METHOD OF IN-LINE WELLBORE FLUID BLENDING

Abstract

A system and method of wellbore operations that uses an eductor unit for introducing additives into a moving fluid stream to form a mixture. The mixture is used as a completion drilling fluid for drilling through plugs installed in a wellbore. Example additives include polymers, such as friction reducers, viscosifiers, potassium chloride, polysaccharide, polyacrylamide, biocides, lubricants, long chain polymer molecules, and the like. The fluid is primarily fresh water and/or brine water, and acts as a motive fluid in the eductor unit for drawing the additive into the eductor unit. Forming the mixture in the eductor unit which is injected into the wellbore.

Claims

1. A method of wellbore operations comprising: providing an eductor unit having, a housing with a longitudinal axis; an axial bore in the housing; a jet nozzle in the bore having an axial passage, an inlet, and an outlet; an annular space between an outer surface of the nozzle and inner surface of the axial bore, the annular space having a closed upstream end adjacent the inlet of the nozzle and having an open downstream end adjacent the outlet of the nozzle; first and second additive ports extending through the housing into the annular space; a venturi profile on an inner surface of the bore of the housing adjacent the outlet of the nozzle; an inlet line connected to the bore of the housing upstream from the inlet of the nozzle; an outlet line connected to the bore of the housing downstream from the venturi profile; and a bypass line bypassing the bore of the housing from the inlet line to the outlet line; flowing wellbore fluid through the inlet line, the axial passage of the nozzle, the venturi profile and into the outlet line; diverting a portion of the wellbore fluid flowing from the inlet line through the bypass line to the outlet line; flowing first and second additives through the first and second additive ports, respectively, into the annular space, the first and second additives mixing with the wellbore fluid at the outlet of the nozzle and in the outlet line, creating a mixture; and adjusting a flow rate of at least one of the first and second additives into the annular space until a desired composition of the mixture is reached.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein adjusting a flow rate of at least one of the additives comprises: adjusting a valve connected with at least one of the additive ports.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein adjusting a flow rate of at least one of the additives comprises: adjusting the flow rate through the first additive port while leaving the flow rate through the second additive port constant.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: the annular space decreases in cross-sectional area in a downstream direction from the closed upstream end to the open downstream end.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: an axial length of the annular space is larger than a diameter of the bore of the housing.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: the first additive port is located upstream from the second additive port.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: the first and second additive ports are located upstream from the outlet of the nozzle.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second additives differ from each other.

9. A method of wellbore operations comprising: providing an eductor unit having, a housing with a longitudinal axis; an axial bore in the housing; a jet nozzle in the bore having an axial passage, an inlet, and an outlet; an annular space between an outer surface of the nozzle and inner surface of the axial bore, the annular space having a closed upstream end adjacent the inlet of the nozzle and having an open downstream end adjacent the outlet of the nozzle, the annular space converging to a smaller cross-sectional dimension from the closed upstream end to the open downstream end; first and second additive ports extending through the housing into the annular space upstream from the outlet of the nozzle, the first additive port being closer to the upstream end of the annular space than the second additive port; a venturi profile on an inner surface of the bore of the housing adjacent the outlet of the nozzle; an inlet line connected to the bore of the housing upstream from the inlet of the nozzle; an outlet line connected to the bore of the housing downstream from the venturi; and a bypass line bypassing the bore of the housing from the inlet line to the outlet line; flowing wellbore fluid through the inlet line, through the axial passage of the nozzle, through the venturi and into the outlet line; diverting a portion of the wellbore fluid from the inlet line through the bypass line to the outlet line; and flowing first and second additives through the first and second additive ports, respectively, into the annular space, the first and second additives mixing with the wellbore fluid at the outlet of the nozzle and in the outlet line.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the venturi profile lowers a flowing pressure of the wellbore fluid at the outlet of the nozzle, inducing the flow of the first and second additives from the annular space.

11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: flowing the wellbore fluid from the outlet line to a pump; with the pump, increasing the flowing pressure of the wellbore fluid and delivering the wellbore fluid to a mixing device; then in the mixing device, further mixing the first and second additives within the wellbore fluid; then flowing the wellbore fluid from the mixing device into a wellbore.

