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CA2750776A1 - Frac water blending system - Google Patents

Frac water blending system Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2750776A1
CA2750776A1 CA2750776A CA2750776A CA2750776A1 CA 2750776 A1 CA2750776 A1 CA 2750776A1 CA 2750776 A CA2750776 A CA 2750776A CA 2750776 A CA2750776 A CA 2750776A CA 2750776 A1 CA2750776 A1 CA 2750776A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
water
pipeline
flow
level
salination
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA2750776A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
David J. Elliott
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Repsol Oil and Gas Canada Inc
Original Assignee
Flo Dynamics Systems Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Flo Dynamics Systems Inc filed Critical Flo Dynamics Systems Inc
Priority to CA2750776A priority Critical patent/CA2750776A1/en
Priority to US13/275,797 priority patent/US20130048276A1/en
Publication of CA2750776A1 publication Critical patent/CA2750776A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B21/00Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
    • E21B21/10Valve arrangements in drilling-fluid circulation systems
    • E21B21/106Valve arrangements outside the borehole, e.g. kelly valves
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B21/00Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
    • E21B21/06Arrangements for treating drilling fluids outside the borehole
    • E21B21/062Arrangements for treating drilling fluids outside the borehole by mixing components
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/25Methods for stimulating production
    • E21B43/26Methods for stimulating production by forming crevices or fractures
    • E21B43/2607Surface equipment specially adapted for fracturing operations

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Accessories For Mixers (AREA)

Abstract

A water blending system for a gas shale well is provided, including: a first inlet pipeline receiving water from a freshwater source, the first inlet pipeline having a first valve; a second inlet pipeline receiving flow back water, the second inlet pipeline having a second control valve;
and a third pipeline, receiving water flow from the first and second pipelines, the first pipelines having a salination level detector, the third pipeline flowing water into a tank; wherein the water flow of the first and second inlet pipelines is adjusted based on a salination level detected by the salination level detector.

Description

FRAC WATER BLENDING SYSTEM
Field of the Invention [0001] This invention relates to the provision of water for use with gas shale wells, and more particularly for provision of frac water therefor.

Background of the Invention
[0002] Hydraulic stimulation (fracture) is used in shale gas wells by using frac water to stimulate, or fracture the shale. Frac water includes either fresh water, or a blend of fresh and `flow back' water. Flow back water is water that has previously been pumped into the shale formation, and is returned to the surface during testing and production periods. The flow back water generally contains dissolved solids, typically with high concentrations of dissolved salts.
Flow back water can be generally reused if the salinity level, as measured in parts per million (ppm) is below a certain threshold. Generally, this threshold is in the range of 30,000 - 90,000 ppm, and in some applications may be even higher. Higher salinity levels mean higher fluid friction, making the water more difficult to pump at high pressures.
[0003] It is difficult to accurately and easily blend two streams of water (fresh and flow back) into an output stream with a consistent desired salinity level. Previous solutions have been to pump individual streams of fresh and flow back water into a frac water tank (such as a WesteelTM
c-ring), circulate the water, and constantly sample the water for salinity.
The challenge is that fresh and salt water tend to stratify due to the difference in density, and they tend to separate with the heavier salty water sinking to the bottom of the tank. This makes getting a true water sample difficult as the water may not have blended well. It is also typically a manual operation, with many inaccuracies, and is also not energy efficient due to the increased pumping power needed for agitation (mixing) of the water.

