Non-intrusive rheometer for use in well operations
AssigneeWeatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
InventorsPaul R. NORTHAM, John E. BUSTEED
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of determining viscosity can include connecting a bypass flow passage in parallel with a main flow passage, connecting a mass flowmeter and a variable flow restrictor in the bypass flow passage, and connecting at least one viscometer to the bypass flow passage. A rheology measurement apparatus can include a bypass flow passage connected in parallel with a main flow passage, a mass flowmeter connected in the bypass flow passage, and a pipe viscometer connected in the bypass flow passage. Another bypass flow passage may be connected in parallel with the main flow passage, with another mass flowmeter connected in the second bypass flow passage.
Claims20
A method of determining a viscosity of a fluid in real time as the fluid flows in a subterranean well, the method comprising:
- connecting a main flow passage between a pump and a tubular string extending into the well, so that the fluid flows from the pump to the tubular string through the main flow passage;
- connecting a flow restrictor in the main flow passage;
- connecting a bypass flow passage in parallel with the main flow passage, so that an inlet of the bypass flow passage is in communication with a first section of the main flow passage and an outlet of the bypass flow passage is in communication with a second section of the main flow passage downstream of the first section;
- connecting a mass flowmeter and a variable flow restrictor in the bypass flow passage, so that the fluid flows through the mass flowmeter and the variable flow restrictor;
- and
- connecting at least one viscometer to the bypass flow passage.
A rheology measurement apparatus for use with a subterranean well, the rheology measurement apparatus comprising:
- a main flow passage configured to connect between a pump and a tubular string extending into the well;
- a flow restrictor connected in the main flow passage;
- a first bypass flow passage connected in parallel with the main flow passage, an inlet of the first bypass flow passage in communication with a first section of the main flow passage, and an outlet of the first bypass flow passage in communication with a second section of the main flow passage downstream of the first section;
- a first mass flowmeter connected in the first bypass flow passage;
- and
- a first pipe viscometer connected in the first bypass flow passage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.