Downhole Fluid Formulation Apparatus with In-Line Sensor Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack the capability for real-time or near real-time in-line water analysis to adjust the type and amount of friction-reducing compositions in treating fluids during fracturing operations, leading to inefficiencies due to unoptimized fluid dynamics.
Innovation Solution
The development of real-time or near real-time downhole fluid formulation adjustment apparatuses and systems, which include an aqueous base fluid supply, in-line fluid sensors, downhole sensors, fluid component supply assemblies, friction-reducing component supply assemblies, fluid injection or circulation systems, and a control assembly to optimize the composition of downhole fluids and reduce frictional drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If friction reducing compositions are added to slickwater fracturing fluids, then energy loss due to friction is minimized, but the device complexity increases due to lack of real-time monitoring and adjustment capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor fluid properties (viscosity, flow rate, pressure) and transmit data to a control assembly. The control assembly automatically adjusts the dosage of friction reducing compositions based on real-time conditions, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes energy efficiency while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic dosage adjustment capabilities where the control assembly self-regulates the addition of friction reducing compositions without manual intervention. The system serves itself by using sensor data to automatically determine and implement optimal chemical dosing, reducing the need for external monitoring and adjustment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If real-time in-line water analysis and fluid formulation adjustment apparatuses are implemented, then frictional drag is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control assembly serves multiple functions: it receives data from various sensors (flow rate, pressure, viscosity), processes this information, determines optimal chemical dosing, controls injection rates, and monitors system performance. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the system reduces overall complexity while achieving real-time optimization of frictional drag.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control assembly as an intermediary between the sensors and the friction reducing composition injection system. This intermediary processes sensor data and translates it into appropriate dosing commands, simplifying the control architecture by providing a centralized intelligence layer that mediates between monitoring and actuation functions.
3Productivity
If friction reducing compositions are added to treating fluids, then fluid transport efficiency is improved, but the loss of information occurs due to lack of real-time composition monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors continuously monitor fluid composition parameters including viscosity, flow rate, and pressure, providing real-time feedback to the control assembly. This feedback loop ensures that the system maintains accurate information about fluid properties and automatically adjusts friction reducing composition dosage to optimize transport efficiency while preventing information loss about fluid state.
Data Source
AI summary
A real-time or near real-time, downhole fluid formulation apparatuses and/or systems and methods of making and using same include (a) a water supply assembly/subsystem, (b) an in-line sensor assembly/subsystem, (c) a downhole fluid component supply assembly/subsystem, (d) a friction-reducing component supply assembly/subsystem, (e) a downhole fluid injection assembly/subsystem, and (f) a control assembly/subsystem, wherein (1) the in-line sensor assembly/subsystem generates data concerning various aqueous base fluid properties and (2) the downhole fluid component supply assembly/subsystem supplies downhole fluid components to the aqueous base fluid based on the aqueous base fluid properties and various formation properties, and the friction-reducing component supply assembly/subsystem supplies friction-reducing components to form a downhole fluid having a reduced or minimized percent drag reduction (% DR) value.