12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: running a drill string into a wellbore, drilling plugs previously disposed in the wellbore, pumping wellbore fluid from the outlet line down the drill string, entraining cuttings from the plugs in the wellbore fluid, and circulating the wellbore fluid along with the cuttings up the wellbore; filtering the cuttings from the wellbore fluid, then flowing the wellbore fluid through the inlet line to the eductor unit.

13. The method according to claim 9, further comprising adjusting a flow rate of the first additive through the first additive port relative to the flow rate of the second additive through the second additive port.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first and second additives differ from each other.

15. The method according to claim 9, wherein an axial length of the annular space is greater than a diameter of the bore of the housing.

16. A method of wellbore operations comprising: (a) providing an eductor unit having, a housing with a longitudinal axis; an axial bore in the housing; a jet nozzle in the bore having an axial passage, an inlet, and an outlet; an annular space between an outer surface of the nozzle and inner surface of the axial bore, the annular space having a closed upstream end adjacent the inlet of the nozzle and having an open downstream end adjacent the outlet of the nozzle; first and second additive ports extending through the housing into the annular space; a venturi profile on an inner surface of the bore of the housing adjacent the outlet of the nozzle; an inlet line connected to the bore of the housing upstream from the inlet of the nozzle; an outlet line connected to the bore of the housing downstream from the venturi profile; and a bypass line bypassing the bore of the housing from the inlet line to the outlet line; (b) running a drill string into a wellbore, drilling plugs previously disposed in the wellbore, pumping wellbore fluid down the drill string, entraining cuttings from the plugs in the wellbore fluid, and circulating the wellbore fluid along with the cuttings up the wellbore; (c) filtering the cuttings from the wellbore fluid, then flowing the wellbore fluid through the inlet line, the axial passage of the nozzle, the venturi profile, and into the outlet line; (d) diverting a portion of the wellbore fluid flowing from the inlet line through the bypass line to the outlet line; (e) flowing first and second additives that differ from each other through the first and second additive ports, respectively, into the annular space, and mixing the first and second additives with the wellbore fluid at the outlet of the nozzle and in the outlet line; (f) adjusting a flow rate into the annular space of one of the first and second additives relative to the other until a desired composition of the wellbore fluid at the outlet of the nozzle is reached; (g) flowing the wellbore fluid from the outlet line to a pump; (h) with the pump, increasing the flowing pressure of the wellbore fluid and delivering the wellbore fluid to a mixing device; (i) with the mixing device, further mixing the first and second additives with the wellbore fluid; then (j) repeating steps (b) through (i).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: the annular space decreases in cross-sectional area from the closed upstream end to the open downstream end; and the first additive port is located upstream from the second additive port.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the annular space has an axial length that is greater than a diameter of the bore.

19. The method according to claim 1, wherein: the first and second additive ports are located upstream from the outlet of the nozzle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Some of the features and benefits of the present invention having been stated, others will become apparent as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a side partial sectional view of an example of a plug removal system for use with a wellbore.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an example of an eductor unit for use with the plug removal system of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIGS. 2A and 3 are schematic views of alternate examples of eductor units for use with the plug removal system of FIG. 1.

[0012] While the invention will be described in connection with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0013] The method and system of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments are shown. The method and system of the present disclosure may be in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In an embodiment, usage of the term about includes +/5% of the cited magnitude. In an embodiment, usage of the term substantially includes +/5% of the cited magnitude.

