System for characterizing flow pattern and pressure of a fluid

An apparatus for viewing a flow and measuring a pressure of a fluid disposed between two facings used for testing the fluid, the apparatus comprising:

• a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface;
• a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the second facing disposable opposite and spaceable apart from the first facing wherein a gap is formed therebetween for containing the fluid;
• a light source for providing light;
• a plurality of transmitting fiber optic members, wherein a portion of each transmitting fiber optic member is supported within the first facing, each transmitting fiber optic member having a transmitting fiber input end disposed near the light source and a transmitting end, the transmitting end open to the front surface of the first facing;
• a plurality of receiving fiber optic members, wherein a portion of each receiving fiber optic member is supported within the second facing, each receiving fiber optic member having a receiving fiber output end and a receiving end, the receiving end open to the front surface of the second facing for receiving light transmitted from a corresponding and optically aligned transmitting end;
• light conversion means, connected to the receiving fiber output end, for converting light received by the receiving fiber optic members into electronic signals;
• signal receiving means, connected to the light conversion means, for receiving the electronic signals;
• signal processing means, connected to the signal receiving means, for processing the electronic signals;
• signal conversion means for converting the signals processed by the signal processing means into an image of the flow of the fluid;
• a stationary plate having an interior surface and a deforming surface, the stationary plate positioned within an open cavity in one of the facings;
• a pressure responsive plate having an exterior surface and a deforming surface, the pressure responsive plate positioned within the cavity wherein the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate is disposed near the deforming surface of the stationary plate;
• a pressure sensing fiber optic member having a pressure sensing fiber input end, the input end disposed near the light source, an output end and a sensing portion, the sensing portion disposed within the cavity and between the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate and the deforming surface of the stationary plate, wherein the sensing portion is reversibly deformed when pressure is exerted upon the sensing portion by the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate;
• a light detecting means connected to the output end of the pressure sensing fiber optic means for detecting a light signal from the pressure sensing fiber optic member;
• and
• pressure outputting means for outputting a pressure reading determined from the light signal detected by the light detecting means.

An apparatus for viewing a flow and measuring a movement of a fluid disposed between two facings used for testing the fluid, the apparatus comprising:

• a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the first facing having an aperture extending therethrough;
• a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the second facing disposable opposite and spaceable apart from the first facing wherein a gap is formed therebetween for containing the fluid;
• a light source for providing light;
• a plurality of transmitting fiber optic members, wherein a portion of each transmitting fiber optic member is supported within the first facing, each transmitting fiber optic member having a transmitting fiber input end disposed near the light source and a transmitting end, the transmitting end open to the front surface of the first facing;
• a plurality of receiving fiber optic members, wherein a portion of each receiving fiber optic member is supported within the second facing, each receiving fiber optic member having a receiving fiber output end and a receiving end, the receiving end open to the front surface of the second facing for receiving light transmitted from a corresponding and optically aligned transmitting end;
• light conversion means, connected to the receiving fiber output end, for converting light received by the receiving fiber optic members into electronic signals;
• signal receiving means, connected to the light conversion means, for receiving the electronic signals;
• signal processing means, connected to the signal receiving means, for processing the electronic signals;
• signal conversion means for converting the signals processed by the signal processing means into an image of the flow of the fluid;
• a laser beam means for providing a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the gap between the first and second facings to form a measuring volume;
• support means for supporting the laser beam means in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid;
• photodetecting means for detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume;
• optical impulse conversion means connected to the photodetecting means for converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses;
• and
• electrical impulse conversion means connected to the optical impulse conversion means for providing an output indicative of the movement of the fluid.

An apparatus for viewing a flow, measuring a pressure and measuring a movement of a fluid disposed between two facings used for testing the fluid, the apparatus comprising:

