System for pressure letdown of abrasive slurries

Patent · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:868002

Kasper, Stanley ^[1]

---

1. Pittsburgh, PA

A system and method for releasing erosive slurries from containment at high pressure without subjecting valves to highly erosive slurry flow. The system includes a pressure letdown tank disposed below the high-pressure tank, the two tanks being connected by a valved line communicating the gas phases and a line having a valve and choke for a transfer of liquid into the letdown tank. The letdown tank has a valved gas vent and a valved outlet line for release of liquid. In operation, the gas transfer line is opened to equalize pressure between tanks so that a low level of liquid flow occurs. The letdown tank is then vented, creating a high-pressure differential between the tanks. At this point, flow between tanks is controlled by the choke. High-velocity, erosive flow through a high-pressure outlet valve is prevented by equalizing the start up pressure and thereafter limiting flow with the choke.

• Research Organization: National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA, Morgantown, WV (United States)
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5052426
• OSTI ID: 868002
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

pressure
letdown
abrasive
slurries
method
releasing
erosive
containment
subjecting
valves
highly
slurry
flow
tank
disposed
below
high-pressure
tanks
connected
valved
line
communicating
gas
phases
valve
choke
transfer
liquid
outlet
release
operation
equalize
level
occurs
vented
creating
differential
controlled
high-velocity
prevented
equalizing
start
thereafter
limiting
outlet valve
outlet line
liquid flow
gas phase
pressure differential
slurry flow
pressure letdown
erosive slurry
disposed below
transfer line
gas transfer
abrasive slurries
/137/210/