Summary of the Invention
[0004] The invention provides a means to maximize the flow back water that is reused, and maintain the maximum salinity allowed, in order to minimize the use of fresh water, use less energy than in previous methods and provide a more consistent blending of both streams of water.
[0005] The system according to the invention blends the flow back water and fresh water prior to entering the tank, and discharges water with the correct salinity into the tank. The system includes an intake pipe for fresh water, an intake pipe for flow back water, with control valves on each pipe, a junction of the two streams and a long mixing pipeline which mixes the water either by making use of the turbulent flow regime of the individual streams of water from each intake pipe, or the mixing pipeline can be configured with agitation plates for mixing the incoming streams of water (useful if the flow is laminar), as well as a conductivity meter that measures the salinity levels of the mixed stream of water. The input water streams can be throttled with the valves to achieve the desired salinity (or conductivity) as displayed on the meter.
[0006] There are several ways of adjusting the intake pipelines. As an example, two different modes may either provide for maximum flow back water flow or maximum fresh water flow. If the maximum water flow is desired, then typically the fresh water pipeline valve will stay at maximum open and the flow back water pipeline valve will be throttled to provide the maximum salinity permitted; and if the maximum reuse of flow back water is desired, then the flow back water pipeline valve is open to its maximum and if the resultant salinity is higher than the maximum permitted, the fresh water pipeline valve is gradually closed to achieve the permitted salinity. Therefore, the mixing of the flow back water and fresh water depends on the flows of the two pipelines, the flow back water salinity and the resultant salinity permitted. An operator may have confidence that the frac water being used for fracture stimulation is indeed at the correct salinity level, and maximum reuse of the flow back water is achieved, which is best for the environment, and for longevity of the industry.
[0007] The system according to the invention is portable and can be installed quickly, and it allows a large flow rate while under high pressure. The control valves can be automated with a simple algorithm, or can be manually controlled. Flow meters are used to track values of fresh and flow back water used for reporting purposes. The system is compatible with commonly used open top tank systems currently being used in the industry, with a small modification of the discharge/blending tube to discharge into a manifold or directly into a closed top tank.
[0008] A water blending system for a gas shale well is provided, including: a first inlet pipeline receiving water from a freshwater source, the first inlet pipeline having a first valve; a second inlet pipeline receiving flow back water, the second inlet pipeline having a second control valve;
and a third pipeline, receiving water flow from the first and second pipelines, the first pipelines having a salination level detector, the third pipeline flowing water into a tank; wherein the water flow of the first and second inlet pipelines is adjusted based on a salination level detected by the salination level detector.

Brief Description of the Figures
[0009] Figure 1 is a top view of a blending pipe system according to the invention;
[0010] Figure 2 is a side view thereof;

[0011 ] Figure 3 is a rear view thereof; and [0012] Figure 4 is a flow chart showing a control process using the system.
Description of the Invention [0013] The system, as shown in Figures 1 through 3, includes support skid 100 which structurally supports the system, and provides contact with the ground surface. Skid 100 provides stability, and may be an oilfield skid with features such as winching ears and lifting points, allowing skid 100 to be moved easily.

[0014] Fresh water intake pipeline 110 and flow back water intake pipeline 120 lead into discharge pipeline 130. Fresh water intake pipeline 110 receives water from a fresh water source. Flow back water intake pipeline 120 receives water that had previously been pumped into the shale formation, and has been reclaimed. Discharge pipeline 130 is configured to run the mixed water flow over wall 140 of tank 150 to allow the mixed water to enter tank 150 for use as frac water.

[0015] Fresh water intake pipeline 110 and flow back water intake pipeline 120 are configured according to the incoming water system parameters, such as flow rates. In general, the water should enter pipelines 110, 120 via approximately 10" pipelines. Pipelines 110, 120 and 130 may be made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or stainless steel and may be internally coated with steel to resist the corrosiveness of the flow back water. The pipe diameter reduces along pipelines 110, 120 as they approach junction 230 to increase the velocity of the water therein and provide a full pipe cross sectional flow as may be required by flow meters 190, 200.
Control valves 170, 180 are positioned downstream of flow meters 190, 200. By-pass tubes 210, 220 may be placed to relieve pressure on pipelines 110, 120, if required.

[0016] Pipelines 110, 120 join and form a single discharge pipeline 130 at junction 230 wherein the fresh water and flow back water mix. Discharge pipeline 130 may include agitation plates (not shown) to assist in mixing the two incoming water streams. The mixed water is directed up and over the wall 140 of tank 150 by discharge pipeline 130. Conductivity probe 240 is positioned near the top of discharge pipeline 130 (above the high water level) and several pipe diameters downstream of junction 230 to ensure that the water is well mixed.
The mixed water is horizontally discharged into the depths of tank 150 to provide for mixing of the water within tank 150.

