In-line Viscometer Magnetic Coupling Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-line viscometers face challenges in accurately measuring the viscosity of fluids like fracturing fluids and gels, particularly due to unpredictable changes in fluid viscosity caused by heat and well conditions, and are prone to measurement errors from fluid flow and complex, expensive magnetic suspension technologies.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic coupling-based viscometer design that uses a cylindrical bob suspended within the fluid by magnetic forces, with jewel bearings restricting movement to reduce friction and maintain accuracy, allowing for energy measurement to determine viscosity without compromising the fluid environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic suspension technology is used to suspend the bob, then the viscosity measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling magnet is introduced as an intermediary component between the drive magnet and the bob. The coupling magnet transfers magnetic force from the drive magnet to rotate the bob, while the drive magnet remains outside the fluid and the coupling magnet remains outside the fluid, preventing direct submersion of magnetic components and eliminating the need for complex magnetic suspension systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive magnet is extracted from the fluid environment and positioned outside the main body. This extraction prevents the drive magnet from being submerged in the sample fluid, eliminating measurement errors caused by fluid flow interference with magnetic components while still enabling bob rotation through magnetic coupling.
2Measurement precision
If the bob is suspended by magnetic forces, then the friction is reduced and measurement accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses simple, inexpensive components such as standard jewel bearings and a coupling magnet that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. These components provide sufficient functionality without requiring expensive magnetic suspension technology, making the device affordable and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling magnet serves as a simple intermediary that enables magnetic coupling between the drive magnet and the bob without requiring complex suspension mechanisms. This approach achieves the desired friction reduction and measurement accuracy using inexpensive, easily manufactured components.
3Measurement precision
If magnets are placed inside the fluid to rotate the bob, then the viscosity measurement is achieved, but measurement errors occur due to fluid flow affecting the magnets
Solution Approach 1:
The drive magnet is extracted from the fluid environment and positioned outside the main body. This prevents the drive magnet from being affected by fluid flow, eliminating measurement errors while still enabling bob rotation through magnetic coupling transmitted through the coupling magnet.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling magnet acts as an intermediary shield that protects the magnetic coupling system from fluid flow interference. By positioning the coupling magnet outside the fluid and using it to transmit magnetic force, the system achieves viscosity measurement without direct exposure of magnetic components to harmful fluid flow effects.
4Strength
If conventional bearing arrangements are used to support the bob, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the radial directional disturbance from fluid flow causes measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling magnet serves as an intermediary that decouples the drive mechanism from direct fluid exposure. By positioning the coupling magnet outside the fluid and using magnetic coupling to transmit rotation, the system maintains structural integrity while protecting the measurement mechanism from radial directional disturbance caused by fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces direct mechanical connection between the drive mechanism and the bob with magnetic coupling. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical support structures that would be vulnerable to fluid flow disturbance, while maintaining structural integrity through the simple jewel bearing arrangement.
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 viscometer provides accurate, affordable, and low-maintenance viscosity measurements in-line, reducing bearing friction and maintaining industry standards of accuracy and durability, while being robust against fluid flow disturbances and hematite particle interference.
Implementation Method 1
A drive magnet is caused to rotate outside of the main body, which causes the coupling magnet and the bob to rotate as well, due to magnetic coupling. The magnetic coupling also causes the bob to be partially suspended within the sample fluid
Implementation Method 2
a pair of jewel bearings restrict the bob to rotational movement only
Data Source
AI summary
An in-line viscometer (70) with a coupling magnet (42) installed into a bob (44) and a drive magnet (24) installed onto a magnet holder (52). Coupling magnet (42) forms a magnetic coupling with drive magnet (24). Bob (44) is positioned inside a main body (50) and is submerged in the flow of sample fluid (56). A motor (10) rotates a magnet holder (52) to which the drive magnets (24) are attached. The magnetic coupling between the coupling magnet (42) and the drive magnet (24) causes the bob (44) to rotate while submerged in sample fluid (56). The energy necessary for the motor (10) to turn the magnet holder (52) while the bob (44) is submerged in the sample fluid (56) provides a means to measure the viscosity of the sample fluid (56).