Colorimetric Amine Detection in Wellbore Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inability to accurately detect the real-time concentration of amine-based additives in wellbore servicing fluids leads to economic losses and operational inefficiencies due to issues like viscosity build-up, corrosion, and wellbore instability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the reaction of amine-based additives with an amine detector compound, resulting in highly conjugated molecules that absorb light in the UV-VIS range, allowing for the determination of additive concentration through absorption intensity analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional detection methods are used for amine-based additives, then the detection process is simple, but the measurement precision and real-time capability are insufficient leading to economic losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an amine detector compound as an intermediary substance that reacts with amine-based additives to form a detection solution with measurable absorbance properties. This intermediary enables precise quantitative detection of amine concentrations without requiring complex instrumentation, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or physical detection methods with a chemical reaction-based optical detection system. By using the amine detector compound to form colored complexes with amines that absorb light in the UV-VIS range, the system achieves high measurement precision through absorbance intensity analysis rather than complex mechanical measurement devices
2Productivity
If real-time detection is implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The amine detector compound serves as a chemical intermediary that enables real-time monitoring through simple absorbance measurements. This approach allows continuous or frequent detection of amine concentrations in wellbore servicing fluids without requiring complex real-time monitoring systems, thus improving productivity while keeping device complexity low
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where absorbance intensity measurements of the detection solution provide real-time information about amine-based additive concentrations. This feedback enables operators to monitor and adjust additive levels continuously, improving operational efficiency and productivity without complex control systems
3Measurement precision
If quantitative detection methods are used, then measurement precision improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color changes in the detection solution as amine detector compound reacts with amine-based additives to form colored complexes with characteristic absorbance peaks. This colorimetric approach simplifies quantitative detection by allowing concentration measurements through absorbance intensity analysis at specific wavelengths, improving measurement precision while reducing detection difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the detection system by introducing the amine detector compound and optimizing its concentration in the detection solution. By adjusting parameters such as the amount of amine detector compound (e.g., 0.01-10 grams per liter of wellbore servicing fluid) and measuring absorbance at specific wavelengths, the system achieves accurate quantitative detection with simplified methodology
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 real-time, quantitative detection of amine-based additives, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing economic losses by maintaining optimal additive levels in wellbore fluids.
Implementation Method 1
reacting the additives with an amine detector compound to form a detection solution... wherein the detection solution is characterized by at least one absorption peak wavelength in the range of from about 380 nanometers (nm) to about 760 nm... detecting an absorption intensity for the detection solution at a wavelength within about ±20% of the at least one absorption peak wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting an amine-based additive in a wellbore servicing fluid (WSF) comprising contacting an aliquot of WSF with an amine detector compound and an aqueous salt solution to form a detection solution; wherein the aqueous salt solution comprises an inorganic salt and organic carboxylate salt; wherein the WSF comprises the amine-based additive; and wherein the detection solution is characterized by at least one absorption peak wavelength in the range of 380-760 nm; detecting an absorption intensity for detection solution at a wavelength within about ±20% of the at least one absorption peak wavelength; comparing the absorption intensity of detection solution at the wavelength within about ±20% of the at least one absorption peak wavelength with a target absorption intensity of amine-based additive to determine the amount of amine-based additive in WSF; and comparing the amount of amine-based additive in WSF with a target amount of amine-based additive.