Installation For The Storage And Use Of Water-Soluble Polymers

Abstract

An installation for storing, metering, and dissolving water-soluble polymer particles, in particular for enhanced oil and/or gas recovery operations, includes a so-called “polymer dissolution” container A and at least one so-called “polymer storage and distribution” container B positioned upon container A. The bottom of container B and the roof of container A each have an opening facing one another allowing the passage of the polymer from container B into the supply mechanism of container A. The installation further includes a connection mechanism able to work with the polymer supply mechanism.

Claims

1. An installation for storing, metering, and dissolution of water-soluble polymer articles comprising; a container A of a generally parallelepipedic shape comprising side walls forming long and short sides, a bottom and a roof, wherein said container A comprises at least one supply of the polymer, at least one metering mechanism of the polymer and at least one mechanism for dissolving the metered polymer, characterized in that the installation further comprises at least one container B of a generally parallelepiped shape positioned on container A, comprising side walls forming long and short sides, a roof, and a bottom, and wherein the bottom of container B and the roof of container A each have an opening facing each other, allowing the passage of polymer from container B into the at least one supply of the polymer from container A, wherein the bottom of container B comprises a mechanism for setting the polymer in motion in the form of a horizontal screw, wherein the installation further comprises a connection mechanism capable of working with the at least one supply of the polymer.

2. The installation according to claim 1, further comprising an additional container C comprising sidewalls that form long and short sides and a roof; said container C being, at the least, partially devoid of a bottom; container B having no roof; container C being positioned on top of container B.

3. The installation according to claim 1, further comprising an additional container B′ that is strictly identical to container B, the containers B and B′ being positioned side by side, along their long sides.

4. The installation according to claim 1, further comprising three additional containers respectively: an additional container B′ identical to container B, containers B and B′ being positioned side by side along their long sides, and two additional containers C and C′, containers C and C′ comprising side walls forming long and short sides and a roof, and being at least partially devoid of a bottom, containers C and C′ being respectively positioned on containers B and B′, so as to allow the transfer of the polymer from storage-only containers C and C′, to containers B and B′ for storage and distribution.

5. The installation according to claim 3, further comprising a management container D or a structure capable of supporting the weight of container B′ located next to container A.

6. The installation according to claim 3, characterized in that one of the sidewalls of container A has an opening communicating with the opening situated in the bottom of container B′ through a connection mechanism adapted to allow the passage of the polymer from the container B′ into the at least one supply of container A.

7. The installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the containers have a net weight of between 1 to 20 tons and a dimension of 6 to 12 meters by 2.4 meters by 2.6 meters high without frame.

8. The installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the supply of the polymer is in the form of a hopper and the metering mechanism of the polymer is in the form of a metering screw.

9. The installation according to characterized in that the mechanism for dissolving the metered polymer is a water-soluble polymer grinding dispersion device and comprises: a water-soluble particle polymer wetting cone connected to a primary water supply circuit, at lower end of the cone, a grinding and drainage chamber for the dispersed water-soluble polymer comprising: a rotor driven by a motor and equipped with knives, a fixed stator made of a cylinder with fine slots, on all or part of the periphery of the chamber, a ring fed by a secondary water circuit, the ring communicating with the chamber in such a way as to ensure the spraying of water under pressure on an outside of the stator, thus allowing the release of crushed and swollen water-soluble polymer on a surface of said stator.

10. The installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanism for dissolving the metered polymer has a flow rate of between 5 and 3000 kg/h of polymer powder.

11. The installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one container B is provided with self-cleaning filters.

12. The installation according to claim 4, characterized in that containers B and C, and containers B′ and C′ are hermetically connected.

13. The installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one container B comprises a mechanism to prevent the water-soluble polymer from accumulating and remaining stuck to the walls.

14. A process for producing a water-soluble polymer solution using the installation that is the subject-matter of claim 1 and comprising the following steps: water-soluble polymer in powder form is fed into polymer storage-only container C, or optionally into polymer storage and distribution container B by a supply mechanism; it is then set in motion by the horizontal screw located at the bottom of said storage and distribution container B; the water-soluble polymer then passes through the opening in the bottom of storage and distribution container B and the opening in the roof of dissolution container A; the water-soluble polymer is found in the supply mechanism and then passes through the metering mechanism; it is then sent to the dissolution mechanism; it then passes optionally through a hydration and dissolution tank equipped with a stirring system; and finally, it is optionally fed into a volumetric metering pump which meters the water-soluble polymer solution to be mixed with the injection fluid.

