Optical Proppant Settling Measurement for Fracturing Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining proppant settling in fracturing fluids lack quantitative data, making it difficult to optimize friction reducer formulations for varying reservoir properties.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using a transparent container, camera, and image analysis software to measure proppant settling velocities by capturing and analyzing images of proppant in fracturing fluids, allowing for the determination of optimal friction reducer concentrations and formulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual observation methods are used to estimate proppant settling, then the method is simple and easy to perform, but quantitative data on settling velocities cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual observation with an automated optical measurement system consisting of a camera, transparent container, and image analysis software. This substitution transforms qualitative visual estimates into quantitative settling velocity measurements by capturing images at predetermined time intervals and analyzing proppant position changes through computer processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image analysis software as an intermediary between the physical settling process and the measurement result. The software processes camera images to calculate settling velocities, bridging the gap between simple visual observation and precise quantitative data without requiring complex manual measurement procedures.
2Loss of time
If proppant settling is measured without quantitative analysis, then the measurement process is quick and simple, but optimal friction reducer formulations cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary automated image capture at predetermined time intervals before analysis. By pre-capturing the settling process at multiple time points and storing these images, the system enables subsequent quantitative analysis without requiring additional measurement time, thus preserving both speed and information quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of the settling process through camera imaging. These image copies preserve all settling information without consuming additional time for repeated measurements, allowing thorough quantitative analysis of friction reducer performance while maintaining measurement efficiency.
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
Provides quantitative data on proppant settling velocities, enabling the selection of appropriate friction reducers for improved proppant transport and hydrocarbon recovery.
Implementation Method 1
proppant settling in the carrying fluids... determination of the velocity of static settling of the proppant
Implementation Method 2
The computer can further include image analysis software... analyze the images taken by the camera
Data Source
AI summary
A method to determine the velocity of static proppant settling in fracturing fluids. The proppant carrying capability of different friction reducer products can be compared, so the appropriate friction reducer product can be selected for hydraulic fracturing operations. The effect of friction reducer concentrations in the fracturing fluids, the salinity and hardness of the fracturing fluids, and the proppant size on the velocity of static proppant settling can be studied to optimize the chemical structures of the friction reducers in the process of synthesis and optimize the hydraulic fracturing operation, e.g. to determine the proper concentration of friction reducers according to the salinity and proppant size.