowing export of the gas which remains totally (or almost totally) in the gaseous phase throughout the export.
- the cooling module of the installation according to the invention makes it possible to condense the heavy hydrocarbons and the water present in the gas/liquid mixture which would normally condense in the gas export line. Cooling also takes place at a temperature lower than that reached by the gas in the gas export line.
- the cooling module may comprise a passive heat exchanger or an active heat exchanger. In this case, it may further comprise a Joule-Thomson effect valve or a turbo-expander installed downstream of the heat exchanger.
- the gas/liquid separator of the gas/liquid separation module can be a gravity separator or a cyclonic separator or a centrifugal separator.
- the gas/liquid separation module further comprises a gas pre-treatment unit arranged between the gas/liquid separator and the coalescence filter separator in order to eliminate the particles of solids which could be entrained with the gas and also to reduce the liquid content before the coalescence filter separator, in order to prolong the service life of the coalescence filter separator.
- a gas pre-treatment unit arranged between the gas/liquid separator and the coalescence filter separator in order to eliminate the particles of solids which could be entrained with the gas and also to reduce the liquid content before the coalescence filter separator, in order to prolong the service life of the coalescence filter separator.
- the coalescence filter separator can be integrated into the gas/liquid separator.
- the gas export line can advantageously be devoid of gas compression means. [0014]As for the liquid export line, it can advantageously be provided with liquid pumping means.
- the gas/liquid separation module comprises two coalescence filter separators installed in parallel in order to ensure redundancy in the event of a problem on one of the separators and in order to ensure production continuity during maintenance phases of coalescing filters.
- the installation further comprises means for injecting a hydrate formation inhibitor upstream of the cooling module and/or means for injecting paraffin inhibitor upstream of the module cooling.
- injection means make it possible to limit, or even avoid, the formation of solid deposits (hydrates, paraffins, etc.) in the installation as well as in the gas and liquid export lines.
- the invention also relates to a process for the underwater treatment of gas from an underwater gas production field, successively comprising:
- the gas/liquid separation step comprises a first gas/liquid separation step directly followed by a second gas/liquid separation step by coalescence in order to lower the dew point of the treated gas to a level allowing its export under monophasic form.
- the invention also relates to an application of the method as defined above to a field of gas condensate being operated or to a field of gas condensate not yet operated.
- Figure 1 is a schematic view of an underwater gas treatment installation according to the invention.
- Figure 2 is a schematic view of an example of coalescence filter separator of the installation according to the invention.
- the invention relates to the underwater treatment of gas from an underwater gas production field. It finds a preferred (but not limited) application to submarine gas condensate fields located at great depths and far from the shore.
- Figure 1 shows an example of an underwater gas treatment installation 2 according to the invention supplied by one or more underwater gas production fields 4.
- this gas treatment installation 2 comprises a cooling module 6 which is supplied with a gas/liquid mixture coming directly from the underwater gas field(s) 4, and a gas/liquid separation module 8 which is fed with gas/liquid mixture coming from the cooling module.
- the cooling module 6 has the particular function of cooling the gas/liquid mixture to bring it to a temperature allowing the heavy hydrocarbons and water present in the mixture to condense (and which would normally condense further downstream in gas export line).
- the cooling module 6 of the embodiment of FIG. 1 comprises a passive heat exchanger 10, the inlet of which is directly connected to the outlet of the wellhead installations of the underwater gas field(s) 4, and a Joule-Thomson effect valve 12 positioned at the outlet of the passive heat exchanger 10.
- the Joule-Thomson effect valve 12 is controlled so as to obtain a constant and predetermined pressure at the outlet of the gas export line (usually this type of valve is controlled in order to maintain a temperature determined in valve outlet). By knowing the characteristics of the gas export line, it is thus possible to control the pressure downstream of the Joule-Thomson effect valve. Incidentally, by ensuring a certain level of gas pressure at the outlet of the gas export line, a maximum temperature is ensured at the outlet of the Joule-Thomson effect valve 12.
- an active heat exchanger may be provided, possibly associated with a Joule-Thomson effect valve downstream.
- This active heat exchanger can be a liquid/gas exchanger with seawater pumping, a gas/gas exchanger with reuse of cold gas at the station outlet, an exchanger with heat transfer fluid and cooling loop, etc.
- a turbo-expander may be provided installed downstream of the passive heat exchanger (or downstream of the active heat exchanger if applicable).
- the gas/liquid separation module 8 receives as input the cooled gas/liquid mixture coming from the cooling module and delivers both treated gas to a gas export line 14 and liquid to a line of liquid export 16.