15. A process for enhanced oil and/or gas recovery comprising the following steps: storage, metering, and dissolution of a water-soluble polymer in the system, which is the subject-matter of claim 1, preparation of an injection fluid comprising at least said water-soluble polymer and water or brine, injection of the injection fluid into an underground formation, sweeping the underground formation with the injected fluid, and recovery of an aqueous and hydrocarbon mixture.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Other advantages and characteristics will be better understood from the following description, given by way of a non-limiting example, of the installation according to the invention, from the appended drawings in which:

[0064] [FIG. 1] is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the installation according to the invention, which has 3 containers, one on top of the other, one dissolution container A and 2 storage containers B and C.

[0065] [FIG. 2] is a cross-section of FIG. 1.

[0066] [FIG. 3] is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the installation according to the invention, which presents 2 contiguous series of 3 superimposed containers (respectively A, B and C, and D, B′ and C′).

[0067] [FIG. 4] is a cross-section of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Dissolution Container A (Container A)

[0068] In general, the dissolution container A and, more broadly, all the containers referred to in the invention have standard dimensions and can carry a net weight of between 1 and 20 tons. Preferably, the dissolution container has a dimension of 6 to 12 meters by 2.4 meters by 2.6 meters high without the frame and a weight of between 4 to 25 tons in displacement to meet local requirements.

[0069] According to the invention, container A comprises at least one polymer supply means (1), at least one means (2) for metering the polymer, and at least one means for dissolving (3) the metered polymer.

[0070] As shown in the Figures, the polymer supply means (1) is in the form of a hopper (1), and the polymer metering means (2) is in the form of a screw dispenser (2).

[0071] In other words, the water-soluble polymer feed (1) and metering (2) means comprise: [0072] a hopper (1) feeding a metering screw (2); [0073] a metering screw (2) feeding a device for dissolving water-soluble polymer (3).

[0074] The hopper (1) usually has a size of between 20 and 100 L. Preferably between 30 and 50 L.

[0075] The metering screw (2) has a flow rate of between 120 and 2000 kg/h, and this may be adapted according to the size of the fields and the need for the quantity of water-soluble polymer to be injected according to the application.

[0076] The device for dissolving water-soluble polymer (3) may be any type of device capable of dissolving a polymer, such as, for example, a venturi system or a device for dispersing polymer by grinding. Preferably, it is a device for dispersion by polymer grinding.

[0077] The device for dispersion by grinding of water-soluble polymer generally comprises: [0078] a wetting cone (3.1) of the water-soluble polymer particles connected to a primary water supply circuit, [0079] at the end lower part of the cone, a chamber for grinding and draining (3.2) the dispersed water-soluble polymer comprising: [0080] a rotor driven by a motor and fitted with knives, [0081] a fixed stator consisting of a cylinder fitted with fine slots, [0082] on all or part of the periphery of the chamber, a crown fed by a secondary water circuit, the crown communicating with the chamber so as to ensure the spraying of pressurized water on the outside of the stator, thus allowing the release of the crushed and swollen water-soluble polymer on the surface of said stator.

[0083] In one particular mode of the invention, the wetting cone of the water-soluble polymer particles has a coating that gives it a surface tension of between 7.5 and 19.5 mN.m.sup.-1.

[0084] Generally, the device to dissolve the water-soluble polymer (3) has a dissolving capacity of between 5 and 3000 kg/h of water-soluble polymer particles adjustable according to the field and the application, more commonly between 50 and 650 kg/h of polymer particles.

[0085] As a device to grind a water-soluble polymer for dispersion, mention may be made of the “PSU” for “Polymer Slicing Unit” that the applicant has developed and which is described in document WO 2011/107683 or also WO 2016/156320.

[0086] As shown in the Figures, in particular FIGS. 1 and 3, container A further contains a hydration and dissolving tank (7) connected to the water-soluble polymer dissolution device (3), said tank being equipped with a stirring system (8) and generally having a size between 1 and 150 m.sup.3, preferably between 4 and 60 m.sup.3.

[0087] The hydration and dissolution tank (7) generally comprises several maturation chambers (9), preferably at least two, more preferably at least 3, even more preferably at least 4; it may contain more if necessary.

[0088] In one particular embodiment according to the invention, the dissolution container A may contain several hydration and dissolution tanks (7) in series. For example, it may contain two or three or more depending on the field requirements. The hydration and dissolution tanks (7) may be in series or in parallel; preferably, they are in series.

[0089] The number of maturation chambers (9) of each hydration and dissolution tank (7) may vary and may be adjusted by those skilled in the art as needed.

[0090] As shown in the Figures, in particular FIGS. 1 and 3, container A further contains at least one metering volumetric pump (10) connected to the hydration and dissolution tank (7).

