PETROMAKS2-Stort program petroleum

The scope of this project is to develop an efficient fluid mixing device, a so-called ?shear gun?. This is a mixing device where the fluid components become evenly distributed and homogenized by application of large shear forces. These shear forces destroy undesired internal structures and lumps of components. This device functions by creating two jet streams that are forced to collide head to head inside a noise reducing chamber. The jets are produced by flowing the fluids through adjustable orifices. The flow through an orifice will by itself apply a significant shear force destroying the unwanted structures. In addition will the collision also add to blending and homogenization. The scope of the project is to develop an applicable design of the adjustable orifices and determine the optimum position of the jet stream collision point. Originally was this mixing device planned for application to drilling fluids with application in petroleum and geothermic wells. The drilling industry is using different shear guns today. Generally, these traditional devices are relatively noisy. Several of these use jet streams colliding with metal walls, which again is creating erosion at these walls. Most often these traditional devices are insufficient in performance such that it is necessary to circulate the fluids a long period in the well prior to resume drilling. Even though the present device was designed for production and maintenance of drilling fluids, it can be used efficiently in other industries where it is necessary to blend fluids with for example thickeners and particles. Another suggested application has been to destroy parasites in water columns, like for example within the fish farming industry.

The scope of the project is development of a high shear mixer, a so-called Shear Gun, for mixing and conditioning drilling and completion fluids. This device is originally intended for oil well applications, but will have a significant potential also in other industries. The device consists of two adjacent opposite nozzles creating jet streams colliding inside a collision chamber. Each nozzle has a flow adjustment needle that can be positioned at any distance inside the nozzle, creating restrictions in the flow path. The optimum angle of attack for the nozzle and the control needle is not known. In the project, drilling fluid will be flown into the nozzles given different nozzle or needle angles. The fluids will have a variable degree of emulsion, polymer or particle content. The length of the collision chamber will be addressed. The scope is to establish performance rules that will be applied in the design of the device prototype. The idea is to create guidelines for mixing and conditioning drilling fluids given its desired composition. In the project the different design parameters will by studied initially using a transparent model, later in a metal device handling more elevated pressure. By using the project’s steering committee meeting discussions actively, the project seek to find optimum and practical solutions for rig site application, application on logistical vessels and on base storage tanks. The project will also seek to demonstrate its applicability for other industries.