Acoustic Proppant Concentration Sensing for Abrasive Fracturing Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for non-radioactive systems to accurately measure proppant concentration in hydraulic fracturing fluids, as radioactive densitometers face regulatory challenges and Coriolis mass flowmeters are prone to erosion in abrasive environments.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing hydrophones and high-frequency pressure sensors to measure hydrodynamic noise spectra, combined with machine learning or deep learning models, to infer proppant concentration in fracturing fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radioactive densitometers are used to measure proppant concentration, then measurement accuracy is improved, but regulatory compliance and safety issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radioactive measurement system with an acoustic measurement system using hydrophones and machine learning. Instead of using gamma rays to measure density, the system uses acoustic signals generated by proppant particles colliding with each other and the fluid, transforming the measurement mechanism from nuclear physics to acoustics and signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure proppant concentration. Rather than directly measuring density with radioactive isotopes, the system detects acoustic emissions from particle-fluid interactions, using sound waves as a mediator to obtain concentration information without direct radioactive exposure.
2Measurement precision
If Coriolis mass flowmeters are used to measure proppant concentration, then measurement capability is improved, but device durability worsens due to erosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical Coriolis flowmeter with a non-contact acoustic sensing system. Instead of using physical moving parts that直接接触 the abrasive slurry, the system uses hydrophones to detect acoustic signals from the flowing mixture, eliminating mechanical wear and erosion problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic waves as an intermediary to measure proppant concentration without direct physical contact between the measurement device and the abrasive slurry. The hydrophones detect sound generated by particle-fluid interactions, allowing measurement while isolating the sensing equipment from erosive conditions.
3Measurement precision
If machine learning models are used to analyze hydrodynamic noise spectra, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces machine learning models as an intermediary layer between acoustic signal acquisition and proppant concentration determination. The ML models process complex hydrodynamic noise spectra and extract concentration information that would be difficult to obtain through traditional signal processing methods alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from direct physical measurement to statistical pattern recognition. Instead of measuring a single physical parameter directly, the system collects multiple acoustic parameters and uses machine learning to infer concentration, leveraging parameter transformations and pattern recognition.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate, real-time adjustment of proppant concentration during hydraulic fracturing treatments, facilitating the creation of homogeneous or heterogeneous proppant packs and improving conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a hydrodynamic noise spectrum generated by the fracturing fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Monitoring and real-time adjustments of proppant concentrations during a hydraulic fracturing treatment may be advantageous, particularly when the goal is to create a heterogeneous proppant pack in the fracture. The proppant concentration may be measured by analyzing noise spectra as the fracturing fluid passes through a tubular body at the surface or downhole in the subterranean well.