Turbine Viscometer Magnetic Drive In-Line Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack an effective in-line method to measure the viscosity of fracturing fluids and gels as they flow through pipes, especially since existing devices require fluids to be proppant-free and are not accurate under changing conditions like heat and well pressures.
Innovation Solution
A turbine viscometer system is introduced, where a turbine with magnetically influenced material is placed in the pipe, rotated by a magnetic field or fluid flow, and measures viscosity through fluid drag using electromagnets and pickups without mechanical penetration, allowing for real-time, in-line viscosity measurement independent of pressure and flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical penetration device is used to measure viscosity in-line, then real-time measurement is achieved, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical penetration with electromagnetic fields. Electromagnets mounted on the pipe exterior generate rotating magnetic fields that interact with a turbine inside the fluid, and magnetic pickups detect turbine rotation without mechanical contact through the pipe wall. This eliminates mechanical penetration while enabling in-line viscosity measurement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing viscosity measurement devices are used, then measurement is possible, but they require proppant-free fluid which limits applicability to fracturing treatments
Solution Approach 1:
By using electromagnetic fields instead of mechanical sensors that contact the fluid directly, the system can measure viscosity in fluids containing proppants. The electromagnetic interaction occurs through the pipe wall, allowing measurement of actual fracturing fluids with suspended solids without requiring filtration or proppant removal.
3Measurement precision
If viscosity is measured before pumping into the well, then measurement is simple, but the measurement is not satisfactory because viscosity may change under well conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs viscosity measurement in advance at the surface under controlled conditions, but continuously monitors as fluid enters the well. The electromagnetic measurement system is installed on the wellhead or flow line to capture viscosity changes as fluid transitions from surface to downhole conditions, providing early warning of viscosity changes before they affect fracturing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic viscosity measurement system operates continuously as fluid flows through the pipe, providing real-time monitoring of viscosity changes. The rotating magnetic field and magnetic pickup system continuously detect turbine rotation, enabling ongoing measurement throughout the fracturing process rather than single-point measurements.
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
Enables accurate, real-time viscosity measurement of fluids in pipes, even under varying conditions, with minimal risk of malfunction due to contamination or dirtiness, and effectively measures viscosity without requiring the fluid to be free of proppants.
Implementation Method 1
a drive device for creating a rotating magnetic field around the turbine such that the turbine is rotated
Implementation Method 2
measuring device for measuring the torque required to rotate the turbine. The magnetic slip or drag on the turbine is a function of fluid shear in the fluid being measured, and this is proportional to viscosity
Implementation Method 3
at least a portion of the turbine is made of a magnetically influenced material, and the drive device induces a rotating magnetic field around the turbine
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine viscometer for measuring the viscosity of fluid flowing through a conduit, such as a pipe or manifold. The viscometer has a viscosity turbine positionable in the pipe or manifold. The viscosity turbine has a central portion and a plurality of blades extending therefrom such that fluid flow does not induce any rotational movement of the viscosity turbine. The viscometer also has a drive device for rotating the viscosity turbine so that fluid drag on the viscosity turbine can be measured to determine the viscosity of the fluid. In one embodiment, the drive device creates a rotational magnetic field around the viscosity turbine so that it is rotated. In a second embodiment, the drive device is a drive turbine connected to the viscosity turbine and rotated by fluid flowing through the pipe or conduit.