Sand Detection and Monitoring

Challenge: Managing sandy flowback fluids in a cost-effective and timely manner, sand buildup at the bottom of separators causing inefficient separation processes and low-quality outputs, and sand entering the topside piping due to gravel pack failures, even with sand control measures in place.

Solution: The Rosemount SAM42 monitors flowback solids in crude oil wells and determines when to dispose of rental equipment, saving the operator money. It enables operators to monitor and control the sand accumulations at the bottom of the separator in real- time, ensuring the separation process of hydrocarbon remains efficient and delivers high quality product.                                                                                                                                                                                                         

The Rosemount SAM42 can also monitor the efficiency of the cyclonic desander at the wellhead or monitor for gravel sand and minerals that may escape due to gravel pack failures.

Challenge: During the winter season, the energy demand peaks, requiring high velocity gas retrieval. This causes a greater risk for wear and erosion damage, which could lead to a decrease in gas supply, limiting profitability.

Solution: The Rosemount SAM42 continuously monitors for erosion risk, helping you maximize withdrawal flow rates in cold temperatures. This reduces the risk of process variability during peak periods, thus avoiding penalties for lack of supply and helping to boost revenue. It also helps enhance asset reliability, helping avoid the need for reactive maintenance activities (such as choke erosion) and frequent inspections.

Challenge: Sand erosion is a common issue for the wind turbines located in shallow waters that are cooled by circulating seawater. Sand can be drawn in, causing erosion in cooling pipes and damage to pumps and rotating equipment, which lift water up in the tower, potentially leading to cooling system failure.

Solution: By monitoring the sand flow in the system, the Rosemount SAM42 provides early warnings of erosion risks, helping operators take preventive actions and proactively plan maintenance, which extends the operational window.

Challenge: Abrasive sediments in the circulated water can accelerate turbine wear, often leading to shutdowns and the need for repairs or replacement of expensive equipment.

Solution: The Rosemount SAM42 proactively monitors the concentration of particles in the circulated water, helping to avoid damage and extend the turbines’ lifespans, which helps ensure continuous hydroelectric energy production.

Challenge: Similarly with the Upstream Oil and Gas industry, unwanted sand is drawn in with hot water and steam at high temperatures (100 °C to 400 °C) from the underground geothermal reservoir, which poses a risk for erosion damage.

Solution: The Rosemount SAM42 reliably monitors solids production in high temperature conditions to prevent wear on the turbines and generators and avoid unplanned outages, helping to maintain efficient operations.