[0014] It is to be further understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the exact details of construction, operation, exact materials, or embodiments shown and described, as modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed illustrative embodiments and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows in a side partial sectional view one example of a plug removal system 10 for removing plugs 12.sub.1, 12.sub.2, 12.sub.3 shown disposed within a wellbore 14. Wellbore 14 intersects a subterranean formation 16, and is shown having a vertical portion V, and a horizontal portion H. As shown, plug 12.sub.1 is in the vertical portion V, whereas plugs 12.sub.2, 12.sub.3 are in the horizontal portion H of wellbore 14. Perforations 18 are shown projecting radially outward from wellbore 14 and into formation 16 which provide a pathway for connate fluid within formation 16 to flow into wellbore 14. Optionally, formation fractures (not shown) may be included within formation 16 that were hydraulically generated by pressurizing wellbore 14, such as with a fracturing fluid. Plug removal system 10 is shown having a drill bit 20 disposed in wellbore 14 and being lowered towards plug 12.sub.1 for drilling out and removing plug 12.sub.1. In the example, plugs 12.sub.1-12.sub.3 can be formed from any material used in plugging or pressure isolating portions of the wellbore 14, such as but not limited to various types of composites and elastomers. Drill bit 20 is mounted on an end of coiled tubing 22 (or other drilling tubular), where the bit 20 and tubing define a drill string 23. Optionally included with the drill string 23 is a mud motor 24 that attaches between the end of the coiled tubing 22 (or other drilling tubular) and bit 20. Carrying tools 25 may alternatively be included that are shown mounted on the string 23 upstream of the mud motor 24. Mud motor 24 rotates the bit 20 downhole so that bit 20 can excavate through the plugs 12.sub.1-12.sub.3. Alternative devices on surface may rotate the drill string 23 eliminating the need of the mud motor 24. A reel 26 is shown on surface for storing the coiled tubing 22; in coiled tubing operations unwinding tubing 22 from reel 26 deploys bit 20 deeper within wellbore 14. Optionally, an oil rig 28 is shown provided over the opening of wellbore 14 on surface, and from which sections of drill pipe may be used in place of the tubing 22. In an alternative, a blowout preventer (BOP) 30 is provided on surface and at the opening of wellbore 14 for providing positive well control during operations within wellbore 14.

[0016] In one embodiment, the bit 20 includes nozzles that discharge a mixture M of completion drilling fluid. After the mixture M is discharged from bit 20, fragments of the drilled plugs 12.sub.1-12.sub.3 become entrained in the mixture M. The pressure of the mixture M exiting the bit 20 is sufficient to circulate the completion drilling fluid up the wellbore 14, through BOP 30, and into a return line 32. In the return line 32, the mixture M with fragments is directed to a solids removal system 34 for processing to remove particulate matter and solids within the mixture M, such as the cuttings from drilling though the plugs 12.sub.1-12.sub.3. A pressure control valve 36 is shown installed in return line 32 for maintaining a back pressure against pressure in wellbore 14, formation 16, and in return line 32. Removing the solids and particulate matter from the completion drill fluid forms a conditioned well fluid defined as fluid F. A storage tank 38, via line 40, receives fluid F discharged from solid removal system 34.

[0017] Still referring to FIG. 1, as described below fluid F mixes with an additive A to form mixture M. In one example fluid F is made up substantially by weight of fresh water and/or brine water, and can contain trace amounts (i.e. less than 1.0 percent by weight) of other substances, including but not limited to particles of plug cuttings, and trace amounts of additive A not removed in the solids removal system 34. In the illustrated example, additive A is stored within an additive storage vessel 42 and is directed to an eductor unit 44 via line 46. An optional control valve 47 regulates flow of the additive through line 46. In a non-limiting example, regulating flow through line 46 includes allowing an unimpeded flow of additive in line 46 (i.e. 100% of a maximum flow), fully impeding a flow of fluid in line 46 (i.e. 0% of a maximum flow), and partially impeding flow in line 46 so that a flow rate in line 46 is between 0% and 100% of a maximum flow. Fluid F is directed to eductor unit 44 within line 48, whose opposing ends are shown connected to tank 38 and eductor unit 44. An optional in-line filtration device or centrifugal sand/debris separator Z is shown placed in line 48 and between the fluid storage tank 38 and eductor unit 44 to polish and finish the debris removal process of the completion drilling fluid F prior to being reintroduced in the wellbore operations. Line 46 is schematically shown coupled to an eduction port 49 that projects through a sidewall of eductor unit 44. Additive A exits line 46, flows through inject port 49, and into eductor unit 44 for mixing with the fluid F. It should be pointed out that embodiments exist wherein more than one type of additive A is mixed with the fluid F within eductor unit 44. Thus multiple additive storage vessels 42, or multiple compartments within additive storage vessel 42, may be provided for storing of different additives A to be mixed with fluid F. Further optionally, embodiments exist wherein eductor unit 44 includes multiple eduction ports 49, or where multiple additives are injected into a manifold (not shown) that is in communication with a single port 49. Examples of additives include friction reducers, viscosifiers (such as polyacrylamide and polysaccharide), potassium chloride, Xantham gum polymer, hydroxyethyl cellulose polymer, guar gum polymer, biocides, lubricants, long chain polymer molecules, ethylene glycol, methanol, isooctyl alcohol, xylene, ethylbenzene,kerosene, dihydroxyaluminum stearate, fatty acids, poly(acrylamide-co-sodium acrylate, ammonium bisulfate, isopropanol, 3-(tridecyloxy)-2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium, 1-dodecanesulfonic acid, hydroxyl-sodium salt, dodecene-1-sulfonic acid, glutaraldehyde, 2-propenoic acid, polymer with 2-propenamide, sodium chloride, C12-C14 isoalkanes, and the like, and combinations thereof. Additives can be obtained from Rockwater Energy Solutions, 515 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 200, Houston, Tex. 77027, 713-235-9500.