• a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the first facing and having an aperture extending therethrough;
• a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the second facing and disposable opposite and spaceable apart from the first facing wherein a gap is formed therebetween for containing the fluid;
• a light source for providing light;
• a plurality of transmitting fiber optic members, wherein a portion of each transmitting fiber optic member is supported within the first facing, each transmitting fiber optic member having a transmitting fiber input end disposed near the light source and a transmitting end, the transmitting end open to the front surface of the first facing;
• a plurality of receiving fiber optic members, wherein a portion of each receiving fiber optic member is supported within the second facing, each receiving fiber optic member having a receiving fiber output end and a receiving end, the receiving end open to the front surface of the second facing for receiving light transmitted from a corresponding and optically aligned transmitting end;
• light conversion means, connected to the receiving fiber output end, for converting light received by the receiving fiber optic members into electronic signals;
• signal receiving means, connected to the light conversion means, for receiving the electronic signals;
• signal processing means, connected to the signal receiving means, for processing the electronic signals;
• signal conversion means for converting the signals processed by the signal processing means into an image of the flow of the fluid;
• a stationary plate having an interior surface and a deforming surface, the stationary plate positioned within an open cavity in one of the facings;
• a pressure responsive plate having an exterior surface and a deforming surface, the pressure responsive plate positioned within the cavity wherein the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate is disposed near the deforming surface of the stationary plate;
• a pressure sensing fiber optic member having a pressure sensing fiber input end, the input end disposed near the light source, an output end and a sensing portion, the sensing portion disposed within the cavity and between the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate and the deforming surface of the stationary plate, wherein the sensing portion is reversibly deformed when pressure is exerted upon the sensing portion by the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate;
• a light detecting means connected to the output end of the pressure sensing fiber optic means for detecting a light signal from the pressure sensing fiber optic member;
• pressure outputting means for outputting a pressure reading determined from the light signal;
• a laser beam means for providing a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point to form a measuring volume;
• support means for supporting the laser beam means in the vicinity of the window such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the window toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid;
• photodetecting means for detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume;
• optical impulse conversion means connected to the photodetecting means for converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses;
• and
• electrical impulse conversion means connected to the optical impulse conversion means for providing an output indicative of the movement of the fluid.

A test cell apparatus for testing a fluid, the apparatus comprising:

• a first wall comprised of a plurality of stationary modules, each stationary module having a metal backing and a rock facing connected to the metal backing;
• first support means adjacent and connected to the metal backings of the stationary modules for supporting the first wall;
• a second wall comprised of a plurality of movable modules, each movable module having a metal backing and a rock facing connected to the metal backing, each movable module rock facing disposed apart and opposite from a corresponding stationary module rock facing, thereby forming a continuous gap between the first wall and the second wall;
• actuator means connected to each movable module metal backing for actuating each movable module toward and away from each stationary module;
• second support means adjacent and connected to the actuators of each movable module for supporting the second wall;
• an input valve means for supplying a fluid into the gap;
• an output valve means for draining the fluid from the gap;
• covering means for enclosing the fluid within the gap;
• and
• measuring means for measuring a parameter of the fluid in the test cell.

A test cell apparatus for testing a fluid, the apparatus comprising:

• a first wall comprised of a plurality of stationary modules, each stationary module having a metal backing and a rock facing connected to the metal backing;
• first support means adjacent and connected to the metal backings of the stationary modules for supporting the first wall;
• a second wall comprised of a plurality of movable modules, each movable module having a metal backing and a rock facing connected to the metal backing, each movable module rock facing disposed apart and opposite from a corresponding stationary module rock facing, thereby forming a continuous gap between the first wall and the second wall;
• actuator means connected to each movable module metal backing for actuating each movable module toward and away from each stationary module;
• second support means adjacent and connected to the actuators of each movable module for supporting the second wall;
• an input valve means for supplying a fluid into the gap;
• an output valve means for draining the fluid from the gap;
• covering means for enclosing the fluid within the gap;
• movement measuring means for measuring a movement of the fluid within the gap;
• pressure sensing means for measuring a pressure of the fluid within the gap;
• viewing means for imaging a flow of the fluid within the gap;
• and
• temperature measuring means for estimating a temperature of the fluid within the gap.

A method for viewing a flow of a fluid, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a test cell having disposed therein:
• a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface and a plurality of transmitting fiber optic members, wherein at least a portion of each transmitting fiber optic member is supported within the first facing, each transmitting fiber optic member having a transmitting end open to the front surface of the first facing,
• a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface and a plurality of receiving fiber optic members, wherein at least a portion of each receiving fiber optic member is supported within the second facing, each receiving fiber optic member having a receiving end open to the front surface of the second facing for receiving light transmitted from a corresponding transmitting end, and
• wherein the front surface of the first facing is positioned opposite and spaced apart from the front surface of the second facing forming a gap therebetween, and each transmitting end of the transmitting fiber optic member is optically aligned with the receiving end of one of the receiving fiber optic members;
• passing a fluid into the gap between the first facing and the second facing;
• passing light through the transmitting fiber optic members with the light being passed through and from the transmitting ends of the transmitting fiber optic members;
• receiving, via the receiving fiber optic members, light transmitted from the transmitting fiber optic members;
• converting light received by the receiving fiber optic members into electronic signals;
• receiving and processing the electronic signals;
• and
• producing from the processed electronic signals an image of the flow of the fluid within the cell.

