Automatic Valve for Mixing Fracturing Gel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing fracturing gels in well fracturing operations lack consistency in hydrating dry gel particulate due to variations in fluid flow conditions, requiring manual adjustments and specific pump rates.
Innovation Solution
An automatic valve system is implemented in the dry gel mixing chamber to maintain a specified flow condition of hydrating fluid, regardless of varying supply values, ensuring consistent hydration of the gel by adjusting the flow area based on upstream and downstream conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustments and specific pump rates are used to control fluid flow, then the flow condition can be adjusted, but the process requires manual intervention and is inconsistent due to variations in fluid flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an automatic valve that self-regulates fluid flow based on upstream and downstream conditions without requiring manual intervention. The valve automatically maintains specified flow conditions by sensing pressure differentials and adjusting the flow area accordingly, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for operator adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic valve incorporates a feedback mechanism where the valve position is continuously adjusted based on the differential pressure between upstream and downstream sides. This closed-loop control ensures that the flow condition remains consistent despite variations in supply pressure or demand conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pump rates are varied to meet different supply conditions, then the system can adapt to varying demands, but the gel hydration consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic valve changes the flow area parameter dynamically to maintain constant flow conditions. By adjusting the valve opening based on upstream and downstream pressure conditions, the system adapts to varying supply demands while keeping the actual flow rate through the mixer constant, ensuring consistent gel hydration.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system is designed to be dynamic, automatically adjusting its flow area in response to changing upstream and downstream conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to varying supply conditions while maintaining stable hydration of the gel particulate.
3Reliability
If automatic flow control is implemented, then manual adjustments are eliminated and consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic valve utilizes pneumatic or hydraulic principles to achieve automatic flow control. The valve operates based on pressure differentials across the valve, using the fluid pressure itself to control the valve position without requiring external actuators or complex electronic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic valve acts as an intermediary device between the fluid supply and the gel mixer. It mediates the flow by automatically adjusting to pressure changes, simplifying the overall system control while maintaining flow consistency without requiring complex external control mechanisms.
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
This solution ensures consistent gel hydration without the need for manual adjustments, maintaining a stable flow condition and improving the efficiency of the fracturing gel production process, allowing for reliable fracture stimulation treatments.
Implementation Method 1
the automatic valve adjusts a flow area of the hydrating fluid based on upstream and downstream conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A system for mixing fracturing gel includes a dry gel mixing chamber having a bladed impeller carried to rotate in the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber has a dry gel inlet and hydrating fluid inlet. A valve is fluidically coupled to the hydrating fluid inlet to automatically maintain a specified flow condition of hydrating fluid into the mixing chamber over multiple different values of the flow condition to the hydrating fluid inlet.