Portable Drag Reduction Analyzer for Pipeline Upscaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing procedures for drag reducing agents require large stationary equipment and do not accurately predict drag reduction on a larger scale, as laboratory or small-scale flow loop conditions cannot replicate field conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus and associated processes for analyzing drag reduction, which allows for on-site testing and upscaling of small-scale drag reduction parameters to predict performance in oil field or pipeline operations, using an analytical model that accounts for pipe diameter, wall roughness, and fluid properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large stationary equipment is used for testing drag reducing agents, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the testing system into modular components including a portable control unit, flow loop segments, and interchangeable testing modules. This segmentation allows the system to maintain laboratory-grade measurement precision while being transportable and adaptable to different field locations, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity/portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a portable control unit with integrated sensors and data acquisition systems that acts as an intermediary between the flow loop and analysis equipment. This intermediary enables precise drag reduction measurements in field conditions without requiring large stationary equipment, resolving the contradiction by mediating between measurement accuracy requirements and portability needs.
2Device complexity
If laboratory or small-scale flow loop testing is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of field prediction is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies key parameters including flow rate, fluid composition, temperature, and pressure in the flow loop to match field conditions. By changing these parameters to replicate actual operating environments, the system maintains simplicity while significantly improving the reliability of field performance predictions through better-conditioned testing data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the flow loop system with universal applicability to test various drag reducing agents under multiple operating conditions using the same apparatus. This multi-functionality allows a single simplified device to provide reliable predictions across different field scenarios, resolving the contradiction between equipment simplicity and prediction reliability.
3Measurement precision
If extensive laboratory equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The portable control unit incorporates automated sampling, measurement, and data processing capabilities that enable the system to perform testing operations autonomously in the field. This self-service functionality maintains measurement precision while eliminating the need for extensive laboratory infrastructure and personnel, directly improving productivity and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laboratory testing systems with electronic sensors, digital data acquisition, and computational analysis methods. This substitution maintains measurement precision while dramatically simplifying operations and improving productivity by eliminating cumbersome mechanical procedures and reducing manual intervention requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to systems and processes for improved drag reduction estimation and measurement and more specifically to portable drag reduction analyzers and processes for upscaling drag reduction data for a variety of field applications. A drag reduction parameter ΔB for the fluid mixture is used for determining drag reduction for a fluid mixture in an oil field or pipeline operation.