Pressurized Wellbore Fluid Blending With Feedback Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods and apparatuses fail to controllably blend multiple streams of fluids with different chemical and physical characteristics to achieve predefined target physical and/or chemical characteristics for wellbore operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that controllably blend multiple pressurized fluid streams by adjusting flow rates to achieve a selected predefined target physical or chemical characteristic of the blended stream, using a controller connected to flow sensors and valves to ensure precise blending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple pressurized fluid streams with different chemical and physical characteristics are blended, then the ability to achieve predefined target characteristics is improved, but the complexity of controlling flow rates and maintaining precision is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the blending process into separate controllable streams, each with its own flow rate control mechanism. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each fluid stream while maintaining overall blending precision, resolving the contradiction by managing complexity through modular control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where actual flow rates are measured and compared against target values, with automatic adjustments made to maintain precision. This feedback mechanism enables high blending accuracy despite the inherent complexity of managing multiple pressurized streams with different characteristics
2Manufacturing precision
If flow rates are continuously adjusted to achieve target characteristics, then the precision of achieving target physical and chemical characteristics is improved, but the time required for blending and control is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of required flow rates based on desired target characteristics before actual blending begins. This pre-computation allows the system to start at or near the target state, reducing the time required for adjustment while maintaining precision in achieving the final characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The control system operates in periodic cycles of measurement, comparison, and adjustment rather than continuous modification. This periodic action reduces the overall time investment while maintaining precision through regular monitoring and correction at critical intervals
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple streams are blended to achieve specific characteristics, then the versatility of fluid treatment options is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring characteristics is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses intermediate measurements of individual stream characteristics before blending, and intermediate measurements of the blended stream. These intermediary measurement points provide data that simplifies the detection and measurement process while enabling versatile treatment of multiple fluid types with different characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes methods, systems, and apparatuses for controlled delivery of wellbore fluids such as providing a plurality of pressurized sources of an aqueous base fluid having respective flow rates, and target predetermined physical and/or chemical characteristic values; blending at least two of the pressurized sources of aqueous base fluid thereby creating a blended pressurized source of aqueous base fluid; testing to determine the blended source's physical and/or chemical characteristics; comparing to the target predetermined physical and/or chemical characteristic values to identify if they match; based on the comparison altering the flow rates of at least one of the plurality of pressurized sources of aqueous base fluids; and repeating steps until the blended pressurized source of aqueous base fluid matches the target predetermined physical and/or chemical characteristics.