Oilfield Waste Fluid Processing System Viscosity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for handling oil field waste fluids are inefficient and costly due to the use of large positive displacement piston pumps for high viscosity fluids and the need for segregated systems for different fluid types, which increases processing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that measure properties such as viscosity and pressure of waste fluids, adjust flowability by mixing with lower viscosity fluids, and direct the flow based on measurements to optimize viscosity for use with multi-stage centrifugal pumps, reducing the need for costly positive displacement pumps and simplifying processing by integrating fluid types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large positive displacement piston pumps are used for high viscosity waste fluids, then the pump can handle the fluid, but the processing cost increases and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the viscosity parameter of the waste fluid by mixing high viscosity fluids with low viscosity dilution fluids. This parameter change enables the use of simpler centrifugal pumps instead of complex positive displacement pumps, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining handling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dilution fluid as an intermediary substance that mixes with the high viscosity waste fluid to reduce its viscosity. This intermediary enables the waste fluid to be handled by simpler pumping equipment, reducing both complexity and cost
2Reliability
If segregated systems with dedicated unload systems are used for different fluid types, then each fluid type can be processed appropriately, but the processing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal processing system where a single unload point and a single centrifugal pump can handle multiple fluid types. By adjusting the dilution fluid mixing ratio based on the waste fluid viscosity, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated systems for different fluid types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate processing streams into a single integrated system. Different waste fluid types are combined at a common unload point and processed through a single pump system, with automatic adjustment of dilution ratios to accommodate varying fluid viscosities, thereby reducing system complexity
3Reliability
If segregated systems with dedicated unload pumps for each fluid type are used, then each fluid can be handled specifically, but the processing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single unload pump universal by enabling it to handle multiple fluid types through automatic viscosity-based control. The system adjusts the dilution fluid mixing ratio according to the waste fluid viscosity, allowing one pump to perform the function of multiple dedicated pumps, thereby improving processing efficiency
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 approach reduces processing costs by enabling the use of more efficient centrifugal pumps and minimizes system complexity by integrating fluid types, optimizing viscosity for efficient injection and treatment, thereby enhancing the handling of high viscosity waste fluids from oil fields.
Implementation Method 1
measuring one or more properties of a waste fluid... The one or more properties of the waste fluid can include a viscosity of the waste fluid
Implementation Method 2
adjusting the flow and/or flowability of the waste fluid... adjusting the viscosity by mixing the first waste fluid with the second waste fluid
Implementation Method 3
measuring one or more properties of the waste fluid... and/or a pressure of the waste fluid and/or a difference in pressure of the waste fluid between two measurements
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for processing one or more waste fluids by measuring one or more properties of a waste fluid and adjusting the flow and/or flowability of the waste fluid based on the measurement are disclosed. The one or more properties of the waste fluid can include a viscosity of the waste fluid, a pressure of the waste fluid, and/or or a difference in pressure of the waste fluid. Adjusting the flow and/or flowability of the waste fluid can include adjusting the one or more properties of the waste fluid and/or affecting the direction of flow of the waste fluid in a manner which changes the destination of the waste fluid.