Device and method for rapidly evaluating dynamic suspension performance of self-suspension proppant

Abstract

The invention discloses a device and a method for rapidly evaluating the dynamic suspension performance of a self-suspension proppant. The device comprises a bracket, a beaker clamp, a beaker, a hand wheel, a connecting rod and a limiting pin. The beaker clamp is connected with the hand wheel through a connecting rod, and the beaker clamp can be rotated by rotating the hand wheel. The connecting rod is provided with two limiting grooves with an included angle of 95 degrees, and limiting pins are inserted into the limiting grooves to fix the hand wheel and the beaker. The method comprises the following steps: weighing the mass m1 of the self-suspending proppant, and weighing the mass m2 of a beaker; preparing a self-suspending proppant suspension, fixing the beaker in a vertical state by using a limiting pin, and pouring the self-suspending proppant suspension into the beaker; taking out the limiting pin, rotating the beaker to be inclined downwards, and inserting the limiting pin for fixing; after all the sand mixing liquid flows out, the beaker and the remaining sand mixing liquid are dried, and the weight m3 is weighed; and calculating the dynamic suspension rate of the self-suspending proppant. The method can be used for rapidly and accurately evaluating the suspension performance of the self-suspension proppant under the dynamic flowing condition, and has important practical construction significance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of petroleum engineering, and in particular to an apparatus and method for rapidly evaluating the dynamic suspension performance of self-suspending proppant. Background Technology

[0002] Hydraulic fracturing technology is widely used to enhance oil and gas production during oil and gas extraction. Hydraulic fracturing involves injecting high-pressure fracturing fluid into the formation to create fractures, which are then filled with proppant to maintain conductivity. Traditional proppant typically needs to be carried into the fracture by the fracturing fluid. However, due to its high density, the proppant settles rapidly in the fracturing fluid, leading to uneven distribution and affecting fracturing efficiency. To address this issue, self-suspended proppants have been developed. Self-suspended proppants maintain a suspended state in the fracturing fluid for a longer period, thereby increasing the proppant's transport distance and distribution uniformity within the fracture, ultimately improving fracturing production.

[0003] However, current methods and devices for evaluating the dynamic suspension performance of self-suspended proppants are relatively lacking or inadequate. Existing evaluation methods are mostly static or semi-static tests, which cannot accurately reflect the dynamic suspension performance of proppants under actual fracturing fluid flow conditions. For example, Chinese patent CN110118708A discloses a method for evaluating the expansion suspension performance of self-suspended proppants. This method evaluates expansion suspension performance by stirring with a graduated cylinder and recording the volume of the sand pile, but it mainly focuses on the stable state after expansion, and is insufficient in evaluating the suspension performance during dynamic flow. Furthermore, while some studies involve the preparation and performance evaluation of self-suspended proppants, they typically focus on the physicochemical properties of the material itself and the static suspension effect, lacking specialized evaluation devices and methods for dynamic suspension performance. Therefore, developing a device and method that can rapidly and accurately evaluate the dynamic suspension performance of self-suspended proppants is of great significance for optimizing the performance of self-suspended proppants and guiding field construction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings in the evaluation of the dynamic suspension performance of self-suspended proppant in existing technologies, this invention provides a device and method for rapidly evaluating the dynamic suspension performance of self-suspended proppant. This invention can more realistically reflect the suspension performance of proppant under actual fracturing fluid flow conditions, providing a scientific basis for the research, screening, and field application of self-suspended proppant.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a device for rapidly evaluating the dynamic suspension performance of self-suspending proppant, which is achieved by the following technical solution.

[0006] A device for rapidly evaluating the dynamic suspension performance of a self-suspending proppant includes a support, an adjusting block slidably connected to the support, a connecting rod rotatably connected inside the adjusting block, two limiting grooves formed on the connecting rod, the included angle between the two limiting grooves being 95°, and a limiting pin inserted into the limiting groove to fix the relative position of the adjusting block and the connecting rod; one end of the connecting rod is connected to a handwheel, and the other end is connected to a beaker clamp.

[0007] Furthermore, the bracket includes a base and a vertical pole, with an adjusting block slidably mounted on the vertical pole.

[0008] Furthermore, the beaker is movably connected within the beaker clamp.

[0009] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for rapidly evaluating the dynamic suspension performance of self-suspending proppant, which is achieved by the following technical solution.