- the gas/liquid separation module 8 comprises a gas/liquid separator 18 and a coalescence filter separator 20 which are connected in series.
- the gas/liquid separator 18 has a gas/liquid mixture inlet 18a which is connected to the outlet of the cooling module 6, a gas outlet 18b which is connected to an inlet of the filter separator at coalescence 20 and a liquid outlet 18c which is connected to the liquid export line 16.
- coalescence filter separator 20 As for the coalescence filter separator 20, it has an inlet 20a which is connected to the gas outlet 18b of the gas/liquid separator 18, a gas outlet 20b which is connected to the gas export line 14 and at least one liquid outlet 20c which is connected to the liquid export line 16.
- the gas/liquid separator 18 of the gas/liquid separation module can be a gravity-type separator or a cyclone-type separator or even a centrifugal-type separator. It is possible, for example, to use a vertical separator with multiple pipes.
- coalescence the action by which the fine liquid droplets of the gas/liquid mixture created by the turbulence within the separator clump together to form larger droplets. This phenomenon allows a better gravity separation of the liquid during the passage time in the separator.
- the inlet 20a of the coalescence filter separator 20 is located in the lower part of the separator, the gas outlet 20b is located in the upper part of the separator, and it is provided two liquid outlets, namely: an outlet in the lower part 20c-l, and an outlet in the intermediate part 20c-2.
- the gas laden with liquid droplets which penetrates inside the separator through the inlet 20a is subjected to a first phase of gravity separation in the lower part 22 of the separator. Part of the liquid resulting from this separation is evacuated by the liquid outlet in the lower part 20c-l.
- the gas / liquid mixture then rises to the upper part 24 of the separator passing through one or more filter cartridges 26 in which the liquid droplets clump together to form larger droplets.
- the liquid droplets thus formed fall and accumulate at the bottom of the upper part 24 of the separator to be evacuated towards the outlet in the intermediate part 20c-2.
- the gas stripped of these droplets of liquid it is evacuated upwards through the gas outlet 20b.
- coalescence filter separator can be a separate device from the gas/liquid separator as it can be integrated into the latter.
- gas/liquid separation module can advantageously comprise two coalescence filter separators installed in parallel in order to ensure redundancy in the event of a breakdown.
- the gas/liquid separation module 8 further comprises a gas pre-treatment unit 27 which is disposed between the gas/liquid separator 18 and the coalescing filter separator 20 in order to remove particles. of solids that could be entrained with the gas and reduce the liquid content before the coalescing filter separator.
- liquid export line 16 is provided with liquid pumping means, typically an underwater pump 29.
- the installation according to the invention can prevent the gas export line 14 from resorting to gas compression means.
- the installation further comprises means for injecting a hydrate formation inhibitor 28 upstream of the cooling module 6.
- the installation can also comprise injection means of paraffin inhibitor 30 upstream of the cooling module.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
Description Description
Titre de l'invention : Installation et procédé sous-marin de traitement de gaz provenant d'un champ de production sous-marin de gaz Title of the invention: Subsea installation and process for processing gas from a subsea gas production field
Domaine Technique Technical area
[0001] La présente invention se rapporte au domaine général de la production sous- marine de gaz. Elle concerne plus précisément le traitement sous-marin du gaz en vue de son exportation vers des installations offshore ou terrestres. The present invention relates to the general field of underwater gas production. It relates more specifically to the subsea processing of gas with a view to exporting it to offshore or onshore installations.
Technique antérieure Prior technique
[0002] Dans les configurations actuelles, l'exportation de gaz issu de champs de production sous-marins, et notamment de champs de gaz à condensât, est réalisée en autre par de longues conduites reliant les champs de production aux installations en surface. [0002] In current configurations, the export of gas from subsea production fields, and in particular from gas condensate fields, is carried out in other ways by long pipes connecting the production fields to the surface installations.
[0003] Les installations d'exportation de gaz utilisées en pratique ne comportent généralement aucune unité de traitement. Le gaz produit est typiquement exporté par une conduite sans traitement préalable (à part l'ajout de produits chimiques pour éviter les dépôts solides, limiter la corrosion, etc.). On connaît également les publications WO 2015/181386, WO 2016/192813 et WO 2014/079515 concernant des installations d'exportation de gaz qui comprennent notamment un module de refroidissement alimenté en mélange gaz/liquide provenant directement des champs de gaz, et un module de séparation gaz/liquide qui permet de séparer le gaz du liquide pour acheminer ceux-ci vers les installations en surface par l'intermédiaire de lignes d'exportation dédiées. The gas export facilities used in practice generally do not include any processing unit. The gas produced is typically exported through a pipeline without prior treatment (apart from the addition of chemicals to avoid solid deposits, limit corrosion, etc.). Also known are the publications WO 2015/181386, WO 2016/192813 and WO 2014/079515 concerning gas export facilities which include in particular a cooling module supplied with a gas/liquid mixture coming directly from the gas fields, and a module gas/liquid separation system which makes it possible to separate the gas from the liquid in order to transport them to the installations on the surface via dedicated export lines.
