STWA joins with Haven Tech Solutions for next-gen pipeline flow management technology
Save The World Air (STWA), a developer of integrated viscosity reduction and joule heat solutions for the energy industry, has entered into a joint development agreement with Haven Technology Solutions, a research firm specialising in flow regime management technologies for the global energy industry.
Testing to be conducted at the Haven flow-loop research facility in Magnolia, Texas, will incorporate Haven's patented Flow Regime Management systems (FRMs) as an advanced separation solution in conjunction with STWA's AOT Viscosity Reduction System and STWA Joule Heat pipeline flow assurance equipment.
The project is aiming to yield a hybrid system optimised to separate commingled fluids under full flow and multiphase conditions, a capability with widespread commercial applications due to historic levels of upstream condensate production and an industry first. Lighter than crude but heavier than liquid natural gas, condensates or ultra-light oils are one of the industry's fastest growing segments as a result of enhanced oil and gas recovery techniques used to extract previously unrecoverable resources from shale formations.
Haven's flagship technology, FRM two-phase full flow systems for the separation of gas and liquids, is currently in use in the maritime market providing a solution for gas void fraction elimination. According to Haven Technology Solutions officials, in partnering with STWA, the Magnolia, Texas-based company intends to pursue commercial applications of its multiphase separation and metering solutions in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry.
The companies aim to deliver benefits to operators including higher production rates, reduced footprint at the well site and a decreased impact on the environment.
Haven's Flow Regime Management system is the industry's first full flow multiphase separation method specifically engineered to split commingled fluid phases into individual oil and water streams without disruption or delay in the flow of feedstock.
STWA is the developer of two types of patent-protected industrial equipment designed to deliver measurable performance improvements to crude pipeline infrastructures:
• STWA Joule Heat is a compact and highly efficient non-resistive core heating solution for pipelines designed to deliver optimal heat conductivity and performance with less power and in a smaller form factor than other less energy efficient systems in use.
• AOT Viscosity Reduction System lowers the viscosity of crude oil for less drag resistance, speeding the flow of oil and achieving greater operational efficiencies. Designed for cost-effective delivery of greater volumes of oil while reducing energy consumption at pumping stations and lowering CO2 emissions once deployed on pipeline pumping stations.