[0010] A method for rapidly evaluating the dynamic suspension performance of self-suspending proppant, using the above-mentioned apparatus, includes the following steps: S1. Weigh a certain mass of self-suspending proppant, and record the mass as m1. Weigh the beaker and record the mass as m2. S2. Clamp the beaker on the beaker clamp and insert the limiting pin into one of the limiting slots so that the opening of the beaker is vertically upward; S3. Prepare a self-suspension proppant suspension by pouring the self-suspension proppant suspension into a beaker; S4. Remove the limiting pin, turn the handwheel to turn the beaker from a vertical position to a tilted downward position, and then insert the limiting pin into another limiting groove to fix the angle of the beaker; S5. Let the mixing liquid flow out of the beaker until no more mixing liquid flows out; S6. Dry the beaker and the remaining sand-mixing liquid to constant weight, then weigh them and record the mass as m3; S7. Calculate the dynamic suspension rate of the self-suspending proppant. The calculation formula is: Dynamic suspension rate .

[0011] Furthermore, in step S6, the drying temperature is 105±5℃. Every 2 hours, the beaker is taken out and placed in a desiccator to cool to room temperature and then weighed. When the mass change rate of two consecutive weighings is ≤0.1%, the weight at this time is recorded as m3.

[0012] This application has the following beneficial effects.

[0013] 1. Realistically reflects dynamic suspension performance: By simulating the dynamic process of fracturing fluid flowing in the fracture, this invention can more realistically and accurately evaluate the suspension performance of self-suspended proppant under actual flow conditions, overcoming the limitations of existing static or semi-static testing methods.

[0014] 2. Fast and efficient: The device of this invention is simple to operate, the experimental steps are clear, and it can achieve rapid testing, which greatly shortens the evaluation cycle and improves experimental efficiency.

[0015] 3. Simple operation and good repeatability: The device of this invention has a reasonable structural design. The cooperation between the handwheel and the limiting pin makes the angle control precise, and the operation is simple and easy to master. The design of the limiting groove ensures the repeatability of experimental conditions and improves the reliability of experimental results.

[0016] 4. Data Quantification and Intuition: This invention can intuitively reflect the performance of self-suspending proppants by quantitatively calculating the dynamic suspension rate, which facilitates the comparison and screening of different proppants.

[0017] 5. Guiding Practical Construction: The evaluation method and apparatus provided by this invention can offer scientific evaluation standards for the development of self-suspended proppants, helping to optimize proppant formulations. Simultaneously, by evaluating the dynamic suspension performance of different self-suspended proppants, it can guide on-site construction personnel to select the most suitable proppant for specific formation conditions and fracturing fluid systems, thereby improving the success rate of fracturing operations and oil and gas production enhancement effects, while reducing construction risks and costs. For example, in actual construction, based on the evaluation results of this method, proppants with higher dynamic suspension rates can be selected to ensure that the proppant can be delivered more evenly to the depths of the fracture, effectively supporting the fracture, improving conductivity, and ultimately achieving better oil and gas recovery.

[0018] 6. Wide range of applications: This invention is not only applicable to the evaluation of self-suspending proppant, but its principle and device structure can also provide a reference for the evaluation of the dynamic suspension performance of other particles in fluids, and has strong universality.

[0019] In summary, this invention provides an innovative device and method for evaluating the dynamic suspension performance of self-suspended proppant, which has significant theoretical and practical value, and in particular, plays a positive role in promoting the development of fracturing and production enhancement technology in the field of petroleum engineering. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the invention's structure; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting rod of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting pin structure of the present invention.

[0021] The components are: 1. support; 2. beaker clamp; 3. beaker; 4. connecting rod; 41. limit groove one; 42. limit groove two; 5. handwheel; 6. limit pin; 7. adjusting block. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present patent application will be further described below with reference to the embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, the materials used in the preparation process in the following embodiments have not undergone further processing and have been commercially available.

[0023] like Figure 1-3 As shown, a device for rapidly evaluating the dynamic suspension performance of a self-suspending proppant mainly includes a support 1, a beaker clamp 2, a beaker 3, a connecting rod 4, a handwheel 5, a limit pin 6, and an adjusting block 7.

[0024] Support 1 serves as the foundation for the entire apparatus, providing a stable experimental environment. Support 1 includes a base and a vertical pole. The base is wide and stable, and the vertical pole is fixed to the base vertically to ensure that the apparatus will not shake during the experiment.

[0025] Beaker clamp 2 is used to securely hold beaker 3. Beaker clamp 2 is a 0120 type beaker clamp from Wuhan Dingsheng Zhongtian Experimental Instrument Co., Ltd., which can adapt to beakers of different sizes and shapes, ensuring that the beaker will not fall off during rotation.

[0026] The beaker clamp 2 is fixed to one end of the connecting rod 4; the handwheel 5 is the core component used by the operator to rotate the beaker 3, and the handwheel 5 is fixed to the other end of the connecting rod 4.

