US 12,392,704 B2
Apparatus and method for determining the static proppant-settling-velocity in fracturing fluids
Jiangshui Huang, Sugar Land, TX (US); Lijun Lin, Katy, TX (US); Genyao Lin, Houston, TX (US); Fuchen Liu, Beijing (CN); and Jianshen Li, Beijing (CN)
Assigned to CNPC US Corporation, Houston, TX (US); Beijing Huamei, Inc., Beijing (CN); and China National Petrolum Corporation, Beijing (CN)
Filed by CNPC USA CORPORATION, Houston, TX (US); BEIJING HUAMEI INC., Beijing (CN); and China National Petroleum Corporation, Beijing (CN)
Filed on Sep. 9, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/941,633.
Prior Publication US 2024/0085300 A1, Mar. 14, 2024
Int. Cl. G01N 15/04 (2006.01); C09K 8/80 (2006.01)
CPC G01N 15/04 (2013.01) [C09K 8/80 (2013.01); C09K 2208/28 (2013.01); G06T 2207/10024 (2013.01); G06T 2207/20132 (2013.01)] 9 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of determining a settling velocity of a proppant in a fracturing fluid, comprising:
taking a plurality of images of the proppant in the fracturing fluid over time;
analyzing the plurality of images to determine a settling height for each of the plurality of images, thereby determining settling heights over time;
determining the settling velocity by finding a first period of time comprising a portion of the settling heights at three or more points of time, wherein the portion of the settling heights is substantially linear over the three or more points of time; and
identifying a second period of time with accelerating settling velocities to exclude from the settling velocity determination.