NO20150921A1 - Apparatus for increasing the flow rate of a multiphase fluid and method for increasing the flow rate - Google Patents

Description

APPARATUS FOR INCREASING THE RATE OF FLOW OF A MULTIPHASE FLUID AND METHOD FOR INCREASING THE RATE OF FLOW

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for increasing the flow rate in the downstream pipeline of a well.

In what follows, an example of a preferred embodiment is described which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, where:

Fig. 1 shows a diagram of the device according to the invention; and

Fig. 2 shows use of the device according to the invention in the method according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE APPARATUS ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION (see Fig. 1):

The apparatus comprises (see Fig. 1) one or more multiphase pumps (4), a liquid supply (6) and feed pumps (7) to keep the multiphase pumps (4) operating and a control system (5) for these.

The device increases flow rate and removes the problem of pressure fluctuations in risers as well as reduces the pressure upstream by using one or more multiphase pumps that have an excess capacity in relation to the original flow. The unit then builds up the pressure again to the pressure required to supply the pipeline again without supplying large amounts of energy.

EFFECTS:

INCREASE OF FLOW, SLUDGE SUCTION EFFECT, SAFE SWITCHING REMOVAL AND PRESSURE REDUCTION

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCEDURE ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION (see Fig. 2):

By providing a speed increase downstream (3.1) of the pipeline, and excess capacity of the multiphase pump setup, the device achieves: a more homogeneous flow of liquid and gas (1);

a better control of flow and pressure;

reduced/absence of "plugs" of liquids and gas that cause unstable flow in the riser (2) (see

Fig. 2);

increased flow rate in riser (3);

removes the pressure fluctuation problem in riser (3);

reduces the pressure upstream (P1);

pressure build-up to the pressure required to supply the pipeline again without the supply of large amounts of energy (P2).

It should be noted that all of the above embodiments illustrate the invention, but do not limit it, and those skilled in the art will be able to devise many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the requirements, reference numbers in parentheses should not be seen as limiting. The use of the verb "to comprise" and its various forms does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not mentioned in the claims. The indefinite articles "an", "ei" or "et" before an element do not exclude the presence of several such elements. The fact that certain features are listed in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be advantageously used. In device claims that mention several means, several of these means may be included in one and the same element of the hardware.