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Abstract

Devices and methods for removing debris solids from a hydrocarbon production stream A debris catcher device is associated with a production stream at the wellhead. Three debris catcher designs are described. In each, the debris catcher includes a housing that defines a first, generally cylindrical gallery having an enlarged diameter and a second, generally cylindrical gallery having a smaller diameter. The two galleries are disposed adjacent to one another. A fluid inlet and solids outlet adjoin the outer radial perimeter of the enlarged diameter gallery while a fluid outlet departs axially with respect to the enlarged diameter gallery. A lateral bore is disposed through the housing of the debris catcher in a coaxial orientation to the two galleries. In operation of each of the embodiments of the debris catchers, fluid carrying sand or other solids enters the large diameter gallery through the fluid inlet and circulates within the enlarged diameter gallery where its flow velocity is reduced. Particles are separated by gravity and fall into the solids outlet. The placement of the fluid inlet and solids outlet bore provide mechanical assistance to removal of the larger particles. Movement of the fluid within the second gallery chamber is speeded up, thereby causing removal of additional solids, primarily smaller sands. Due to differential pressure, production fluid is transmitted radially inwardly through a perforated flow cage filter and then flows through a flow enhancer that streamlines flow and dissipates pressure energy associated with the fluid flow.

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