[0017] Siphon tubes 300, 310 may be used to break the continuity of the water flow between tank 150 and discharge pipeline 130 in case remedial work is necessary or should pipeline 130 be disconnected. Siphon tubes 300, 310 allow water to be easily emptied from discharge pipeline 130. Drain port 315 is also present to drain discharge pipeline 130 easily.

[0018] Flow meters 190, 200 may be magnetic flow meters, which require no moving parts, and are not susceptible to fouling from harsh water conditions. Meters 190, 200 are used to track total and instantaneous flows of the two input water streams from pipelines 110, 120 and can serve as part of the automated system for control of the water streams.
Conductivity probe or salinity meter 240 measures the conductivity of the output mixed water stream in pipeline 130.
The conductivity level is displayed in a convenient location, and water conductivity can be converted to a salinity level. Meter 240 can be configured to display salinity in PPM or uS/cm (micro Siemens/Centimetre).

[0019] Flow meters 190, 200 and conductivity probe 240 and display may be powered by a solar panel and/or a 24V battery system built into skid 100 or by a power system located at a control center nearby.

[0020] As shown in Figure 4, in use, the system, either manually or automatically, first determines the salinity level of the mixed water flow in discharge pipeline 130 (step 1000). If the sanity level is at an acceptable level between predetermined maximum and minimum salinity levels (step 1050), no action is taken (step 1100).

[0021] If the salinity level is greater than the acceptable maximum salinity level (step 1050), then either the freshwater intake pipeline flow is increased and/or the flow back water intake pipeline flow is decreased using control valves 170, 180 (step 1200). Then the salinity level is determined again (return to step 1000).

[0022] If the salinity level is less than the acceptable minimum salinity level (step 1050), then either the freshwater intake pipeline flow is decreased and/or the flow back water intake pipeline flow is increased using control valves 170, 180 (step 1300) depending on whether maximum flow or maximum flow back water reuse is desired. Then the salinity level is determined again (return to step 1000). Flow rates are considered in determining either the maximum flow rate or the maximum reuse of flow back water, which depends on the flow of the fresh and flow back water streams and the incoming water salinity.

[0023] Alternatively, if the salinity level is greater than the maximum wanted, then the flow back water flow is decreased or the fresh water flow is increased (step 1200).
Again the end goal of the user, be it to maximize the overall flow rate, or maximize the use of flow back water, will affect the determination.

[0024] For example, two desired modes of operation my be to achieve maximum flow of water to tank 150 or the maximum reuse of flow back water, depending on the volume of water needed for frac purposes, and while maintaining the desired salinity levels between and maximum and a minimum. In the first mode, to obtain maximum flow of water to tank 150, the fresh water valve 170 remains at the maximum open position and the flow back water valve 180 is adjusted to the maximum level at which the maximum salinity level permitted is reached. In the second mode, the maximum reuse of flow back water, the flow back water valve 180 remains at the maximum open position and if the resultant salinity is higher than the maximum level permitted, then the fresh water valve 170 is gradually adjusted to achieve the desired salinity.
The valve adjustments thus depend on the flows of the individual streams, the flow back water salinity level and the resultant salinity permitted [0025] The system can also be configured to mix the water in tank 150 to further reduce salinity levels by having pipeline 120 receive water from a bypass pipeline drawing water from tank 150.
[0026] The above-described embodiments have been provided as examples, for clarity in understanding the invention. A person with skill in the art will recognize that alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to the embodiments described above while remaining within the scope of the invention as defined by claims appended hereto.

Claims (11)

I claim:
1. A water blending system for a gas shale well, comprising:

a. a first inlet pipeline receiving water from a freshwater source, said first inlet pipeline having a first valve;

b. a second inlet pipeline receiving flow back water, said second inlet pipeline having a second control valve;

c. a third pipeline, receiving water flow from said first and second pipelines, said first pipelines having a salination level detector, said third pipeline flowing water into a tank.
2. The water bending system of claim 1 wherein said water flow of said first and second inlet pipelines is adjusted based on a salination level detected by said salination level detector
3. The water blending system of claim 2 wherein said first and second inlet pipes meet said third pipeline at a junction.
4. The water blending system of claim 3 wherein said third pipeline has a siphon tube exterior thereto.
5. The water blending system of claim 4 wherein said first and second valves may be bypassed through respective first and second bypass lines.
6. The water blending system of claim 5 wherein said third pipeline has a plurality of agitation plates.
7. The water blending system of claim 6 wherein said first and second pipelines have respective first and second flow meters.
8. The water blending system of claim 7 wherein said first and second flow meters are magnetic flow meters.
9. A method of providing frac water to a tank, comprising the steps of:

