Aging Test Cell With Inverted Sampling Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aging tests for subterranean formation operations are limited by manual intervention, which introduces experimental errors and fails to accurately measure density and viscosity variations due to particulate settling ('sag') in treatment fluids, especially at high temperatures and pressures, and lack assessment of fluid flow behavior.
Innovation Solution
A test cell apparatus with an inverted design and fluid sampling port at the bottom, capable of simulating subterranean conditions by allowing elevated temperature and pressure exposure, enabling accurate density and viscosity measurements of treatment fluids over time, and assessing suspension capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual aging tests are used to determine sag property of drilling fluid, then density measurement can be obtained from a particular area, but experimental error is introduced due to agitation of weighting agents and the measurement is limited to a particular area only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling with an automated fluid sampling system that uses a syringe mechanism to withdraw fluid samples without agitating the weighting agents. The automated system maintains fluid quiescence during sampling, eliminating the agitation problem inherent in manual sampling methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid sampling port as an intermediary interface between the aging test cell and the sampling system. This port allows for the extraction of fluid samples without direct manual intervention into the test cell, thereby preventing agitation of the weighting agents while still enabling density measurements.
2Measurement precision
If manual aging tests are performed, then density measurement is possible, but the testing process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-contained aging test cell that automatically maintains elevated temperature and pressure conditions without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system performs multiple sequential measurements automatically, with the fluid sampling port enabling repeated sampling without disrupting the aging conditions or requiring manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures the aging test cell with all necessary components including the fluid sampling port, temperature control system, and pressure control system before initiating the aging test. This preliminary setup allows the test to proceed through multiple measurement cycles without interruption, significantly reducing the overall testing time.
3Device complexity
If structural limitations of existing aging tests are maintained, then the apparatus can be simple, but experimental observation at high temperatures and pressures is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the aging test system into distinct functional modules: a temperature control system, a pressure control system, and a fluid sampling system. Each module can be independently configured and maintained, allowing the system to achieve high temperature and pressure capabilities without requiring complete redesign of the entire apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the aging test cell with a universal fluid sampling port that can be used under various temperature and pressure conditions. The same basic cell structure and sampling mechanism function across different aging conditions, providing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 precise characterization of treatment fluid behavior, optimizing their design for improved suspension and flow properties, reducing errors and time-consuming manual testing, and ensuring effective performance in subterranean operations.
Implementation Method 1
a floating piston for separating the treatment fluid from a pressurization fluid
Implementation Method 2
exposing the oilfield treatment fluid in the test cell body to a condition selected from the group consisting of elevated pressure, elevated temperature, and any combination thereof
Implementation Method 3
exposing the oilfield treatment fluid in the test cell body to a condition selected from the group consisting of elevated pressure, elevated temperature, and any combination thereof
Implementation Method 4
a sampling port extending from the open end and having a sample valve for receiving samples of the treatment fluid from the sampling port
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments herein relate generally to subterranean formation operations and, more particularly, to enhancing aging testing to characterize settling of particulates in treatment fluids for use in subterranean formation operations. The embodiments use a test cell apparatus comprising a test cell body having an open end for receiving a treatment fluid into an interior of the test cell body, the interior having a floating piston for separating the treatment fluid from a pressurization fluid; a sampling port extending from the open end and having a sample valve for receiving samples of the treatment fluid from the sampling port; a pressure input for pressurizing the interior; and a sealing assembly adapted to be inserted into the test cell body in contact with the interior to fluidly seal the open end and through which the sampling port extends, the sealing assembly comprising a retainable test cell cap.