[0091] In practice, the volumetric metering pump (10) is used to meter the quantity of dissolved water-soluble polymer to be mixed in the injection fluid. It generally has a flow rate of between 0.05 m.sup.3/h and 40 m.sup.3/h, preferably between 0.5 and 20 m.sup.3/h.

[0092] Dissolution container A may comprise several metering volumetric pumps (10), for example, two or three or more, depending on the needs in the field.

[0093] As shown in the Figures, in particular FIGS. 1 and 3, container A also contains a control room (11) comprising the various flow management organs of the installation and the power generators as well as the ancillary devices to produce and process the utilities.

[0094] The control room (11) may include electrical protections, a programmable automaton, and various instruments that make it possible for continuous operation of the system. In addition, the center may be autonomous with a generator, a compressor, and telemetry or remote monitoring equipment.

Polymer B Storage and Distribution Container (Container B)

[0095] Storage and distribution container B is an intermodal container like dissolution container A; it, therefore, has the same characteristics.

[0096] The horizontal screw (4) located at the bottom of container B generally has a flow rate of between 1 and 6 m.sup.3/h, preferably between 4 and 4.5 m.sup.3/h.

[0097] Generally, container B comprises a means to prevent the water-soluble polymer from accumulating and remaining stuck to the walls, for example, an interior coating (6).

[0098] The term inner lining (6) denotes a layer of materials covering the sidewalls of the container and not present in the container initially. It is generally a structure of stainless sheet metal adapted to the contours of the container.

[0099] As shown, the stainless steel sheet is in the general form of a funnel with a vertical upper part extending over the side surfaces of the container and a lower part inclined towards the horizontal screw (4) at an angle of between 30 and 70°, more preferably between 45 and 60° with respect to the horizontal.

[0100] In one preferred embodiment, according to the invention, container B is provided with a self-cleaning filter. It may be an automatic mechanical or pneumatic cleaning system. Preferably, it is an automatic pneumatic unclogging filter.

[0101] In one particular embodiment, the installation, according to the invention comprises a second storage container.

[0102] It may be a storage-only container (container C) for polymer or a storage and distribution container (container B′) similar to container B.

Polymer Storage-Only Container C (Container C)

[0103] Storage and distribution only container C is an intermodal container like dissolution container A; it, therefore, has the same characteristics.

[0104] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, container C does not have a horizontal screw (4).

[0105] Container C is devoid, at least partially, of a bottom. In other words, it has a removable bottom which, for example, is at least partially removed when constructing the installation.

[0106] Generally, container C comprises a means to prevent the water-soluble polymer from accumulating and remaining stuck to the walls, for example, an interior coating (6).

[0107] The term inner lining (6) denotes a layer of materials covering the sidewalls of the container and not present in the container initially. It is usually a stainless steel sheet structure adapted to the contours of the container. In the case of container C, the stainless steel sheet covers the entire surface of available walls.

[0108] In one preferred mode according to the invention, container C is provided with a self-cleaning filter. It may be an automatic mechanical or pneumatic cleaning system. Preferably, it is an automatic mechanical or pneumatic cleaning system.

[0109] In this embodiment, container B has no roof, and container C is positioned on top of container B so as to allow the transfer of the polymer from container C to container B. Containers B and C are then hermetically connected so that they form a single continuous volume of large capacity.

[0110] For example, and without limitation, containers B and C are usually hermetically connected using welding, screws, seals, preferably using seals (12).

[0111] In one preferred mode, according to the invention, the seals (12) are press-fitted seals. Generally, at least 4 seals fitted together, more preferably at least 6, and even more preferably 8 seals fitted together are used. However, it is possible to use more seals.

Polymer Storage and Distribution Container B′ (Container B′)

[0112] Storage and distribution container B′ is an intermodal container like dissolution container A; it, therefore, has the same characteristics.

[0113] Storage and distribution container B′ has the same equipment as storage and distribution container B.

[0114] Container B′ is adjacent to storage container B. It may be placed on management container D or on a structure capable of supporting its weight; generally, it is a metal structure.

[0115] Container B′ also has, with respect to container B, at least one means of connection able to allow the passage of the polymer from the container B′ into at least one supply means of container A. This is generally a screw or an inclined chute (5).

Polymer Storage-Only Container C′ (Container C′)

[0116] Polymer storage-only container C′ is an intermodal container like the dissolution container A, so it has the same characteristics.

[0117] Polymer storage-only container C′ has the same equipment as polymer storage-only container C.

