DUAL STAGE FLOW BACK RECOVERY SYSTEM
A flow back recovery system for wells includes a plurality of pressure vessels with baffles and outlets for separating the various components of the flow back fluid. A diffuser is positioned between the well head and the first pressure vessel. The diffuser includes an interior diffuser pipe having a plurality of baffles and outlets. The diffuser pipe may be easily replaced in the field should it wear out due to the abrasive nature of the flow back fluid.
1 . A dual stage flow back recovery system comprising:
a first pressure vessel having a diffuser at a fluid inlet;
a first baffle extending from a lower wall of the pressure vessel;
one or more dump valves in the lower wall of the pressure vessel for removing solid material from the pressure vessel;
a second pressure vessel having a second baffle extending from a lower wall of the second pressure vessel, the baffle serving to separate a water chamber from an oil chamber;
a conduit extending between the first and second pressure vessels at a lower portion thereof for conveying liquids from the first pressure vessel to the second pressure vessel;
a second conduit for gas extending between the first and second pressure vessels at an upper portion thereof for conveying gas from the first pressure vessel to the second pressure vessel;
a gas outlet conduit in the upper portion of the second pressure vessel for directing gas either to a sales gas line or a flare gas line;
one or more dump valves in the bottom of the second pressure vessel for discharging solid material from the second pressure vessel;
one or more mechanical dump valves in the bottom of the water chamber for dumping liquid water to a frac tank;
a mechanical dump valve in the oil chamber for directing oil to a remote location; and
a closed top tank for storing liquid separated out in the second pressure vessel.
2 . The system of claim 1 wherein the components of the system are mounted on a trailer and are pre-assembled and tested for compliance with regulatory requirements.
3 . The system of claim 1 wherein the closed top tank includes a vent and a flapper valve.
4 . The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second pressure vessels and the closed top tank include pressure relief valves.
5 . The system of claim 1 wherein the first pressure vessel includes an inclined baffle positioned to intercept the fluid as it flows into the pressure vessel from the diffuser.
6 . The system of claim 5 further including one or more apertured baffle plates extending from a top portion of the first pressure vessel.
7 . A diffuser for a flow back recovery system comprising:
a housing having a fluid outlet at one end and a closed second end with an opening for a diffuser pipe;
a diffuser pipe positioned within the housing and including a plurality of inwardly extending baffles; and
a plurality of outlets in the diffuser pipe;
8 . The diffuser as claimed in claim 7 wherein the baffles are portions of the diffuser pipe formed by cutting through the pipe and bending the portions into the pipe.
9 . The diffuser as claimed in claim 8 wherein the outlets are formed by bending the baffles inwardly.
10 . The diffuser as claimed in claim 7 further including a sleeve positioned within the housing and in contact therewith.
11 . The diffuser as claimed in claim 7 wherein the housing and the sleeve are cylindrical in shape.
12 . The diffuser as claimed in claim 7 wherein the diffuser pipe is cylindrical in shape.