Fluid Density Measurement Using Bulk Modulus and Acoustic Pulses

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining fluid density in pressure pumps, such as those used in wellbore treatments, rely on hazardous radioactive sources, which pose safety risks and logistical challenges, slowing down operations and increasing costs.

Innovation Solution

A measurement system that calculates fluid density using bulk modulus and speed of sound measurements, employing strain gauges, position sensors, and a pulse detection system to isolate fluid in a chamber and determine actuation points, allowing for non-radioactive density determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If radioactive sources are used to determine fluid density, then measurement capability is provided, but safety risks and operational delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid density determinationVSAvoidradiation hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces radioactive sources with acoustic measurement methods. A transducer generates acoustic waves that travel through the fluid, and a detector measures the acoustic signal. The bulk modulus is calculated from acoustic impedance measurements, eliminating radiation hazards while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to measure fluid density. Instead of using direct radioactive detection, acoustic waves serve as the mediator to probe fluid properties, allowing indirect measurement of density through bulk modulus calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If radioactive sources are used for density measurement, then measurement function is achieved, but operational time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid density determinationVSAvoidoperational delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces radioactive sources with acoustic measurement methods. A transducer generates acoustic waves that travel through the fluid, and a detector measures the acoustic signal. The bulk modulus is calculated from acoustic impedance measurements, eliminating radiation hazards while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If bulk modulus measurement system is implemented, then radiation safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation hazardVSAvoidmeasurement system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to measure fluid density. Instead of using direct radioactive detection, acoustic waves serve as the mediator to probe fluid properties, allowing indirect measurement of density through bulk modulus calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a multi-functional measurement system where acoustic waves can measure both bulk modulus and fluid density. The same acoustic transducer and detector system provides multiple measurement capabilities, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This method enables accurate fluid density determination without radioactive sources, reducing operational delays and costs while ensuring safety, by using strain and position sensors to measure strain and sound speed within the fluid system.

Implementation Method 1

A bulk modulus of the fluid flowing through the pressure pump and introduced into the wellbore provide information with respect to the macroscopic properties of the fluid for predicting accurate displacements or combining with other measurements to extract additional information useful for pumping operations.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpeed of sound: Speed of Sound

Implementation Method 2

The bulk modulus of the fluid system may be determined using strain measurements from a strain gauge positioned on a fluid end of the pressure pump.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS10876941B2Determining fluid density in a pressure pump using bulk modulus measurements

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A system may include a strain gauge and a pulse detection system positionable on a fluid end of a pressure pump. The strain gauge may generate a strain signal representing strain in the chamber. The pulse detection system may include a pulse generator and a pulse detector for generating timing signals that are useable to determine a travel time of a corresponding pulse generated by the pulse generator. The strain signal and the timing signals may be useable to determine a density of the fluid in the pressure pump.