[0027] The connecting rod 4 is a key component connecting the beaker clamp 2 and the handwheel 5. The connecting rod 4 is horizontally positioned, with one end connected to the beaker clamp 2 and the other end connected to the handwheel 5. The connecting rod 4 is fixed to the upright of the support 1 via an adjusting block 7. The adjusting block 7 is a square sleeve-type clamp with a round hole inside that matches the upright of the support 1, allowing it to fit onto the upright. The adjusting block 7 can be fixed at any height on the upright by tightening screws. The adjusting block 7 also has a horizontal through hole through which the connecting rod 4 passes. Above this horizontal through hole is a square slot for inserting a limiting pin 6. This clamp allows the connecting rod 4 to rotate freely around its axis and also allows adjustment of its height on the upright, thus adapting to different experimental height requirements. The design of the connecting rod 4 ensures that the rotation of the handwheel 5 is transmitted synchronously and precisely to the beaker clamp 2 and the beaker 3, achieving the overall rotation of the beaker 3.

[0028] Two limiting slots, namely limiting slot one 41 and limiting slot two 42, are provided on the connecting rod 4. Limiting slot one 41 corresponds to the beaker 3 being in a vertical (0°) state, that is, the beaker opening is facing upward and perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Limiting slot two 42 corresponds to the beaker 3 being in a slightly downward (95°) state, that is, the beaker opening is tilted downward at 5° so that the mixing liquid can flow out smoothly. The positions of these two limiting slots are precisely designed and calibrated to ensure the accuracy of the start and end angles of the experiment. The limiting pin 6 is a pin structure used to insert into the limiting slot on the connecting rod 4. When the limiting pin 6 is inserted into the corresponding limiting slot, the handwheel 5 and the beaker 3 are firmly fixed at that angle, preventing them from rotating accidentally during the experiment, thereby ensuring the stability of the experiment and the reliability of the results. The entire device has a compact structure, is easy to operate, easy to assemble and disassemble, and easy to clean and maintain.

[0029] This invention also provides a method for rapidly evaluating the dynamic suspension performance of self-suspending proppant, the specific steps of which are as follows: Step 1: Weighing Preparation First, prepare the self-suspended proppant sample to be evaluated. Using a high-precision electronic balance, accurately weigh a certain mass of the self-suspended proppant, denoted as m1. Typically, m1 ranges from 5 grams to 50 grams, adjusted according to experimental requirements and the proppant's density. Next, weigh a clean, dry beaker 3, denoted as m2. Beaker 3 should be a glass or plastic beaker with a certain capacity (e.g., 250 ml or 500 ml) and an easily pourable spout.

[0030] Step 2: Fixing the device in its initial state Securely clamp beaker 3 to connecting rod 4 of the device using beaker clamp 2. Ensure that the center of gravity of beaker 3 is located on the rotation axis of connecting rod 4 to guarantee the smoothness of the rotation process. At this time, insert limiting pin 6 into limiting groove 41 on connecting rod 4 to fix handwheel 5 and beaker 3 in a vertical state, that is, the mouth of beaker is facing upward and perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

[0031] Step 3: Suspension Preparation Based on the experimental objectives and simulated field conditions, prepare an appropriate amount of self-suspended proppant suspension. The suspension is typically prepared by adding the weighed self-suspended proppant m1 to a certain amount of fracturing fluid (or simulated fracturing fluid) and thoroughly stirring to ensure uniform dispersion. The fracturing fluid can be water, guar gum fracturing fluid, slickwater fracturing fluid, or other types of fracturing fluid. The mass ratio or volume ratio of proppant to liquid can be adjusted according to the actual sand-to-fluid ratio in fracturing operations; for example, it can be prepared as 1:10, 1:20, etc. Carefully pour the prepared self-suspended proppant suspension into the weighed beaker 3.

[0032] Step 4: Dynamic Simulation and Outflow After confirming that beaker 3 is stably fixed in a vertical (0°) position, gently remove the limiting pin 6. Then, using handwheel 5, rotate beaker 3 from the vertical (0°) position to a horizontally downward (95°) position at a preset rotation speed (e.g., uniform rotation, or rotation completed within a specific time). The 95° angle is key to simulating the dynamic outflow process in this invention. When beaker 3 rotates to 95°, immediately insert the limiting pin 6 into the limiting groove 42 on connecting rod 4 to fix handwheel 5 and beaker 3 at this angle. At this time, due to the downward tilt of the beaker opening, the mixing liquid will begin to flow out of the beaker. Allow the mixing liquid to continue flowing out until no more mixing liquid is visually observed flowing out of the beaker.