A method for viewing a flow and measuring a pressure of a fluid, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a test cell the test cell having disposed therein:
• a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface and a plurality of transmitting fiber optic members, wherein at least a portion of each transmitting fiber optic member is supported within the first facing, each transmitting fiber optic member having a transmitting end open to the front surface of the first facing,
• a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface and a plurality of receiving fiber optic members, wherein at least a portion of each receiving fiber optic member is supported within the second facing, each receiving fiber optic member having a receiving end open to the front surface of the second facing for receiving light transmitted from a corresponding transmitting end,
• wherein the front surface of the first facing is positioned opposite and spaced apart from the front surface of the second facing forming a gap therebetween, and each transmitting end of the transmitting fiber optic member is optically aligned with the receiving end of one of the receiving fiber optic members,
• a stationary plate having an interior surface and a deforming surface, the stationary plate positioned within an open cavity in the front surface of at least one of the facings,
• a pressure responsive plate having an exterior surface and a deforming surface, the pressure responsive plate positioned within the cavity wherein the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate rests adjacent the deforming surface of the stationary plate, and
• a pressure sensing fiber optic member having a sensing portion disposed within the cavity and between the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate and the deforming surface of the stationary plate, wherein the sensing portion is reversibly deformed when pressure is exerted upon the sensing portion by the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate;
• passing a fluid into the gap between the first facing and the second facing;
• passing light through the transmitting fiber optic members with the light being passed through and from the transmitting ends of the transmitting fiber optic members;
• receiving, via the receiving fiber optic members, light transmitted from the transmitting fiber optic members;
• converting light received by the receiving fiber optic members into electronic signals;
• receiving and processing the electronic signals;
• producing from the processed electronic signals an image of the flow of the fluid within the cell;
• passing light through the pressure sensing fiber optic member;
• detecting a light signal from the pressure sensing fiber optic member;
• and
• outputting a pressure reading determined therefrom.

A method for viewing a flow and measuring a movement of a fluid, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a test cell the test cell having disposed therein:
• a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface and a plurality of transmitting fiber optic members, wherein at least a portion of each transmitting fiber optic member is supported within the first facing, each transmitting fiber optic member having a transmitting end open to the front surface of the first facing,
• a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface and a plurality of receiving fiber optic members, wherein at least a portion of each receiving fiber optic member is supported within the second facing, each receiving fiber optic member having a receiving end open to the front surface of the second facing for receiving light transmitted from a corresponding transmitting end,
• wherein the front surface of the first facing is positioned opposite and spaced apart from the front surface of the second facing forming a gap therebetween, and each transmitting end of the transmitting fiber optic member is optically aligned with the receiving end of one of the receiving fiber optic members, and wherein at least one of the facings, has an aperture extending therethrough;
• passing a fluid into the gap between the first facing and the second facing;
• passing light through the transmitting fiber optic members with the light being passed through and from the transmitting ends of the transmitting fiber optic members;
• receiving, via the receiving fiber optic members, light transmitted from the transmitting fiber optic members;
• converting light received by the receiving fiber optic members into electronic signals;
• receiving and processing the electronic signals;
• producing from the processed electronic signals an image of the flow of the fluid within the cell;
• using a laser beam means to provide a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the fluid to form a measuring volume, and wherein the laser beam means is supported in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid;
• detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume;
• converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses;
• and
• converting the electrical impulses into an output indicative of the movement of the fluid.