[0118] In this embodiment, container B has no roof, and container C is positioned on container B so as to only allow the transfer of the polymer from storage container C to the storage and distribution container B. The containers B′ and C′ are then hermetically connected so that they no longer form a single continuous volume of large capacity.

[0119] Containers B′ and C′ are usually hermetically connected with, for example, and without limitation, welding, screws, seals, preferably using seals (12).

[0120] In one preferred mode according to the invention, the seals (12) are press-fitted seals. Generally, at least 4 seals fitted together, more preferably at least 6, and even more preferably, 8 seals fitted together, are used. However, it is possible to use more seals.

Management Container D (Container D)

[0121] In the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the installation, according to the invention comprises a management container D.

[0122] Storage and distribution container D is an intermodal container like dissolution container A, and therefore, it has the same characteristics.

[0123] Management container D is usually positioned next to it, along one of the long sides, to dissolution container A, i.e., adjacently.

[0124] In one particular mode of the invention, containers A and D communicate so as to form only one large container. In other words, they are devoid of their adjacent sidewall. In this case, management container D comprises the control room (11) described above.

[0125] In the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the adjacent wall of container A has at least one opening communicating with at least one opening placed in the adjacent wall of container D, to allow, by means of the removable part of the bottom of the container B′ and a means of connection (5), the passage of the polymer from container B′ into at least one of container A’s means of supply (1).

[0126] The invention may comprise additional storage containers, which may contain the same equipment as the storage containers described previously, and which may be placed according to the same arrangements according to field requirements.

[0127] In one preferred embodiment according to the invention, the installation consists of one container A and two containers B and C. Container B is then placed in contact with the upper part of container A, and container C is placed in contact with the upper part of container B, as previously described.

[0128] In another preferred embodiment according to the invention, the installation consists of one container A, one container D, or one structure capable of supporting the weight of containers B′ and C′, and containers B, B′, C, and C′. They are then arranged as described previously.

[0129] The storage containers may be supplied with polymer, for example, and in a non-limiting way, manually, i.e., by unloading bags filled with polymer or using a pneumatic system from truck-tank or storage containers.

[0130] In a configuration in which containers B and B′ are positioned adjacently, the containers are either alternately fed with polymer by two distinct systems or by the same system (13) for distributing the multi-channel type powder, thanks to a diverter or any other referral or transfer line selection system.

[0131] In one particular embodiment, storage container(s) (B, B′, C, and C′) may be positioned directly filled with polymer.

[0132] In one embodiment according to the invention, it is containers C and/or C′, which are directly positioned filled with polymer.

[0133] In one particular embodiment, the installation according to the invention may further comprise one, several, or all of the following elements: [0134] at least one additive storage tank, which may be placed in the dissolving container or outside; [0135] at least one additional means for pumping and metering these additives either into the polymer dissolution device or through a pipe from the volumetric metering pump, which may be placed in the dissolution container or outside; [0136] a means for measuring the amount of water-soluble polymer present in the storage container(s); [0137] a means of controlling the filling level in the storage container(s); [0138] an outer casing used to protect the walls of the various containers from excessive overheating; [0139] means for anchoring the dissolution container and/or the management container to the ground that is capable of withstanding the snow and wind conditions in the installation and operating zone of the installation.

[0140] The term “additional additives” denotes all the additives generally used in enhanced oil and/or gas recovery operations. Mention may be made, for example, of crosslinking agents, crosslinking agents with a delayed effect, surfactants, demulsifiers, anti-tartar agents, anti-corrosion agents, bactericides, and oxidants.

[0141] Those skilled in the art will be able to vary the different parameters of the equipment to adapt them to the specific field conditions while maintaining the desired goal. In particular, containers, a means of dissolving water-soluble polymer, or screws of different sizes according to field needs may be used.

[0142] This invention, therefore, makes it possible to facilitate the transport and storage of water-soluble polymer in the field while being flexible enough to meet the needs of industrialists.

[0143] Due to the installation of the invention, it is possible to store large quantities of polymer, up to 160 tons or even more, while greatly limiting the footprint of the installations and ensuring good dissolution of a water-soluble polymer, making it possible to prevent a negative impact from the enhanced oil and/or gas recovery process.

[0144] The installation of the invention is also easily modular and adaptable to all fields, whether on land or at sea, and in general greatly facilitates the transport of equipment necessary for polymer storage, metering, dissolution, and injection.

[0145] The installation according to the invention may be used for all kinds of operations, such as the enhanced recovery of oil and/or gas, hydraulic fracturing, or the treatment of mining residues, or else the treatment of mining residues of bituminous sands, known in particular as mature fine tailings (MFTs).