[0033] Step 5: Drying and Weighing After the mixed sand solution has completely drained, carefully remove beaker 3 from beaker clamp 2. At this point, some support and a small amount of liquid may still remain in beaker 3. Place beaker 3 and the remaining mixed sand solution into an oven for drying. The purpose of drying is to remove all moisture, leaving only solid support. The drying temperature is usually set at 105±5℃, and the drying time depends on the sample volume and oven performance, generally ranging from 4 to 24 hours, until constant weight is achieved. After drying, remove beaker 3 and the remaining support, cool to room temperature, and then weigh again using a high-precision electronic balance, recording the weight as m3.

[0034] Step Six: Dynamic Suspension Rate Calculation Based on the quality data obtained in steps one and five, the dynamic suspension rate of the self-suspending proppant is calculated using the following formula: Dynamic suspension rate .

[0035] Where m1 is the initial mass of the self-suspending proppant, m2 is the mass of the beaker, and m3 is the total mass of the dried beaker and the remaining sand-mixing liquid.

[0036] The calculated dynamic suspension rate is a percentage value. A higher dynamic suspension rate indicates better suspension performance of the self-suspended proppant under dynamic flow conditions. That is, during the simulated outflow process, more proppant flows out with the liquid and less remains in the beaker, thus more effectively simulating the proppant's ability to be transported with the fracturing fluid.

[0037] The aforementioned apparatus and method can be used to obtain the dynamic suspension rates of different self-suspending proppants. For example, the dynamic suspension performance of self-suspending proppants with different formulations, particle sizes, or surface treatments can be compared. Propants with high dynamic suspension rates indicate better transport capacity and more uniform distribution characteristics during fracturing fluid flow, which directly improves the efficiency and effectiveness of fracturing operations.

[0038] This invention not only provides a scientific and quantitative evaluation tool for the research and screening of self-suspended proppants, but more importantly, it guides field operators to select the most suitable self-suspended proppant based on formation conditions and the characteristics of the fracturing fluid system. For example, in complex fracture systems requiring long-distance proppant delivery, proppants with high dynamic suspension rates should be prioritized to ensure that the proppant can effectively reach the depths of the fracture and form effective support, thereby maximizing oil and gas production. This has significant practical implications and economic benefits for reducing fracturing costs and increasing single-well production.

[0039] The embodiments described herein are preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for rapidly evaluating the dynamic suspension performance of a self-suspending proppant, comprising a support (1), characterized in that: The bracket (1) is slidably connected to the adjusting block (7), and the adjusting block (7) is rotatably connected to the connecting rod (4). Two limiting grooves are formed on the connecting rod (4), and the included angle between the two limiting grooves is 95°. The limiting pin (6) is inserted into the limiting groove to fix the relative position of the adjusting block (7) and the connecting rod (4). One end of the connecting rod (4) is connected to the handwheel (5), and the other end is connected to the beaker clamp (2).

2. The device for rapidly evaluating the dynamic suspension performance of a self-suspending proppant according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket (1) includes a base and a vertical pole, and the adjusting block (7) is slidably mounted on the vertical pole.

3. The device for rapidly evaluating the dynamic suspension performance of a self-suspending proppant according to claim 1, characterized in that: The beaker is movably connected inside the beaker clamp (2).

4. A method for rapidly evaluating the dynamic suspension performance of self-suspending proppant, characterized in that: Using the apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, the method includes the following steps: S1. Weigh a certain mass of self-suspending proppant, and record the mass as m1. Weigh the beaker and record the mass as m2. S2. Clamp the beaker (3) on the beaker clamp (2) and insert the limiting pin (6) into one of the limiting slots so that the opening of the beaker (3) is vertically upward; S3. Prepare a self-suspension proppant suspension and pour the self-suspension proppant suspension into a beaker (3); S4. Take out the limiting pin (6), turn the handwheel (5) to make the beaker (3) change from the vertical state to the inclined downward state, and then insert the limiting pin (1) into another limiting groove to fix the angle of the beaker (3); S5. Let the mixing liquid flow out of beaker (3) until no more mixing liquid flows out; S6. Dry the beaker (3) and the remaining sand-mixing liquid to constant weight, then weigh them and record the mass as m3; S7. Calculate the dynamic suspension rate of the self-suspending proppant. The calculation formula is: Dynamic suspension rate .

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, In step S6, the drying temperature is 105±5℃. Every 2 hours, the beaker (3) is taken out and placed in the desiccator to cool to room temperature and then weighed. When the mass change rate of two consecutive weighings is ≤0.1%, the weight at this time is recorded as m3.

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