[0018] In the example of FIG. 1, mixture M exits eductor unit 44 and is directed to a transport pump 50 via line 52. In one example transport pump 50 is a centrifugal pump, and discharges the mixture M into line 54 at a pressure sufficient to overcome dynamic losses in lines 48, 52, 54, which in an example is around 40 pounds per square inch (psi) to around 100 psi. Mixture M discharged from the transport pump 50 is directed to an injection pump 56 within line 54. Examples of the injection pump 56 include a high pressure positive displacement pump that pressurizes the mixture M up to about 10,000 psi. Optionally, mixture M after being discharged from injection pump 56 is directed to a high pressure mixing device 58 via line 60. One example of a high pressure mixing device 58 is provided in U.S. patent application No. 14/075,436 filed Nov. 8, 2013, which is assigned to the owner of this application, and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. An advantage of the high pressure mixing device 58 installed between lines 60 and 62 is that the need for surface atmospheric, or other such low pressure mixing devices is eliminated, thereby allowing for real time positive displacement homogenous mixing and blending. Another advantage of the device 38 is near instantaneous full hydration of additive polymers under pressure while mixture M is heading towards the drill string 23, and ultimately exiting the bit 20. A feedline 62 is shown having an end attached to a discharge of mixing device 58 and which provides fluid communication between mixing device and coiled tubing 22 wound on reel 26. Thus in an example, the mixture M is injected into the well 14, via coiled tubing 22 (or other drilling tubular) and used for removing cuttings or other particulate matter when drilling through the plugs 12.sub.1-12.sub.3.

[0019] Referring now to FIG. 2, shown in schematic view is an example of the eductor unit 44, where bypass lines 63, 64 divert a portion of the fluid F entering eductor unit 44. As shown, lines 63, 64 each have an inlet end connected to line 48, and an exit end connected to line 52. Also shown are leads 65.sub.1-65.sub.3 which have inlets connected to line 46, and leads 65.sub.4-65.sub.6, which have inlets connected to line 66. In the illustrated example, line 66 branches from line 46 so that additive flowing in line 46 can be delivered to leads 65.sub.4-65.sub.6. Leads 65.sub.1-65.sub.6 respectively register with ports 67.sub.1-67.sub.6 that extend through a sidewall of a housing 68. Housing 68 is an annular member shown provided generally coaxially in the eductor unit 44, and that extends from where bypass lines 63, 64 intersect line 48 to where bypass lines 63, 64 intersect line 52. Thus in the example of FIG. 2, bypass lines 63, 64 carry an amount of fluid F around housing 68. A bore 70 is shown extending axially through housing 68 thereby providing fluid communication between line 48 and line 52. A jet nozzle 71 is disposed within housing 68 having a passage 72 extending axially through the jet nozzle 71. An inlet 73 to the passage 72 is shown disposed in a portion of housing 68 proximate to line 48, and which receives a portion of the flow of fluid F from line 48 not diverted to bypasses 63, 64. Fluid F entering jet nozzle 71 through the inlet 73, flows through the passage 72 and exits through an outlet 74 shown on an end of nozzle 71 distal from inlet 73. In the example of FIG. 2, outlet 74 of jet nozzle 71 has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than or equal to a cross-sectional area of the inlet 73 to jet nozzle 71. In one embodiment, the outlet 74 of jet nozzle 71 has a cross-sectional area that is greater than the cross-sectional areas of bypass lines 63, 64. Bypass lines 63, 64 can have the same or different cross sectional areas. Examples exist wherein bypasses 63 and 64 are operable bypasses, and depending on desired flow through jet nozzle 71, may either fully open or closed on demand with various types of flow control devices (not shown), such as but not limited to, ball valves.

