Method and apparatus for automatically controlling a well fracturing operation
US5281023A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 2, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 2, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01F23/56
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An automated density and chemical controller automatically controls the density and chemical proportions of a slurry that is injected into a well during a well fracturing operation to produce a slurry with a desired density. The automated controller automatically controls the addition of a proppant to water based on the parameters of the fracturing operation, the incoming flow of water into a blender tub, the incoming flow rate of chemicals, and the performance characteristics of the mechanism used to deliver the proppant. The automated density controller also measures the flow of the slurry discharged from the blender tub and calculates the actual density of the slurry. After comparing the calculated actual density with the desired density, the automated density controller calculates a correction factor and recalibrates the performance characteristics of the proppant delivery mechanism. The automated density controller also includes a densiometer for measuring the actual density of the slurry. The actual density measured by the densiometer is compared with the calculated actual density to provide an indication of whether the controller is operating correctly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.