Portable Injection Fluid Analyzer for On-Site Viscosity and Injectivity Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing injection fluids in oil and gas operations, particularly for enhanced oil recovery, face challenges in measuring long-term injectivity and filter ratio, as conventional devices are often laboratory-based and unable to provide real-time, on-site analysis, leading to delays and fluid degradation.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus equipped with analytical modules such as a surrogate core, capillary viscometer, and filter, along with pressure transducers and a data acquisition system, allows for real-time measurement of viscosity, long-term injectivity, and filter ratio of injection fluids, enabling on-site analysis and continuous monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory-based devices are used to measure long term injectivity and filter ratio, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional laboratory-based mechanical measurement systems with portable electronic measurement devices that use electronic sensors and digital data processing to measure viscosity, long term injectivity, and filter ratio, enabling rapid on-site analysis without laboratory equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a portable copy of laboratory measurement capabilities by integrating multiple analytical functions into a single handheld device that can replicate key laboratory measurements in the field, eliminating the need to transport samples to laboratories
2Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory-based devices are used to measure long term injectivity and filter ratio, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions (viscosity measurement, long term injectivity testing, filter ratio analysis) into a single integrated portable device, reducing the complexity associated with multiple separate laboratory instruments while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device is designed with universal multi-functionality to perform various injection fluid analyses including viscosity, long term injectivity, and filter ratio measurements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized laboratory devices
3Measurement precision
If injection fluid analysis is performed in laboratory settings, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to delays and fluid degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary action by allowing injection fluid properties to be measured on-site immediately after preparation, before the fluid is injected into the formation, enabling real-time quality control and immediate correction of any issues without waiting for laboratory analysis
4Productivity
If portable apparatus is used for real-time analysis, then productivity is improved and loss of time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into distinct functional modules (viscometer module, injectivity testing module, filter ratio analysis module) that can operate independently within the portable device, managing complexity through modular design while maintaining real-time analysis capabilities
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
The portable apparatus enables rapid correction of injection fluid properties, improving hydrocarbon recovery by ensuring accurate and timely adjustments to the injection fluid composition, reducing the risk of plugging and enhancing oil production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a capillary viscometer for determining viscosity of the injection fluid
Implementation Method 2
one or more pressure transducers chosen from a pressure transducer coupled to the pre-filter, a pressure transducer coupled to any of the one or more analytical modules, or a combination thereof
Implementation Method 3
a pump coupled to the pre-filter to direct the injection fluid from the pre-filter through one or more analytical modules
Implementation Method 4
a filter for determining a filter ratio of the injection fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are portable apparatus as well as methods of analyzing a fluid using these portable apparatus. In some embodiments, the injection fluid can contain a polymer, but a polymer is not necessary. For example, the portable apparatus and methods may be used to determine viscosity, long term injectivity, filter ratio, or any combination thereof of the injection fluid. Advantageously, the surrogate core is temperature controlled.