Laser Reflectance Probe for Drilling Fluid Particle Size Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring particle size distribution in drilling fluids, such as laser diffraction, are inaccurate due to sample dilution and assumptions about particle shape, leading to incomplete representation of in-line fluid conditions, especially in mature oil reservoirs with fractures.
Innovation Solution
A laser-based reflectance measurement system that directly measures particle size distribution in the fluid flow line without sampling, using a focused beam to detect chord lengths and provide real-time, count-based data independent of particle shape, allowing for precise monitoring of bridging material additions and fracture plugging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser diffraction methods are used to measure particle size distribution, then particle size can be determined, but sample dilution breaks up conglomerated particles leading to inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the flow line by using a probe that can be inserted into the fluid stream. This allows in-situ measurement without removing and diluting samples, thereby maintaining the integrity of particle conglomerates while obtaining accurate PSD data that truly represents the in-line fluid conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary probe system with a focused laser beam and photodetector array that acts as a mediator between the flowing fluid and the measurement system. This intermediary allows direct measurement of particles in their native state without requiring sample dilution, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and sample integrity.
2Measurement precision
If conventional laser diffraction is used, then normalized particle size distribution is obtained, but changes in one area completely change the distribution in other regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional laser diffraction method with a light extinction-based measurement system. Instead of measuring scattered light angles to infer particle size, the system measures the attenuation of light intensity as particles pass through a focused beam. This substitution enables direct measurement of particle concentration and size without normalization, preserving absolute particle concentration information while maintaining size distribution accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If samples are taken from the flow line for PSD measurement, then particle analysis can be performed, but the sampling process alters the sample composition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the flowing fluid to serve itself as the measurement medium. The probe system measures particles directly in the flow line without requiring external sampling operations. The fluid's own flow carries particles through the measurement zone, eliminating the need for separate sampling steps that would alter sample composition and ensuring reliable representation of in-line conditions.
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 accurate, real-time monitoring of particle size distribution in drilling fluids, ensuring optimal bridging material concentration and preventing losses in mature oil reservoirs, with improved precision and reliability compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam (102) focused to a spot size of less than 0.5 mm in diameter
Implementation Method 2
an optical system for receiving light from the optical source and focusing the light at a focal spot adjacent to the window in the fluent medium
Implementation Method 3
The rotationally mounted scanning optics rotates the focused beam at a constant angular velocity
Implementation Method 4
photodetector means for detecting pulses of light resulting from the backscattering of light by particles in the focal spot
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4
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.