Wellbore Fluid Mixing With Real-Time pH and Viscosity Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods and systems for wellbore operations lack the capability to effectively blend multiple streams of fluids with different chemical and physical characteristics to achieve predefined target properties for wellbore treatments.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that controllably blend pressurized fluid streams by adjusting flow rates based on real-time physical and chemical characteristic data, using sensors and controllers to ensure the blended stream meets specific target values such as pH, viscosity, and conductivity, within predetermined tolerances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple streams of fluids with different chemical and physical characteristics are blended, then the ability to achieve predefined target properties is improved, but the complexity of controlling and monitoring the blending process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to achieve predefined target propertiesVSAvoidcomplexity of controlling and monitoring the blending process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs sensors to continuously monitor physical and chemical characteristics of the blended fluid stream and feeds this information back to a controller. The controller automatically adjusts flow rates of individual streams based on the feedback to maintain target properties, resolving the contradiction by automating the complex control process rather than requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The blending system is designed to handle multiple different fluid streams with varying characteristics by adjusting flow rates, making it universally applicable to achieve different target properties for various wellbore treatment applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If real-time monitoring and adjustment of flow rates is implemented, then the precision of achieving target physical and chemical characteristics is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of achieving target physical and chemical characteristicsVSAvoidcomplexity of the control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors continuously monitor physical and chemical characteristics of the blended stream and provide real-time feedback to the controller. The controller automatically adjusts flow rates of individual streams based on this feedback to maintain target properties within specified tolerances, achieving high precision through automated closed-loop control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment by automatically modifying flow rates based on sensor feedback without requiring external intervention, thereby achieving precise control of blended fluid properties while minimizing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If multiple sensors and controllers are used to monitor and adjust fluid properties, then the reliability of meeting target specifications is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of meeting target specificationsVSAvoiddevice complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensors monitor different physical and chemical characteristics of the blended stream simultaneously, providing comprehensive feedback to the controller. This multi-parameter monitoring ensures reliable achievement of target specifications by detecting and correcting deviations in any measured property.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is designed to manage multiple fluid streams and respond to various sensor inputs, providing universal control functionality that reliably maintains target properties across different wellbore treatment applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 precise control of fluid properties in wellbore operations, ensuring that the blended fluid meets predefined physical and chemical characteristics, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of treatments like fracturing by maintaining target values within narrow percentage variations.

Implementation Method 1

testing the blended pressurized stream to determine if a physical or chemical characteristic of the blended stream indicates that a target value has been achieved

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConductivity measurement: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11261706B1In situ treatment analysis mixing system

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 TETRA TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

The present invention describes methods, systems, and apparatuses for controlled delivery of wellbore fluids including analysis and treatment within the methods, systems, and apparatuses themselves.