[0004]Ce type d'installation est sujet à différentes problèmes auxquels il est nécessaire de répondre. L'un des problèmes principaux rencontrés est l'accumulation de liquide qui peut se produire dans les points bas de la conduite de la ligne d'exportation de gaz. Ce problème apparaît lorsque la vitesse du gaz devient insuffisante pour entraîner le liquide et provoque des écoulements à bouchon dans la ligne d'exportation de gaz. Un autre problème est de s'assurer que la pression du gaz exporté reste toujours suffisante pour permettre une exportation efficace vers les installations en surface. Il est encore important de limiter, voire d'éviter, la formation de dépôts solides (hydrates, paraffines, etc.) dans la ligne d'exportation de gaz. [0004] This type of installation is subject to various problems which need to be addressed. One of the main problems encountered is the accumulation of liquid which can occur in the low points of the pipeline of the gas export line. This problem occurs when the gas velocity becomes insufficient to entrain the liquid and causes slug flows in the gas export line. Another problem is to make sure that the pressure of the exported gas always remains sufficient to allow efficient export to the surface facilities. It is still important to limit, or even avoid, the formation of solid deposits (hydrates, paraffins, etc.) in the gas export line.
Exposé de l'invention Disclosure of Invention
[0005] La présente invention a donc pour objet principal de proposer une installation sous-marine de traitement qui permette de résoudre les problèmes mentionnés ci-dessus. The main object of the present invention is therefore to provide an underwater processing installation which makes it possible to solve the problems mentioned above.
[0006]Ce but est atteint grâce à une installation de traitement de gaz provenant d'un champ de production sous-marin de gaz, comprenant : [0006] This object is achieved by means of a gas treatment installation from an underwater gas production field, comprising:
- un module de refroidissement alimenté en mélange gaz/liquide provenant directement d'au moins un champ sous-marin de gaz afin de refroidir le gaz à une température permettant de faire condenser les hydrocarbures lourds et l'eau présents dans le mélange ; et - a cooling module supplied with a gas/liquid mixture coming directly from at least one underwater gas field in order to cool the gas to a temperature making it possible to condense the heavy hydrocarbons and the water present in the mixture; And
- un module de séparation gaz/liquide alimenté en mélange gaz/liquide provenant du module de refroidissement et délivrant du gaz traité à une ligne d'exportation de gaz et du liquide à une ligne d'exportation de liquide ; - a gas/liquid separation module fed with gas/liquid mixture coming from the cooling module and delivering treated gas to a gas export line and liquid to a liquid export line;
- et dans laquelle, conformément à l'invention, le module de séparation gaz/liquide comprend un séparateur gaz/liquide et un séparateur à filtre à coalescence montés en série, le séparateur gaz/liquide ayant une sortie en gaz qui est reliée à une entrée du séparateur à filtre à coalescence et une sortie en liquide qui est reliée à la ligne d'exportation de liquide, le séparateur à filtre à coalescence ayant une sortie en gaz qui est reliée à la ligne d'exportation de gaz et une sortie en liquide qui est reliée à la ligne d'exportation de liquide. - and in which, in accordance with the invention, the gas/liquid separation module comprises a gas/liquid separator and a coalescence filter separator connected in series, the gas/liquid separator having a gas outlet which is connected to a inlet of the coalescing filter separator and a liquid outlet which is connected to the liquid export line, the coalescing filter separator having a gas outlet which is connected to the gas export line and a liquid which is connected to the liquid export line.
