Core Plug Zeta Potential Measurement With Immiscible Fluid Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing core testing systems suffer from noise and interference, leading to inaccurate measurements of zeta potential in core plugs, which are crucial for optimizing drilling and completion operations in subterranean formations.
Innovation Solution
A core testing system is designed with upstream and downstream components filled with immiscible fluids, where one fluid is conductive and the other is less conductive, to electrically isolate the core holder and reduce noise, using a configuration that includes reservoirs, traps, and external electrode cells to enhance measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional core testing systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to noise and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (oil-based fluid) between the core holder and the aqueous fluid to electrically isolate the core holder from the testing system components. This intermediary layer blocks electrical interference and noise from reaching the core holder, thereby improving zeta potential measurement accuracy without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system is segmented into distinct functional zones: an aqueous fluid section for core holder immersion, an oil-based fluid section for electrical isolation, and a gas section for pressure control. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function while preventing cross-contamination of electrical signals and fluids, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If electrical isolation components are added, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding complex electrical isolation components such as shields or grounds, the patent uses an oil-based fluid as a simple intermediary substance that naturally provides electrical isolation. This approach improves voltage detection accuracy by blocking electrical interference while adding minimal complexity, as the oil-based fluid simply needs to be introduced into the existing fluid chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the fluid medium by introducing an oil-based fluid with different electrical conductivity properties compared to the aqueous fluid. This parameter change (from conductive aqueous to less conductive oil-based fluid) provides electrical isolation and improves measurement precision without requiring additional active isolation components.
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 approach improves the accuracy of zeta potential measurements, enabling better design of completion operations for enhanced oil recovery by reducing electrical interference and noise, thereby optimizing production from subterranean formations.
Implementation Method 1
The less conductive fluid further electrically isolates the core holder from the rest of the core testing system
Implementation Method 2
The two fluids are immiscible, that is, they do not mix with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for determining a zeta potential of a core plug. The system has a first fluid and a second fluid that is less conductive than and immiscible with the first fluid. A core holder holds the core plug. An upstream reservoir, an upstream trap, and an upstream external electrode cell are fluidly coupled to each other and one end of the core holder. A downstream reservoir, a downstream trap, and a downstream external electrode are fluidly coupled to each other and another end of the core holder. A controller determines the zeta potential of the core plug based on the core plug differential pressure and voltage. Each of the upstream reservoir, the downstream reservoir, the upstream trap, and the downstream trap contain some of the second fluid. The first fluid fills the core holder and separates the second fluid from the core holder.