Cavitation-based hydro-fracturing simulator
US9500068B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 25, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 22, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 10, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/0391
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus 300 for simulating a pulsed pressure induced cavitation technique (PPCT) from a pressurized working fluid (F) provides laboratory research and development for enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), oil, and gas wells. A pump 304 is configured to deliver a pressurized working fluid (F) to a control valve 306, which produces a pulsed pressure wave in a test chamber 308. The pulsed pressure wave parameters are defined by the pump 304 pressure and control valve 306 cycle rate. When a working fluid (F) and a rock specimen 312 are included in the apparatus, the pulsed pressure wave causes cavitation to occur at the surface of the specimen 312, thus initiating an extensive network of fracturing surfaces and micro fissures, which are examined by researchers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.