[0007] L'installation de traitement de gaz selon l'invention est remarquable notamment en ce que son module de séparation gaz/liquide comprend un séparateur gaz/liquide monté en série avec un séparateur à filtre à coalescence, ce qui lui confère une haute performance de séparation. De manière plus générale, l'installation selon l'invention se base sur l'abaissement du point de rosée du mélange gaz/liquide en associant un module de refroidissement et un module de séparation gaz/liquide à haute performance, ce qui peut permettre un export passif du gaz (c'est-à-dire sans avoir besoin d'un compresseur). Une telle installation trouve ainsi une application particulièrement avantageuse aux champs de gaz situés par grande profondeur et éloignés du rivage. En outre, l'abaissement du point de rosée du mélange gaz/liquide s'effectue à un niveau permettant par la suite une exportation du gaz qui reste totalement (ou quasi totalement) en phase gazeuse tout le long de l'export. The gas treatment installation according to the invention is remarkable in particular in that its gas/liquid separation module comprises a gas/liquid separator mounted in series with a coalescence filter separator, which gives it a high separation performance. way more In general, the installation according to the invention is based on lowering the dew point of the gas/liquid mixture by combining a cooling module and a high-performance gas/liquid separation module, which can allow passive export of the gas (i.e. without the need for a compressor). Such an installation thus finds a particularly advantageous application in gas fields located at great depth and far from the shore. In addition, the lowering of the dew point of the gas/liquid mixture takes place to a level subsequently allowing export of the gas which remains totally (or almost totally) in the gaseous phase throughout the export.
[0008] Plus particulièrement, le module de refroidissement de l'installation selon l'invention permet de faire condenser les hydrocarbures lourds et l'eau présents dans le mélange gaz/liquide qui normalement condenseraient dans la ligne d'exportation de gaz. Le refroidissement s'effectue également à une température plus basse que celle atteinte par le gaz dans la ligne d'exportation de gaz. More particularly, the cooling module of the installation according to the invention makes it possible to condense the heavy hydrocarbons and the water present in the gas/liquid mixture which would normally condense in the gas export line. Cooling also takes place at a temperature lower than that reached by the gas in the gas export line.
[0009] Le module de refroidissement peut comprendre un échangeur de chaleur passif ou un échangeur de chaleur actif. Dans ce cas, il peut comprendre en outre une vanne à effet Joule-Thomson ou un turbo-détendeur installé en aval de l'échangeur de chaleur. [0009] The cooling module may comprise a passive heat exchanger or an active heat exchanger. In this case, it may further comprise a Joule-Thomson effect valve or a turbo-expander installed downstream of the heat exchanger.
[0010] Le séparateur gaz/liquide du module de séparation gaz/liquide peut être un séparateur gravitaire ou un séparateur cyclonique ou un séparateur centrifuge. [0010] The gas/liquid separator of the gas/liquid separation module can be a gravity separator or a cyclonic separator or a centrifugal separator.
[0011] De préférence, le module de séparation gaz/liquide comprend en outre une unité de pré-traitement du gaz disposée entre le séparateur gaz/liquide et le séparateur à filtre à coalescence afin d'éliminer les particules de solides qui pourraient être entraînées avec le gaz et aussi pour réduire la teneur en liquide avant le séparateur à filtre à coalescence, dans le but de prolonger la durée de vie du séparateur à filtre à coalescence. [0011] Preferably, the gas/liquid separation module further comprises a gas pre-treatment unit arranged between the gas/liquid separator and the coalescence filter separator in order to eliminate the particles of solids which could be entrained with the gas and also to reduce the liquid content before the coalescence filter separator, in order to prolong the service life of the coalescence filter separator.
[0012] Le séparateur à filtre à coalescence peut être intégré au séparateur gaz/liquide. [0012] The coalescence filter separator can be integrated into the gas/liquid separator.
[0013] La ligne d'exportation de gaz peut avantageusement être dépourvue de moyens de compression du gaz. [0014]Quant à la ligne d'exportation de liquide, elle peut être avantageusement munie de moyens de pompage du liquide. The gas export line can advantageously be devoid of gas compression means. [0014]As for the liquid export line, it can advantageously be provided with liquid pumping means.
[0015] De préférence, le module de séparation gaz/liquide comprend deux séparateurs à filtre à coalescence installée en parallèle afin d'assurer une redondance en cas de problème sur l'un des séparateurs et afin d'assurer une continuité de production lors des phases de maintenance des filtres à coalescence. [0015] Preferably, the gas/liquid separation module comprises two coalescence filter separators installed in parallel in order to ensure redundancy in the event of a problem on one of the separators and in order to ensure production continuity during maintenance phases of coalescing filters.
[0016] De préférence également, l'installation comprend en outre des moyens d'injection d'un inhibiteur de formation d'hydrates en amont du module de refroidissement et/ou des moyens d'injection d'inhibiteur de paraffine en amont du module de refroidissement. Ces moyens d'injection permettent de limiter, voire d'éviter, la formation de dépôts solides (hydrates, paraffines, etc.) dans l'installation ainsi que dans les lignes d'exportation de gaz et de liquide. Preferably also, the installation further comprises means for injecting a hydrate formation inhibitor upstream of the cooling module and/or means for injecting paraffin inhibitor upstream of the module cooling. These injection means make it possible to limit, or even avoid, the formation of solid deposits (hydrates, paraffins, etc.) in the installation as well as in the gas and liquid export lines.
