Silicate Mass Estimation via NMR in Flowing Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of silicate particles in flowing fluids can cause erosion in production tubular components, leading to costly damage and operational issues in hydrocarbon recovery operations, necessitating an effective method for estimating the amount of silicates to enable preventative measures.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology to estimate the mass of silicates in fluids by inducing a magnetic field, transmitting a radio frequency signal to excite silicon nuclei, and processing the received signal to determine the silicate mass, which includes a magnetic source, transmitter, receiver, and processor for accurate estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sand detection is performed using conventional methods, then the presence of silicates can be detected, but the detection precision and reliability are insufficient for accurate mass estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or chemical sand detection methods with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology. The NMR system uses magnetic fields and radio frequency signals to excite silicon-29 nuclei in silicate particles, generating detectable signals that directly correlate to silicate mass. This substitution provides significantly improved measurement precision and reliability compared to conventional methods, as the NMR signal intensity is directly proportional to the number of silicon nuclei present.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the specific nuclear magnetic resonance properties of silicon-29 isotopes to detect silicates. By tuning the radio frequency signal to match the Larmor frequency of silicon-29 nuclei in the applied magnetic field, the system selectively excites only silicon-containing compounds. This parameter-based detection approach enables precise differentiation of silicates from other particles in the fluid stream, improving both measurement precision and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If NMR technology is used to detect silicates, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NMR detection device is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates a magnetic field, transmits radio frequency signals, receives NMR signals from silicon nuclei, and processes these signals to estimate silicate mass. By integrating these functions into a single multi-functional apparatus, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function, while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The NMR system utilizes the intrinsic magnetic properties of silicon-29 nuclei themselves as the detection mechanism. The silicon nuclei in the silicate particles act as the sensing element, naturally responding to the applied magnetic field and radio frequency signals without requiring additional labeling or preparation. This self-service approach simplifies the detection process while maintaining high precision.
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 precise estimation of silicate mass in fluids, allowing for timely preventative actions such as shutting down fluid flow or replacing components, thereby reducing erosion and extending the lifespan of equipment.
Implementation Method 1
inducing a magnetic field in the fluid to align nuclei of the fluid along a direction of the magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
transmitting a radio frequency signal into the fluid from a transmitter to excite silicon nuclei present in the fluid
Implementation Method 3
receiving a signal from the silicon nuclei responsive to the transmitted radio frequency signal at a receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for estimating a mass of silicates in a fluid flowing in a member is disclosed. A magnetic field is induced in the fluid to align nuclei of the fluid along a direction of the magnetic field. A radio frequency signal is transmitted into the fluid from a transmitter to excite silicon nuclei present in the fluid. A signal is received from the silicon nuclei responsive to the transmitted radio frequency signal at a receiver. A processor estimates the mass of silicates in the fluid directly from the received signal.