[0020] A profile 75 is shown that extends axially along a portion of the sidewalls of bore 70 and proximate the outlet 74 of jet nozzle 71. An inner surface of profile 75 follows a path that is generally oblique to an axis Ax of bore 70 and radially inward from sidewalls of bore 70. At an axial distance downstream from outlet 74, the inner surface of profile 75 transitions radially outward towards sidewalls of bore 70 and along a path oblique to axis Ax. At the transition the profile 75 has a maximum radial thickness, which forms a minimum diameter D.sub.min within bore 70. An angle between the surface of profile 70 and axis Ax downstream of transition is greater than an angle between surface of profile 70 and axis Ax upstream of transition. The profile 75 thus reduces flow path diameter in the bore 70 from a maximum diameter D.sub.B to minimum diameter D.sub.min, and back to maximum diameter D.sub.B. The changes in diameter of the bore 70 define a venturi 76 within bore 70. As such, the restricted diameter of the venturi 76 causes a localized increase in velocity of the fluid F flowing within bore 70, which in turn generates a localized reduced pressure. An annular space 77 shown between the sidewalls of bore 70 and outer radius of jet nozzle 71 also experiences a localized reduced pressure. Reducing the pressure in the annular space 77 creates a pressure differential between the annular space 77 and line 46, which induces a flow of additive A through ports 67.sub.1-67.sub.6 into annular space 77.

[0021] Shown in FIG. 2A is an alternate example of eductor unit 44A, where additive flowing through each of the ports 67.sub.1-67.sub.6 can be different, which is unlike the embodiment of FIG. 2 wherein the additive in each port 67.sub.1-67.sub.6 is the same. In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, dedicated lines 46A.sub.1-46A.sub.6 have inlet ends coupled with storage vessels 42A.sub.1-42A.sub.6, and outlet ends that register respectively with ports 67.sub.1-67.sub.6. Control valves 47A.sub.1-47A.sub.6 are shown respectively on lines 46A.sub.1-46A.sub.6 and that regulate flow through the lines 46A.sub.1-46A.sub.6. Thus depending on a particular application, a same or different additive is injected into the eductor unit 44, 44A. Examples exist wherein valving (not shown) is installed that allow for selective changing between injecting the same or different additives. Further, in one example, the lines 46A.sub.1-46A.sub.6 connecting to each of the ports 67.sub.1-67.sub.6 can include control valves (not shown) for regulating the volumetric flow rate of additives through the eduction ports 67.sub.1-67.sub.6.