[0017] Corrélativement, l'invention a également pour objet un procédé de traitement sous-marin du gaz provenant d'un champ de production sous-marin de gaz, comprenant successivement : [0017] Correlatively, the invention also relates to a process for the underwater treatment of gas from an underwater gas production field, successively comprising:
- une étape de refroidissement du mélange gaz/liquide provenant directement d'au moins un champ de production sous-marin de gaz de façon à faire condenser les hydrocarbures lourds et l'eau et à amener le mélange gaz/liquide à une température inférieure à celle du gaz dans une ligne d'exportation de gaz ; et - a step of cooling the gas/liquid mixture coming directly from at least one subsea gas production field so as to condense the heavy hydrocarbons and the water and to bring the gas/liquid mixture to a temperature below that of gas in a gas export line; And
- une étape de séparation gaz/liquide sous-marine pour délivrer du gaz traité à une ligne d'exportation de gaz et du liquide à une ligne d'exportation de liquide ; et dans lequel - an underwater gas/liquid separation step for delivering treated gas to a gas export line and liquid to a liquid export line; and in which
- l'étape de séparation gaz/liquide comprend une première étape de séparation gaz/liquide suivie directement d'une seconde étape de séparation gaz/liquide par coalescence afin d'abaisser le point de rosée du gaz traité à un niveau permettant son export sous forme monophasique. [0018] L'invention a encore pour objet une application du procédé tel que défini précédemment à un champ de gaz à condensât en cours d'exploitation ou à un champ de gaz à condensât non encore exploité. - the gas/liquid separation step comprises a first gas/liquid separation step directly followed by a second gas/liquid separation step by coalescence in order to lower the dew point of the treated gas to a level allowing its export under monophasic form. The invention also relates to an application of the method as defined above to a field of gas condensate being operated or to a field of gas condensate not yet operated.
Brève description des dessins Brief description of the drawings
[0019] [Fig. 1] La figure 1 est une vue schématique d'une installation sous-marine de traitement de gaz selon l'invention. [0019] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an underwater gas treatment installation according to the invention.
[0020] [Fig. 2] La figure 2 est une vue schématique d'un exemple de séparateur à filtre à coalescence de l'installation selon l'invention. [0020] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a schematic view of an example of coalescence filter separator of the installation according to the invention.
Description des modes de réalisation Description of embodiments
[0021] L'invention concerne le traitement sous-marin de gaz provenant d'un champ de production sous-marin de gaz. Elle trouve une application privilégiée (mais non limitée) aux champs sous-marins de gaz à condensât situés par grande profondeur et loin du rivage. The invention relates to the underwater treatment of gas from an underwater gas production field. It finds a preferred (but not limited) application to submarine gas condensate fields located at great depths and far from the shore.
[0022] La figure 1 représente un exemple d'installation sous-marine de traitement de gaz 2 selon l'invention alimentée par un ou plusieurs champs de production sous- marins de gaz 4. [0022] Figure 1 shows an example of an underwater gas treatment installation 2 according to the invention supplied by one or more underwater gas production fields 4.
[0023]Typiquement, cette installation de traitement de gaz 2 comprend un module de refroidissement 6 qui est alimenté en mélange gaz/liquide provenant directement du ou des champs sous-marins de gaz 4, et un module de séparation gaz/liquide 8 qui est alimenté en mélange gaz/liquide provenant du module de refroidissement. [0023] Typically, this gas treatment installation 2 comprises a cooling module 6 which is supplied with a gas/liquid mixture coming directly from the underwater gas field(s) 4, and a gas/liquid separation module 8 which is fed with gas/liquid mixture coming from the cooling module.
[0024] Le module de refroidissement 6 a notamment pour fonction de refroidir le mélange gaz/liquide pour l'amener à une température permettant de faire condenser les hydrocarbures lourds et l'eau présents dans le mélange (et qui normalement condenseraient plus en aval dans ligne d'exportation de gaz). [0024] The cooling module 6 has the particular function of cooling the gas/liquid mixture to bring it to a temperature allowing the heavy hydrocarbons and water present in the mixture to condense (and which would normally condense further downstream in gas export line).
