Flow Manifold Permeability Measurement Without Low-Pressure Transducers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring low differential pressure across porous media, particularly in high permeability rocks, require costly and frequently recalibrated high-resolution pressure transducers, making them impractical and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a flow manifold with branching lines, coils, and flow control devices to measure permeability by adjusting flow rates to zero the differential pressure across the porous medium, allowing for accurate permeability calculation without high-accuracy transducers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution pressure transducers are used to measure low differential pressure across porous media, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (gas) that transfers pressure information from the porous medium to a measurement device. The gas flows through a conduit connected to the porous medium, allowing pressure measurements to be taken indirectly through the gas phase rather than directly across the porous medium, thereby enabling the use of simpler, less expensive pressure transducers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical pressure measurement across the porous medium with a gas-phase pressure transfer system. Instead of using complex high-resolution transducers to measure differential pressure directly, the system uses gas flow to transmit pressure information, allowing standard pressure measurement devices to be used effectively
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution pressure transducers are used to measure low differential pressure across porous media, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (gas) that transfers pressure information from the porous medium to a measurement device. The gas flows through a conduit connected to the porous medium, allowing pressure measurements to be taken indirectly through the gas phase rather than directly across the porous medium, thereby enabling the use of simpler, less expensive pressure transducers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive components such as standard pressure transducers, conduits, and gas sources that can be easily replaced if needed. By using these lower-cost components in a configurable system, the overall measurement setup becomes more economical while maintaining adequate measurement precision for the application
3Measurement precision
If flow control devices and coils are used to zero differential pressure, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable flow control devices that can dynamically modify the flow rate of gas through the system. By being able to dynamically adjust the flow conditions and zero the differential pressure reading, the system achieves precise permeability measurements. The dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different test conditions and maintain measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the system, specifically the flow rate and pressure conditions, to achieve the desired measurement state. By adjusting flow control parameters and using coils to modify gas flow characteristics, the system creates conditions where differential pressure can be zeroed, enabling precise permeability measurements through parameter manipulation rather than complex measurement hardware
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 cost-effective and precise measurement of permeability in porous media with high permeability, ranging from 100 to 1 million milli Darcy, without the need for expensive and sensitive pressure transducers.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting, using a flow control device disposed immediately downstream of the control coil, the first flow rate of the fluid in the first inlet line until the second flow rate is equal to zero
Implementation Method 2
measuring a first flow rate of the first portion of the fluid using a first flowmeter disposed on the first inlet line
Implementation Method 3
Permeability of a geological formation refers to the capacity of a porous material to allow fluids to pass through the formation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for measuring permeability of a porous medium including injecting a fluid into a flow manifold via an inlet line and subsequently into a first branch and second branch of the flow manifold and measuring a first flow rate of the fluid in the first branch. The fluid is fed through a first coil and a second coil disposed in the second branch and through a control coil and a porous medium in the first branch. The method also includes measuring a second flow rate of fluid flowing through a cross flow line, adjusting the first flow rate until the second flow rate is equal to zero, calculating a transmissibility of the first coil, the second coil, and the control coil, and calculating a permeability of the porous medium.