3D-Printed Vessel for Proppant Wettability Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for measuring the wettability of fracturing proppants are rudimentary and inaccurate, often relying on visual inspection or indirect methods, which hinders the precise comparison and classification of proppant samples based on their wettability performance.
Innovation Solution
A 3D-printed vessel system for wettability assessment that includes a base component with a threaded cylindrical portion and a cap to level the proppant surface, using a droplet of deionized water or hydrocarbon to measure the contact angle and calculate wettability indices, enabling precise and direct wettability measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional rudimentary methods (naked eye examination or droplet shape judgment) are used for wettability measurement, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is poor and accurate comparison of proppant samples is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
A 3D-printed vessel with a standardized flat surface acts as an intermediary between the proppant sample and the droplet. The vessel provides a controlled geometry that ensures consistent droplet placement and contact angle measurement, eliminating the variability of direct measurement on irregular proppant surfaces while maintaining procedural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from direct visual inspection of irregular surfaces to contact angle measurement on a standardized flat surface within the vessel. This parameter transformation enables quantitative comparison while keeping the measurement process straightforward
2Measurement precision
If indirect methods (capillary rise method) are used for wettability assessment, then the measurement process is simplified, but the measurement precision deteriorates and accurate classification of proppant samples is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces indirect mechanical methods (capillary rise) with direct optical measurement (contact angle visualization). The flat surface in the vessel allows direct observation and measurement of the droplet contact angle, providing precise wettability data without complex operational procedures
3Measurement precision
If proppant samples with varying wettability performance within the same category are measured using traditional methods, then the measurement process remains consistent, but the ability to accurately compare and distinguish between samples is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the measurement process into controlled stages: placing a standardized amount of proppant in the vessel, leveling the surface, and then applying the droplet. This segmentation ensures that each measurement is independent and comparable, allowing precise differentiation between samples with similar wettability characteristics
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 system provides improved precision and efficiency in wettability assessments, allowing for accurate classification and comparison of proppant samples, reducing measurement time, and minimizing wall effects, thereby enhancing the understanding of proppant wettability characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
The dropping needle of the wettability measurement system applies a droplet of deionized water or a hydrocarbon onto the proppant surface
Implementation Method 2
wettability assessment of the proppant sample based on the contact angle of the droplet and the proppant sample
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for a three-dimensional (3D)-printed vessel for wettability assessment of fracturing proppants are disclosed. The vessel includes a base component including a threaded cylindrical portion extending outward from a first side of the base component. The cylindrical portion has a particular thread profile. The base component defines a cavity sized to contain a proppant sample. A cap is configured to be screwed onto the threaded cylindrical portion after the proppant sample is injected into the cavity. A surface of the cap is shaped to flatten a proppant surface of the proppant sample. The cap is threaded with the particular thread profile. A pin is configured to be partially screwed onto a second side of the base component before the proppant sample is injected into the cavity. The second side is opposite to the first side. Other embodiments may be described or claimed.