[0025]A cet effet, le module de refroidissement 6 de l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 1 comprend un échangeur de chaleur passif 10 dont l'entrée est directement reliée à la sortie des installations des têtes de puits du ou des champs sous-marins de gaz 4, et une vanne à effet Joule-Thomson 12 positionnée à la sortie de l'échangeur de chaleur passif 10. [0025] To this end, the cooling module 6 of the embodiment of FIG. 1 comprises a passive heat exchanger 10, the inlet of which is directly connected to the outlet of the wellhead installations of the underwater gas field(s) 4, and a Joule-Thomson effect valve 12 positioned at the outlet of the passive heat exchanger 10.
[0026] La vanne à effet Joule-Thomson 12 est pilotée de façon à obtenir une pression constante et prédéterminée à la sortie de la ligne d'exportation de gaz (d'ordinaire ce type de vanne est contrôlé afin de maintenir une température déterminée en sortie de vanne). En connaissant les caractéristiques de la ligne d'exportation de gaz, il est ainsi possible de contrôler la pression en aval de la vanne à effet Joule-Thomson. Incidemment, en assurant un certain niveau de pression du gaz à la sortie de la ligne d'exportation de gaz, on s'assure d'une température maximale à la sortie de la vanne à effet Joule-Thomson 12. The Joule-Thomson effect valve 12 is controlled so as to obtain a constant and predetermined pressure at the outlet of the gas export line (usually this type of valve is controlled in order to maintain a temperature determined in valve outlet). By knowing the characteristics of the gas export line, it is thus possible to control the pressure downstream of the Joule-Thomson effect valve. Incidentally, by ensuring a certain level of gas pressure at the outlet of the gas export line, a maximum temperature is ensured at the outlet of the Joule-Thomson effect valve 12.
[0027]Alternativement à l'échangeur de chaleur passif, il peut être prévu un échangeur de chaleur actif, éventuellement associé à une vanne à effet Joule- Thomson en aval. Cet échangeur de chaleur actif peut être un échangeur liquide/gaz avec pompage de l'eau de mer, un échangeur gaz/gaz avec réutilisation du gaz froid en sortie de station, un échangeur avec fluide caloporteur et boucle frigorifique, etc. [0027] Alternatively to the passive heat exchanger, an active heat exchanger may be provided, possibly associated with a Joule-Thomson effect valve downstream. This active heat exchanger can be a liquid/gas exchanger with seawater pumping, a gas/gas exchanger with reuse of cold gas at the station outlet, an exchanger with heat transfer fluid and cooling loop, etc.
[0028]Alternativement à la vanne à effet Joule-Thomson, il peut être prévu un turbo-détendeur installé en aval de l'échangeur de chaleur passif (ou en aval de l'échangeur de chaleur actif le cas échéant). [0028] Alternatively to the Joule-Thomson valve, a turbo-expander may be provided installed downstream of the passive heat exchanger (or downstream of the active heat exchanger if applicable).
[0029] Le module de séparation gaz/liquide 8 reçoit en entrée le mélange gaz/liquide refroidi provenant du module de refroidissement et délivre à la fois du gaz traité à une ligne d'exportation de gaz 14 et du liquide à une ligne d'exportation de liquide 16. [0029] The gas/liquid separation module 8 receives as input the cooled gas/liquid mixture coming from the cooling module and delivers both treated gas to a gas export line 14 and liquid to a line of liquid export 16.
[0030]Selon l'invention, le module de séparation gaz/liquide 8 comprend un séparateur gaz/liquide 18 et un séparateur à filtre à coalescence 20 qui sont montés en série. According to the invention, the gas/liquid separation module 8 comprises a gas/liquid separator 18 and a coalescence filter separator 20 which are connected in series.
[0031] Plus précisément, le séparateur gaz/liquide 18 présente une entrée en mélange gaz/liquide 18a qui est reliée à la sortie du module de refroidissement 6, une sortie en gaz 18b qui est reliée à une entrée du séparateur à filtre à coalescence 20 et une sortie en liquide 18c qui est reliée à la ligne d'exportation de liquide 16. More specifically, the gas/liquid separator 18 has a gas/liquid mixture inlet 18a which is connected to the outlet of the cooling module 6, a gas outlet 18b which is connected to an inlet of the filter separator at coalescence 20 and a liquid outlet 18c which is connected to the liquid export line 16.
[0032]Quant au séparateur à filtre à coalescence 20, il présente une entrée 20a qui est reliée à la sortie en gaz 18b du séparateur gaz/liquide 18, une sortie en gaz 20b qui est reliée à la ligne d'exportation de gaz 14 et au moins une sortie en liquide 20c qui est reliée à la ligne d'exportation de liquide 16. As for the coalescence filter separator 20, it has an inlet 20a which is connected to the gas outlet 18b of the gas/liquid separator 18, a gas outlet 20b which is connected to the gas export line 14 and at least one liquid outlet 20c which is connected to the liquid export line 16.
