Chemical Dispenser Level Sensor Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chemical treatment systems for hydrocarbon producing wells face inaccuracies in dispensing small volumes of chemicals at high flow rates and lack remote monitoring for chemical levels in storage tanks, leading to inefficient chemical use and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore chemical treating system with a storage vessel, a chemical dispenser, and a liquid level sensor that adjusts the dispenser's operation based on measured chemical levels, allowing for precise control and remote monitoring of chemical quantities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a valve or pump is operated for a selected period of time to dispense chemical, then the chemical treatment cycle is controlled, but the accuracy of dispensing small total volumes at relatively high flow rates is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a liquid level sensor that continuously monitors the chemical level in the storage tank and provides feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the pump operation based on this feedback, modifying the pump run cycle to maintain accurate dispensing of small volumes while operating at high flow rates. This closed-loop control ensures precision despite the high-speed dispensing requirements.
2Loss of information
If a visual indicator such as a sight glass is used to indicate the amount of chemical in the storage tank, then the chemical level can be observed, but it requires human operator intervention and does not provide remote monitoring capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual indicator system (sight glass) with an electronic liquid level sensor and controller system. The sensor automatically detects the chemical level and transmits this information to the controller, which can then provide remote monitoring capabilities through displays or communication interfaces, eliminating the need for human operators to physically observe the sight glass.
3Manufacturing precision
If the valve or pump operates without precise control, then the system is simple to operate, but the amount of chemical dispensed may be insufficient or excessive for a particular well
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives continuous feedback from the liquid level sensor about the chemical level in the storage tank and automatically adjusts the pump operation parameters. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of chemical dispensing accuracy without requiring complex manual intervention, as the system self-regulates based on real-time level information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of pump run cycles based on liquid level feedback, eliminating the need for constant human monitoring and manual control adjustments. The controller automatically modifies dispensing parameters to maintain precision, allowing the system to service itself and achieve accurate chemical delivery without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore chemical treating system include a storage vessel for containing a treating chemical. A chemical dispenser is in fluid communication between an outlet of the vessel and a well for selectively controlling the flow of the chemical from the vessel to the well. A liquid level sensor is disposed in the storage vessel. A controller is in signal communication with the liquid level sensor and is configured to operate the chemical dispenser. The controller is configured to adjust an operating time of the chemical dispenser based on changes in a liquid level measured by the liquid level sensor over a selected period of time.