A method for viewing a flow and measuring a pressure and a movement of a fluid, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a test cell having disposed therein:
• a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface and a plurality of transmitting fiber optic members, wherein at least a portion of each transmitting fiber optic member is supported within the first facing, each transmitting fiber optic member having a transmitting end open to the front surface of the first facing,
• a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface and a plurality of receiving fiber optic members, wherein at least a portion of each receiving fiber optic member is supported within the second facing, each receiving fiber optic member having a receiving end open to the front surface of the second facing for receiving light transmitted from a corresponding transmitting end, and at least the facings having an aperture extending therethrough, and
• wherein the front surface of the first facing is positioned opposite and spaced apart from the front surface of the second facing forming a gap therebetween, and each transmitting end of the transmitting fiber optic member is optically aligned with the receiving end of one of the receiving fiber optic members,
• a stationary plate having an interior surface and a deforming surface, the stationary plate positioned within an open cavity in the front surface of at least one of the facings,
• a pressure responsive plate having an exterior surface and a deforming surface, the pressure responsive plate positioned within the cavity wherein the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate rests adjacent the deforming surface of the stationary plate, and
• a pressure sensing fiber optic member having a sensing portion disposed within the cavity and between the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate and the deforming surface of the stationary plate, wherein the sensing portion is reversibly deformed when pressure is exerted upon the sensing portion by the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate;
• passing a fluid into the gap between the first facing and the second facing;
• passing light through the transmitting fiber optic members with the light being passed through and from the transmitting ends of the transmitting fiber optic members;
• receiving, via the receiving fiber optic members, light transmitted from the transmitting fiber optic members;
• converting light received by the receiving fiber optic members into electronic signals;
• receiving and processing the electronic signals;
• producing from the processed electronic signals an image of the flow of the fluid within the cell;
• passing light through the pressure sensing fiber optic member;
• detecting a light signal from the pressure sensing fiber optic member;
• outputting a pressure reading determined therefrom;
• using a laser beam means to provide a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the fluid to form a measuring volume, and wherein the laser beam means is supported in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid;
• detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume;
• converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses;
• and
• converting the electrical impulses into an output indicative of the movement of the fluid.

The method of clam 54 wherein the method further comprises;

• providing a test cell having a facing having at least one reference fiber optic member having a reference portion disposed within the facing having the pressure sensing fiber optic member and located generally near the sensing portion of the pressure sensing fiber optic member disposed within the cavity;
• passing light through the reference fiber optic member;
• detecting a second light signal from the reference fiber optic member;
• and
• comparing the first mentioned light signal with the second light signal for providing a compensated pressure reading.

A method for viewing a flow, measuring a pressure and a movement, and estimating a temperature of a fracturing fluid within a fracturing fluid test cell, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a test cell lined internally with a rock facing, the test cell further having disposed therein integral with the rock facing:
• viewing means for viewing the flow of a fluid,
• pressure sensing means for measuring a pressure of the fluid,
• movement measuring means for measuring a movement of the fluid, and
• temperature sensing means for estimating a temperature of the fluid;
• passing fluid through the test cell;
• producing an image of the flow of the fluid;
• measuring a pressure of the fluid and outputting a pressure reading of the fluid;
• measuring an output indicative of the movement of the fluid;
• and
• detecting signals from the temperature sensing means to calculate an estimated temperature reading of the fluid.

A method for viewing a flow, measuring a pressure and a movement, and estimating a temperature of a fluid within a fluid test cell, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a test cell, the test cell having disposed therein:
• fiber optic imaging means for viewing the flow of a fluid,
• pressure sensing fiber optic means for measuring a pressure of the fluid,
• laser beam means for measuring a movement of the fluid, and
• temperature sensing means for estimating a temperature of the fluid;
• passing fluid through the test cell;
• passing light through the fiber optic imaging means and producing an image of the flow of the fluid;
• passing light through the pressure sensing fiber optic means and measuring a pressure of the fluid;
• using the laser beam means to measure a movement of the fluid;
• and
• detecting signals from the temperature sensing means to calculate an estimated temperature reading of the fluid.

An apparatus for viewing a flow and measuring a pressure of a fluid disposed between two facings used for testing the fluid, the apparatus comprising:

• a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface;
• a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the second facing disposable opposite and spaceable apart from the first facing wherein a gap is formed therebetween for containing the fluid;
• a light source for providing light;
• a plurality of transmitting fiber optic members, wherein a portion of each transmitting fiber optic member is supported within the first facing, each transmitting fiber optic member having a transmitting fiber input end disposed near the light source and a transmitting end, the transmitting end open to the front surface of the first facing;
• a plurality of receiving fiber optic members, wherein a portion of each receiving fiber optic member is supported within the second facing, each receiving fiber optic member having a receiving fiber output end and a receiving end, the receiving end open to the front surface of the second facing for receiving light transmitted from a corresponding and optically aligned transmitting end;
• light conversion means, connected to the receiving fiber output end, for converting light received by the receiving fiber optic members into electronic signals;
• signal receiving means, connected to the light conversion means, for receiving the electronic signals;
• signal processing means, connected to the signal receiving means, for processing the electronic signals;
• signal conversion means for converting the signals processed by the signal processing means into an image of the flow of the fluid;
• pressure measuring means comprising optical fiber means integral to one of the first facing and the second facing;
• and
• pressure outputting means for outputting a pressure reading determined from a pressure signal detected by the pressure sensing means.