[0033] Le séparateur gaz/liquide 18 du module de séparation gaz/liquide peut être un séparateur de type gravitaire ou un séparateur de type cyclonique ou encore un séparateur de type centrifuge. On pourra par exemple recourir à un séparateur vertical à multiples conduites. The gas/liquid separator 18 of the gas/liquid separation module can be a gravity-type separator or a cyclone-type separator or even a centrifugal-type separator. It is possible, for example, to use a vertical separator with multiple pipes.
[0034] En liaison avec la figure 2, on décrira maintenant un exemple d'architecture du séparateur à filtre à coalescence 20. In connection with Figure 2, we will now describe an example of the architecture of the coalescence filter separator 20.
[0035] De façon connue, on appelle coalescence, l'action par laquelle les fines gouttelettes de liquide du mélange gaz/liquide créées par les turbulences au sein du séparateur s'agglutinent pour former des gouttelettes plus volumineuses. Ce phénomène permet une meilleure séparation gravitaire du liquide durant le temps de passage dans le séparateur. In a known manner, the action by which the fine liquid droplets of the gas/liquid mixture created by the turbulence within the separator clump together to form larger droplets is called coalescence. This phenomenon allows a better gravity separation of the liquid during the passage time in the separator.
[0036]Sur l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 2, l'entrée 20a du séparateur à filtre à coalescence 20 est située en partie basse du séparateur, la sortie en gaz 20b est située en partie haute du séparateur, et il est prévu deux sorties en liquide, à savoir : une sortie en partie basse 20c-l, et une sortie en partie intermédiaire 20c-2. [0036] In the embodiment of Figure 2, the inlet 20a of the coalescence filter separator 20 is located in the lower part of the separator, the gas outlet 20b is located in the upper part of the separator, and it is provided two liquid outlets, namely: an outlet in the lower part 20c-l, and an outlet in the intermediate part 20c-2.
[0037] Le gaz chargé en gouttelettes de liquide qui pénètre à l'intérieur du séparateur par l'entrée 20a est soumis à une première phase de séparation gravitaire dans la partie basse 22 du séparateur. Une partie du liquide issu de cette séparation est évacuée par la sortie en liquide en partie basse 20c-l. The gas laden with liquid droplets which penetrates inside the separator through the inlet 20a is subjected to a first phase of gravity separation in the lower part 22 of the separator. Part of the liquid resulting from this separation is evacuated by the liquid outlet in the lower part 20c-l.
[0038] Le mélange gaz/liquide remonte ensuite vers la partie haute 24 du séparateur en passant au travers d'une ou plusieurs cartouches filtrantes 26 au sein desquelles les gouttelettes de liquide s'agglutinent pour former des gouttelettes plus volumineuses. Les gouttelettes de liquide ainsi formées retombent et s'accumulent au fond de la partie haute 24 du séparateur pour être évacuées vers la sortie en partie intermédiaire 20c-2. Quant au gaz débarrassé de ces gouttelettes de liquide, il est évacué vers le haut par la sortie en gaz 20b. The gas / liquid mixture then rises to the upper part 24 of the separator passing through one or more filter cartridges 26 in which the liquid droplets clump together to form larger droplets. The liquid droplets thus formed fall and accumulate at the bottom of the upper part 24 of the separator to be evacuated towards the outlet in the intermediate part 20c-2. As for the gas stripped of these droplets of liquid, it is evacuated upwards through the gas outlet 20b.
[0039]0n notera que le séparateur à filtre à coalescence peut être un appareil distinct du séparateur gaz/liquide comme il peut être intégré à celui-ci. [0039] It will be noted that the coalescence filter separator can be a separate device from the gas/liquid separator as it can be integrated into the latter.
[0040]0n notera également que le module de séparation gaz/liquide peut avantageusement comprendre deux séparateurs à filtre à coalescence installés en parallèle afin d'assurer une redondance en cas de panne. [0040] It will also be noted that the gas/liquid separation module can advantageously comprise two coalescence filter separators installed in parallel in order to ensure redundancy in the event of a breakdown.
