Flowability Testing System for Multiphase Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
The oil industry faces challenges in predicting the effectiveness of chemical treatments for improving flowability and reducing deposition of petroleum production fluids due to varying compositions and chemistry across different oil fields and wells, leading to subjective and inaccurate results from conventional bench-scale tests.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for assessing flowability of multiphase fluids using an agitation system, temperature control, viscosity cup, scale, and processor to measure flow rate and deposition characteristics, allowing for objective and quantitative evaluation of chemical treatments under controlled conditions that mimic downhole and surface environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional bottle tests with visual observations are used to assess chemical treatment effectiveness, then rapid feedback is obtained, but the results are subjective and lack quantitative accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual observation method with an automated mechanical measurement system. A viscosity cup with a standardized orifice is used to measure fluid flow rate objectively, eliminating subjective visual assessment while maintaining rapid testing capability. The system mechanically quantifies flowability by measuring the rate at which fluid flows through the orifice.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement device (viscometer with scale) that mediates between the chemical treatment and the assessment process. This intermediary provides standardized, reproducible measurements by translating fluid flow characteristics into quantifiable data, bridging the gap between rapid testing and accurate measurement.
2Reliability
If bench-scale tests are conducted to evaluate chemical treatments for specific oil production fluids, then treatment effectiveness can be assessed, but the results are difficult to compare across different sites due to varying fluid compositions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent standardizes key test parameters including temperature control, agitation conditions, and viscosity cup geometry to ensure consistent measurement conditions across different sites. By controlling these parameters, the system enables comparable results despite variations in fluid composition, as the standardized conditions isolate the effect of chemical treatments from environmental variables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal testing system that can evaluate chemical treatments across different oil production fluids and sites. The standardized viscosity cup and measurement protocol serve as a universal tool that adapts to various fluid compositions while maintaining consistent assessment criteria, enabling cross-site comparison of treatment effectiveness.
3Productivity
If multiple different chemical treatments are tested to improve flowability, then better production levels can be achieved, but it becomes difficult to compare and select the most effective treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual comparison with objective mechanical measurement to evaluate and compare multiple chemical treatments. The viscometer provides quantifiable flow rate data that allows precise comparison of treatment effectiveness, enabling selection of the most productive treatment based on measurable performance rather than subjective assessment.
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
Provides a reliable and objective method for evaluating the performance of chemical treatments, enabling better prediction of their effectiveness in improving flowability and reducing deposition, with results that better represent field conditions compared to conventional tests.
Implementation Method 1
an agitation system assembly for agitating a sample of the multiphase fluid contained in a container
Implementation Method 2
a temperature control assembly configured to control the temperature of the sample while it is being agitated
Implementation Method 3
a viscosity cup having an opening at its upper end through which the sample can be poured into the viscosity cup and an orifice through which the multiphase fluid in the sample can flow out of the viscosity cup
Implementation Method 4
a scale for weighing the amount of the multiphase fluid that has flowed through the orifice and been received in a receiving vessel on the scale
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for assessing flowability of a multiphase fluid are provided. The method includes agitating a sample of the multiphase fluid contained in a container while controlling an agitation force applied to the sample; pouring the sample, after it has been agitated, into a viscosity cup having an opening at its upper end and an orifice at its lower end and thereby causing the multiphase fluid to flow out of the viscosity cup through the orifice; weighing an amount of the multiphase fluid that has flowed through the orifice and into a receiving vessel over a period of time; and assessing flowability of the multiphase fluid sample using the weight of the multiphase fluid sample in the receiving vessel as a function of time.