Developing Special Turbine for Rational Utilization of Reservoir Energy of Hydrocarbon Deposits

Abstract

Background/Objectives: In the process of oil and gas production a considerable part of reservoir energy is lost. This problem can be solved by applying special turbines that operate with reservoir energy. Methods: The calculations and testing of the micromodels showed that the turbine vane can be designed as a permeable mesh. The uniqueness of the considered energy recovery method is represented by the application of a special turbine where the main flow of gas and liquids can move through the vane directly. The analytical and experimental methods of the investigations aim to study the process of gas and liquid movement through the permeable obstacle and thus reveal new opportunities for creating efficient and low-noise machines. Findings: Based on the results of the undertaken design activities an experimental prototype of the new hydraulic machine has been developed that is supposed to utilize the reservoir energy generated in the course of gas and oil extraction. The novelty of the developed technical solutions has been certified by the patents. Bench tests of the developed hydraulic machine equipped with a special turbine made it possible to confirm the new principles of the turbine operation control. It has been demonstrated that the force effects of the flow of gas (or liquid) on the permeable obstacle and on the turbine rotor can be controlled applying the operational principles of vortex diodes and vortex amplifier. The results of the investigations show that if the rotation of the permeable wall is taken into account it becomes possible to develop a new class of the unique hydraulic machines, including low-noise turbines, pumps and compressors. The results of the undertaken scientific and design studies are supposed to be used for developing efficient separation equipment and power generation turbines. Applications/Improvements: The developed equipment is supposed to be applied for oil and gas extraction in the offshore fields and also for other purposes due to their low weight and compact dimensions.