Abstract

An apparatus and method for continuously mixing well treatment fluids, such as fracturing gels and the like. Dry polymer is fed into a metering feeder which accurately meters the rate of polymer fed into a water spraying mixer. A vent is provided so that air can enter with the polymer as necessary. Water, with or without a buffering compound therein, is flowed through a water inlet of the mixer. The water is jetted into a spiraling flow pattern through which the polymer falls and is substantially wetted. Auxiliary water inlets may be used to add additional water to the water-polymer slurry to increase mixing energy and increase the amount of slurry produced. The slurry is discharged into a mixing tank with an agitator and then into a holding tank. The slurry may also pass through a shear device to further increase the rate of viscosification of the slurry. In this way, the slurry may be continuously mixed on a real time basis while carrying out the well treatment operation, such as the fracturing of a formation.

Other References

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