Proppant Settling Velocity Measurement in Fracturing Fluids
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining proppant settling properties in fracturing fluids lack quantitative data, making it difficult to optimize friction reducer formulations for efficient hydrocarbon recovery.
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 settling 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 properties, then the assessment process is simple and quick, but quantitative data for settling velocities cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual observation with an automated image processing system that uses computer vision algorithms to track proppant particle positions across sequential images, converting qualitative visual assessment into quantitative settling velocity measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device between the proppant settling process and the observer, capturing visual information that can then be processed quantitatively through image analysis software to extract settling velocities
2Reliability
If proppant settling is measured through simulated transportation tests, then proppant carrying capability can be qualitatively assessed, but precise settling velocity data remains unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex simulated transportation tests with a simplified static settling apparatus where proppant particles settle under gravity in a controlled fluid environment, with their positions tracked through image analysis to calculate settling velocities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified model system that copies the essential physics of proppant settling in fracturing fluid without requiring full-scale transportation simulation, allowing quantitative measurement of the key parameter (settling velocity) that determines carrying capability
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 for proppant settling velocities, enabling the selection of appropriate friction reducers and concentrations for improved proppant carrying capacity and hydrocarbon recovery.
Implementation Method 1
determining the velocity of static settling of proppant in fracturing fluids
Implementation Method 2
A camera is provided to record a number of images
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.