In-line Laser Particle Size Distribution Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining particle size distribution in drilling fluids, such as laser diffraction, often lead to inaccurate measurements due to sample dilution, which can break up conglomerated particles and alter the sample's representation of the fluid's actual PSD.
Innovation Solution
A laser beam instrument is inserted directly into the fluid flow line, focusing a laser beam on a window coupled with the flow line to measure particle diameters by reflectance and count particles in pre-set size ranges, providing a direct and accurate count-based measurement of PSD without assumptions about particle shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser diffraction methods are used to determine PSD, then measurement can be performed on a sample, but sample dilution breaks up conglomerated particles and alters the sample representation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from a sampled-based system to a direct in-line measurement system. The laser beam instrument is placed directly in the flow line to measure particles in their native state without sampling, dilution, or preparation, thereby eliminating the reliability issue while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transparent window as an intermediary that allows the laser beam to pass through and interact with particles in the flow line without direct contact with the fluid. This enables accurate measurement while maintaining the natural state of particles, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and sample integrity.
2Measurement precision
If laser diffraction is used, then PSD can be determined, but the method assumes all particles are spherical regardless of actual shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from light scattering angle (which assumes spherical symmetry) to light reflectance duration. By measuring the duration of reflected light as particles pass through the laser beam, the system can determine particle size regardless of shape, making the measurement adaptable to various particle geometries while maintaining precision.
3Productivity
If sampling is performed for PSD measurement, then analysis can be conducted, but the sample is diluted which breaks up conglomerated particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sampling and dilution steps entirely by implementing direct in-line measurement. The laser beam instrument measures particles directly in the flow line at their native concentration and aggregation state, extracting only the measurement function while preserving the complete sample composition and particle conglomerate integrity.
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 allows for real-time, accurate measurement of particle size distribution in drilling fluids, enabling effective control of bridging materials to prevent losses and maintain optimized concentrations, thereby improving reservoir management and fracture bridging.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a diameter of at least one particle in the fluid flow line by reflectance of the at least one particle as the at least one particle passes through the focused laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring particle size distribution in a fluid material, involving inserting a laser beam instrument directly in the fluid flow line, wherein the laser beam instrument focuses a laser beam on a window directly coupled with the fluid flow line, wherein the fluid flow line comprises a fluid having a plurality of particles of different sizes, measuring a diameter of at least one particle in the fluid flow line by reflectance of the at least one particle as the at least one particle passes through the focused laser beam, and determining a duration of reflection of the at least one particle, and obtaining a count of particles in each of a pre-set range group of particle sizes, wherein the count of particles is used to determine particle size distribution in the fluid flow line.