Diffuser Baffles for Accurate Solids Measurement in Oil Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring solids production from oil and gas wells are inaccurate due to the high velocity and pressure of solids-bearing water, making it difficult to measure the amount of solids produced effectively.
Innovation Solution
A diffuser and solids collection system with baffle sections to reduce fluid velocity and a weighing system to accurately measure the collected solids, comprising a vertical baffle section with internal baffles, a horizontal baffle section, and a solids collection container supported by a scale.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solids-bearing water is discharged under pressure at high velocity, then the solids can be efficiently transported from the wellhead, but accurate measurement of the solids becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the high-velocity solids-bearing water flow into multiple smaller streams using a diffuser with multiple outlets. This segmentation reduces the velocity and energy of each individual stream, allowing solids to be deposited accurately on the weighing scale without the measurement being compromised by high-velocity impact or dispersal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary weighing scale positioned between the diffuser and the solids collection point. This intermediary device captures the solids after velocity reduction but before final collection, enabling accurate measurement by isolating the measurement process from the high-velocity transport conditions.
2Measurement precision
If a weighing system is introduced to measure solids accurately, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The diffuser structure serves both as a velocity reduction device and as a distribution system that directs flows to specific collection points. The weighing scale is integrated with the collection container, eliminating the need for separate measurement and collection devices. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser structure performs multiple functions: it reduces water velocity, distributes flow to multiple outlets, and directs solids to appropriate collection points. The weighing system serves dual purposes by both measuring solids and providing a collection surface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device 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 accurate measurement of solids produced from petroleum wells under pressure, improving the precision and efficiency of solids monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a first set of internal baffles for reducing a velocity of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a first set of internal baffles for reducing a velocity of the fluid
Implementation Method 3
A weighing system, supported by the second baffle section and supporting the solids collection container, weighs the solids collected in the solids collection container
Data Source
AI summary
A diffuser and solids collection system includes an enclosure including an input for receiving from a petroleum well a stream of fluid carrying solids. A set of baffles within the enclosure reduces the velocity of the stream of fluid. A solids collector in fluid communication with the enclosure receives the stream of fluid after the reduction in the velocity of the fluid by the set of baffles. A weighing system coupled to the solids collector for weighing the collected solids.