Dual Piston Pump for High Pressure Fluid Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current formation fluid sample test systems are inadequate in maintaining the high pressure and flow rate conditions necessary for accurate testing of fluid properties at or near the conditions of the earth formation from which the sample originated, limiting their ability to conveniently and economically pressurize and measure fluid properties.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure and high-flow rate pump system utilizing two pistons with annular chambers and a pressure source, where the pistons are displaced to alternately pressurize and flow the fluid through a test manifold equipped with various sensors, allowing for precise control of pressure and flow rate, and optional heating in a separate configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pump systems are used to pressurize formation fluid samples, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain high pressure and flow rate conditions necessary for accurate testing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into two separate pistons (first piston and second piston) operating in opposite directions within a common cylindrical bore. Each piston has its own rod extending in opposite directions, allowing independent control of pressure application and fluid displacement. This segmentation enables the system to maintain high pressure and flow rate conditions simultaneously by decoupling these two functions into separate mechanical actions.
2Productivity
If a single piston design is used, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to alternately pressurize and flow fluid through test manifold is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Two pistons are merged into a single common cylindrical bore, sharing the same chamber space and fluid environment. The pistons are positioned opposite each other and connected through the common bore, allowing them to work in coordinated opposition. This merging reduces overall system volume while maintaining the dual-function capability of alternating pressurization and fluid flow control through the test manifold.
3Stress or pressure
If pressure intensifiers are used to pressurize samples, then the pressurization capability is improved, but the flow rate control and viscosity measurement accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A common cylindrical bore acts as an intermediary chamber between the two pistons and the test manifold. This common bore receives fluid from both pistons and delivers it to the test manifold in a controlled manner, ensuring that pressure intensification does not compromise flow rate control. The intermediary chamber allows for smooth fluid transition and maintains measurement precision by providing a stable, controlled flow environment to the viscosity coil and other test 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
Enables accurate testing of formation fluid samples by maintaining the original pressure and flow conditions, allowing for reliable determination of fluid properties, including viscosity, density, and temperature, while being adaptable for use in various fluid types and applications.
Implementation Method 1
pressurizing a fluid in a chamber between the pistons, thereby increasing a pressure in two annular chambers
Implementation Method 2
displacing the pistons, thereby flowing the fluid from one of the annular chambers to the other
Data Source
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AI summary
A pump can include two pistons, each piston having one side exposed to a support pressure and another side exposed to a respective annular chamber, the chambers being pressurized greater than the support pressure. Fluid can be discharged from one annular chamber and received into the other annular chamber by displacement of the pistons. A method of testing a fluid can include pressurizing the fluid in response to increasing a support pressure exposed to one side of each of two pistons, thereby increasing pressure in chambers exposed to respective other sides of the pistons, and then displacing the pistons, thereby flowing the fluid through a test manifold assembly. A fluid test system can include a pump having a support pressure exposed to sides of two pistons, and another side of each of the pistons being exposed to a respective annular chamber. Each annular chamber can be connected to a sensor.