a. receiving a flow of fresh water from a first pipeline, said first pipelines having a first control valve;

b. receiving a flow of flow back water from a second pipeline, said second pipeline having a second control valve;

c. combining the flow of fresh water from said first pipeline and flow back water from said second pipeline into a third water flow;

d. determining the salination level of said combined water flow, and:

i. if said salination level is above a maximum level, increasing said first pipeline flow or decreasing said second pipeline flow; or ii. if said salination level is below a minimum level, increasing said second pipeline flow or decreasing said first pipeline flow.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein said first pipeline flow is set at a maximum level, and if said salination level is greater than said maximum level, said second pipeline flow is reduced.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein said second pipeline flow is set at a maximum level and if said salination level is greater than said maximum level, said first pipeline flow is increased.
CA2750776A 2011-08-26 2011-08-26 Frac water blending system Abandoned CA2750776A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2750776A CA2750776A1 (en) 2011-08-26 2011-08-26 Frac water blending system
US13/275,797 US20130048276A1 (en) 2011-08-26 2011-10-18 Frac water blending system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2750776A CA2750776A1 (en) 2011-08-26 2011-08-26 Frac water blending system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2750776A1 true CA2750776A1 (en) 2013-02-26

Family

ID=47741957

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2750776A Abandoned CA2750776A1 (en) 2011-08-26 2011-08-26 Frac water blending system

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20130048276A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2750776A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012060950A1 (en) * 2010-11-04 2012-05-10 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Chemical delivery apparatus, system, and method for hydrocarbon production
CN104355364B (en) * 2014-11-25 2016-01-20 天津水运工程勘察设计院 Water ballast s.t.o. sewage automatic discharging device
CN114427422B (en) * 2020-09-25 2024-02-02 中国石油化工股份有限公司 Multistage fracturing and intelligent well completion integrated tubular column and method

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US1982961A (en) * 1933-12-18 1934-12-04 Harry M Marsh Water softening apparatus
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US4915505A (en) * 1980-04-28 1990-04-10 Geo Condor, Inc. Blender apparatus
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US5792342A (en) * 1992-09-18 1998-08-11 Nutech Environmental Corporation Apparatus for coordinating chemical treatment of sewage
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US6193402B1 (en) * 1998-03-06 2001-02-27 Kristian E. Grimland Multiple tub mobile blender
US5993671A (en) * 1998-03-18 1999-11-30 Peltzer; Charles T. Method for manufacturing a system for treating reclaimed water to provide treated water
US6224778B1 (en) * 1998-03-18 2001-05-01 Charles T. Peltzer Method for manufacturing a system for mixing fluids
CN100374189C (en) * 2000-07-31 2008-03-12 迅捷公司 Method and apparatus for blending process materials
WO2003072328A1 (en) * 2002-02-22 2003-09-04 Flotek Indutries, Inc. Mobile blending apparatus
US7344298B2 (en) * 2002-07-19 2008-03-18 Celerity, Inc. Method and apparatus for blending process materials
DE10239189A1 (en) * 2002-08-21 2004-03-04 Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag, Reinach Device and method for mixing two fluids
JP4512913B2 (en) * 2003-04-07 2010-07-28 旭有機材工業株式会社 Fluid mixing device
CA2619490A1 (en) * 2007-02-05 2008-08-05 Timothy David Mulligan Fluid supply monitoring system
CA2756167A1 (en) * 2011-10-14 2013-04-14 Flo-Dynamics Systems Inc. System for delivering frac water at high pressure
US9708870B2 (en) * 2012-02-22 2017-07-18 Richard Paul Posa System and method for treating produced, desalted, and flow back water

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Publication number Publication date
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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request

Effective date: 20160826

FZDE Discontinued

Effective date: 20180828

FZDE Discontinued

Effective date: 20180828