Multiphase Oilfield Fluid XRF Measurement Through Paste Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the elemental composition of drilling fluids using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) are hindered by phase separation and settling, leading to inaccurate and unreliable measurements.
Innovation Solution
Blending drilling fluid samples with a viscosity modifying agent, such as carbon black, to transform them into a high viscosity paste, which prevents phase separation and allows for stable XRF measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drilling fluid samples are measured using XRF, then elemental composition can be determined, but phase separation and settling occur leading to inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the drilling fluid by transforming it from a fluid state to a paste state through the addition of a viscosity modifying agent. This parameter change prevents phase separation and settling during measurement, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability of elemental composition determination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a viscosity modifying agent (carbon black) as an intermediary substance that mediates between the drilling fluid and the measurement process. This intermediary increases the sample viscosity to prevent phase separation, enabling accurate XRF measurements without directly altering the drilling fluid's fundamental properties
2Productivity
If drilling fluid samples are left in fluid state for XRF measurement, then measurement can be performed quickly, but sample instability occurs due to phase separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating the drilling fluid sample with a viscosity modifying agent before XRF measurement. This preliminary thickening action stabilizes the sample composition beforehand, preventing phase separation during the measurement process while maintaining efficient workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the viscosity parameter of the drilling fluid sample by adding a viscosity modifying agent. This parameter change transforms the sample from a low-viscosity fluid prone to phase separation into a high-viscosity paste that maintains compositional stability during measurement, without significantly increasing measurement time
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
Stabilizes the drilling fluid sample, enabling accurate and reliable XRF measurements by maintaining sample integrity during the analysis, thereby improving the accuracy of elemental composition determination.
Implementation Method 1
blending the sample with a viscosity modifying agent to transform the sample into a high viscosity paste
Implementation Method 2
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectroscopy is a well-known technique used to measure the elemental composition of a sample
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating an elemental composition of a multiphase oilfield fluid includes obtaining a sample of a multiphase oilfield fluid; blending the sample with a viscosity modifying agent to transform the sample into a high viscosity paste; introducing the high viscosity paste into a chamber of an XRF apparatus; using the XRF apparatus to make an XRF measurement of the high viscosity paste; and evaluating the XRF measurement to estimate an elemental composition of the obtained multiphase oilfield fluid.