Tubless Proppant Blending System for Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fracturing systems require large mix tanks and significant horsepower for agitators to maintain uniform slurry consistency, posing space and maintenance challenges, especially in resource-constrained well locations.
Innovation Solution
A solids pump, such as a Posimetric-style pump, delivers solids directly into the fluid pipeline, eliminating the need for a separate mix tank and agitators, allowing on-the-fly slurry preparation with a triplex pump for subterranean fracturing operations, and can inject solids before or after the frac pump, optimizing pressure and reducing horsepower requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a mix tank with agitators is used to prepare slurry, then uniform slurry consistency is maintained, but significant space is required and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mixing function from a separate tank and integrates it into the pumping system itself. The triplex pump performs both fluid pumping and slurry mixing in a single device, eliminating the need for a dedicated mix tank and reducing space requirements while maintaining uniform slurry consistency through the pump's internal mixing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (fluid pumping, solids handling, and slurry mixing) into a single triplex pump system. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate mix tanks and agitators, reducing space requirements and maintenance needs while maintaining the ability to prepare uniform slurry on-site.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a mix tank with agitators is used to prepare slurry, then uniform slurry consistency is maintained, but maintenance and operational consistency issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex mixing equipment (tank and agitators) from the system and replaces it with a simpler integrated pumping solution. The triplex pump's internal mixing mechanism requires less maintenance than separate agitator systems while maintaining uniform slurry consistency through its design.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining mixing and pumping functions into a single triplex pump, the system reduces the number of moving parts and components that require maintenance. The integrated design eliminates separate agitators and tanks, simplifying the system and reducing maintenance needs while maintaining operational consistency.
3Power
If solids are delivered into high pressure discharge line, then horsepower requirements are reduced, but pump complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic system where the triplex pump's reciprocating motion creates varying pressure zones that facilitate both fluid delivery and solids mixing. The pump's mechanical design dynamically adapts to handle both functions, using the discharge stroke to mix solids and fluid while maintaining reduced horsepower requirements through efficient mechanical leverage.
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
This solution reduces space and maintenance needs, enhances operational reliability, and allows for efficient slurry preparation without premixing, improving the fracturing process by eliminating the need for agitated tanks and reducing horsepower demands.
Implementation Method 1
A solids pump, such as a Posimetric-style pump, delivers solids directly into the fluid pipeline
Implementation Method 2
a triplex pump for subterranean fracturing operations
Data Source
AI summary
Fracturing slurries are prepared on the fly using a solids pump to feed the solid such as a gel into a liquid stream of normally water for pumping downhole with a large capacity triplex pump. The solids pump is preferably a Posimetric® style which delivers the solid into the fluid pipeline in a manner that keeps fluid from backing into the solids hopper above the solids pump. A separate fluid tank is connected to a fluid pump to pressurize a suction line to a boost pump before reaching the triplex pump and pumping into the subterranean formation. The solids pump can deliver between the fluid and boost pumps in which case the solids go through the triplex pump or alternatively the solids can be delivered into the higher pressure discharge line of the triplex pump.