Pressure balancing proppant addition method and apparatus
US9664025B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 2011 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/267
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus is disclosed for controlling the flow of proppant into frac fluid during a frac. A first pressure source pressurizes fluid within a proppant addition unit. Process piping receives proppant through a proppant supply passage for supply to a frac pressure pump. A second pressure source pressurizes fluid within the process piping. A first sensor senses pressure on a first side of the proppant supply passage and outputs a first signal. A second sensor senses pressure on the process piping on a second side of the proppant supply passage and outputs a second signal. A processor receives the first signal and the second signal, and outputs a control signal to at least one of the first pressure source and the second pressure source in response to the first signal and the second signal to control proppant flow into the process piping.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.