Gravity-fed Fracturing Fluid Blending System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Oilfield operations face space constraints and high energy consumption due to the need for extensive equipment and long-distance transfer of materials, contributing to a significant carbon footprint from diesel-powered systems.
Innovation Solution
An integrated material blending and storage system with a storage unit, blender, liquid additive storage module, and pre-gel blender, where gravity directs contents to the blender, and pumps powered by natural gas or electricity, reducing the need for conveyer systems and minimizing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional equipment with separate storage units and conveyer systems is used, then material transfer capability is achieved, but space consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage unit and blender into a single integrated unit where the blender is positioned directly beneath the storage unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate conveyer systems and intermediate transfer equipment, significantly reducing the space required while maintaining material transfer capability through direct gravitational flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The blender is nested within the footprint of the storage unit by positioning it directly beneath the storage container. This nesting arrangement allows the blending operation to occur within the vertical space already occupied by the storage unit, thereby eliminating horizontal space requirements for separate blending equipment and conveyer systems.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If diesel fired hydraulic systems are used for bulk material metering and conveying, then material transfer is achieved, but carbon footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces diesel-fired hydraulic conveying systems with a gravity-based flow system. Material flows directly from the storage unit to the blender through gravitational force, eliminating the need for hydraulic pumps and motors that consume diesel fuel. This substitution maintains material transfer efficiency while eliminating harmful emissions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If high horsepower pumping units are used, then fluid pumping capability is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the blender directly beneath the storage unit, creating a gravity-assisted flow system where material moves downward without requiring additional pumping energy. This equipotential arrangement utilizes the natural gravitational field to drive material flow, significantly reducing the energy required for material handling while maintaining adequate flow rates for blending operations.
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 system optimizes space usage, reduces energy consumption, and lowers the carbon footprint by integrating storage and blending processes, enabling efficient preparation and delivery of well treatment fluids while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
gravity directs the contents of the storage unit, the liquid additive storage module and the pre-gel blender to the blender
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for integral storage and blending of the materials used in oilfield operations are disclosed. A modular integrated material blending and storage system includes a first module comprising a storage unit, a second module comprising a liquid additive storage unit and a pump for maintaining pressure at an outlet of the liquid additive storage unit. The system further includes a third module comprising a pre-gel blender. An output of each of the first module, the second module and the third module is located above a blender and gravity directs the contents of the first module, the second module and the third module to the blender. The system also includes a pump that directs the output of the blender to a desired down hole location. The pump may be powered by natural gas or electricity.