[0041] De préférence, le module de séparation gaz/liquide 8 comprend en outre une unité de pré-traitement du gaz 27 qui est disposée entre le séparateur gaz/liquide 18 et le séparateur à filtre à coalescence 20 afin d'éliminer les particules de solides qui pourraient être entraînées avec le gaz et réduire la teneur en liquide avant le séparateur à filtre à coalescence. [0041] Preferably, the gas/liquid separation module 8 further comprises a gas pre-treatment unit 27 which is disposed between the gas/liquid separator 18 and the coalescing filter separator 20 in order to remove particles. of solids that could be entrained with the gas and reduce the liquid content before the coalescing filter separator.
[0042] De préférence également, la ligne d'exportation de liquide 16 est munie de moyens de pompage du liquide, typiquement d'une pompe sous-marine 29. Also preferably, the liquid export line 16 is provided with liquid pumping means, typically an underwater pump 29.
[0043]A l'inverse, l'installation selon l'invention peut permettre d'éviter à la ligne d'exportation de gaz 14 de recourir à des moyens de compression du gaz. [0043] Conversely, the installation according to the invention can prevent the gas export line 14 from resorting to gas compression means.
[0044] De préférence encore, l'installation comprend en outre des moyens d'injection d'un inhibiteur de formation d'hydrates 28 en amont du module de refroidissement 6. De même, l'installation peut également comprendre des moyens d'injection d'inhibiteur de paraffine 30 en amont du module de refroidissement. Preferably again, the installation further comprises means for injecting a hydrate formation inhibitor 28 upstream of the cooling module 6. Similarly, the installation can also comprise injection means of paraffin inhibitor 30 upstream of the cooling module.
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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|---|---|---|---|
| FR2109979A FR3127135A1 (en) | 2021-09-22 | 2021-09-22 | Subsea installation and process for processing gas from a subsea gas production field |
| PCT/FR2022/051729 WO2023047041A1 (en) | 2021-09-22 | 2022-09-14 | Subsea facility and method for processing gas from a subsea gas production field |
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| EP4405081A1 true EP4405081A1 (en) | 2024-07-31 |
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| EP (1) | EP4405081A1 (en) |
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| US6048376A (en) * | 1998-08-03 | 2000-04-11 | Ingersoll-Rand Company | Combination baffle and filter element system for removing oil from an oil/gas mixture |
| US6251168B1 (en) * | 1999-07-23 | 2001-06-26 | Hudson Products Corporation | High efficiency gas scrubber using combined coalescing media and centrifugal cyclone |
| US7828865B2 (en) * | 2008-07-31 | 2010-11-09 | Cummins Filtration Ip, Inc. | Gas-liquid separator with dual flow impaction and coalescence |
| US7837752B2 (en) * | 2007-12-03 | 2010-11-23 | Honeywell International Inc. | Water removal downstream of a turbine |
| US8147575B2 (en) * | 2009-09-09 | 2012-04-03 | Ingersoll-Rand Company | Multi-stage oil separation system including a cyclonic separation stage |
| RU118408U1 (en) * | 2011-04-21 | 2012-07-20 | Илья Иванович Рыбаков | LOW PRESSURE OIL GAS PROCESSING PLANT |
| CA2840842C (en) * | 2011-07-01 | 2018-11-20 | Statoil Petroleum As | A method and system for lowering the water dew point of a hydrocarbon fluid stream subsea |
| CN104812876B (en) | 2012-11-26 | 2019-04-02 | 挪威国家石油公司 | Gas dewatering and liquid from the combination of well stream inhibit |
| GB2526604B (en) | 2014-05-29 | 2020-10-07 | Equinor Energy As | Compact hydrocarbon wellstream processing |
| AU2015397171B2 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2020-08-20 | Equinor Energy As | Method and apparatus for dehydration of a hydrocarbon gas |
| US10561974B2 (en) * | 2015-06-23 | 2020-02-18 | Tm Industrial Supply, Inc. | Bulk deliquidizer/desander coalescer |
| EP3202482A1 (en) * | 2016-02-02 | 2017-08-09 | General Electric Technology GmbH | A gas dryer for an electric machine |
| US11071929B2 (en) * | 2018-06-19 | 2021-07-27 | Ingersoll-Rand Industrial U.S., Inc. | Gas-water separation system and methods |
| CN112957834B (en) * | 2021-03-11 | 2021-11-19 | 中国石油大学(北京) | Switching two-stage coalescence-separation system |
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- 2022-09-14 AU AU2022351638A patent/AU2022351638A1/en active Pending
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- 2022-09-14 US US18/692,035 patent/US20240392674A1/en active Pending
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| FR3127135A1 (en) | 2023-03-24 |
| WO2023047041A1 (en) | 2023-03-30 |
| US20240392674A1 (en) | 2024-11-28 |
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