[0022] The feedback for determining the flow through lines 46, 48 (FIG. 2) can be gained from monitoring conditions of the mixture M downstream of eductor unit 44, or at the discharge end of eductor unit 44. For example, if a viscous fluid makes up one of the additives A being injected via eduction ports 67.sub.1-67.sub.6, monitoring the viscosity of the mixture M real time can provide a basis for adjusting a flow rate of the viscous fluid additive. An example of a monitoring system is shown with an indicator 78 mounted on a probe 80 that is in communication with the mixture M in line 62. Probe 80 includes sensing means that monitors information about the fluid, such as but not limited to fluid conditions, characteristics, and/or properties. Signals representing the sensed fluid information is transmitted to a controller 82 via a communication means 84. In an example, controller 82 includes an information handling system, which contains a processor, memory accessible by the processor, nonvolatile storage area accessible by the processor, and logics for performing each of the steps above described. Examples exist where communication means 84 includes an electrically conducting medium, means for wireless communication, fiber optics, and combinations thereof. In one non-limiting example of operation, logics direct controller 82 to change an amount of additive being dispensed to the eductor unit 44 based on fluid information sensed by the monitoring system. In an embodiment, controller 82 provides instructional commands to control valve 47 (FIG. 2), or control valves 47A.sub.1-47A.sub.6 (FIG. 2) to regulate the amount of additive being dispensed to eductor units 44, 44A. In an example, changing the amount of additive includes reducing a flow rate of the amount of additive, or increasing a flow rate of the amount of additive. Conversely, an external electronic digital monitoring sensor and electronic readout (not shown) that senses the flow rate of additive A through line 46, but that is not in direct contact with additive A or mixture M, can be mounted on additive storage vessel 42 or on line 46. Alternatively the sensor can monitor an internal drainage rate of the additive storage vessel 47. In this example, a volumetric versus timed dosage flow rate of additive A can be released into the eductor via line 46 in a controlled dosage fashion using control valve 47, the electronic readout and operation of control valve 47 can either be hands on or remotely controlled via electronics.

[0023] One of the advantages of the mixing of the additive A and fluid F within the eductor unit 44 is that particular additives can be controllingly dosed into the stream of fluid F flowing within the eductor unit 44. In certain embodiments when used in conjunction with the high pressure mixing device 58, completion drilling fluid additives are homogenously mixed, blended and the polymers hydrated near instantaneously. An example of near instantaneously is from about 10 seconds to about 15 seconds or less. One non-limiting example of hydration is defined by the absorption of water into the polymeric molecule, or cleavage of water into the polymeric molecule; thus embodiments exist where the greater the absorption, the higher the yield of the polymer. In contrast, traditional ways of hydrating particular polymers may require multiple hours of blending, mixing, and shear stressing. The additive A is added to the fluid F over a period of time when forming the mixture M in the eductor unit 44; thus the flowrate of additive A into the eductor unit 44 is less than that of the known method of dumping all of the additive into a mixing vat. The reduced flow rate of the additive of the present disclosure is believed to be due to efficiency of hydration percentage when used in conjunction with the high pressure inline mixer 58. Accordingly, as described above and illustrated in the figures, combining the additive A with fluid F in the confines of the eductor unit 44, and used in conjunction with the high pressure inline mixer 58, increases initial contact surface area between the additive A and fluid F, thereby significantly and unexpectedly increasing the rate of hydration over previously known methods.

[0024] In one alternative, the percent hydration of the additives A in the fluid F is estimated by measuring viscosity of the mixture M, and correlating the measured viscosity with a value of hydration. Example methods of measuring hydration rates of additive A verses percentage of polymer by volume of mixture M include using field hand held devices, one of which is a marsh funnel viscosity measurement devices or viscometers, such as the Viscolite 700, manufactured by Hydramotion, which measures the dynamic viscosity in centipoise. Information on the Viscolite 700 can be obtained from Nelson Systems, sys.nelsontech.com. A non-limiting example of hydration rates achieved within the high pressure inline mixer 58 when utilizing the eductor unit 44 include up to about 98% hydration, 96% hydration, 92% hydration, 90% hydration, 88% hydration, 86% hydration, and all values between these listed values. In one embodiment, 100% hydration occurs when the molecules making up the additive being hydrated have become fully associated, or cleaved, with an amount of water molecules such that the molecules making up the additive being hydrated cannot become associated with any more or any additional water molecules. Not only is there a tremendous time savings with the eductor unit 44, but capital costs can be significantly reduced as blender units are significantly more expensive than the piping and hardware of an example of the eductor unit 44.

[0025] FIG. 3 shows in a side partial sectional view an alternate example of an eductor unit 44B and having bypasses 63B, 64B which direct some of the fluid F being introduced via line 46B to make its way directly to line 52B. This diverts some of the fluid F around the housing 68B of eductor unit 44B. In the example of FIG. 3, a single port 49B is shown for delivering additive A into annular space 77B for mixing with fluid F to create mixture M. Additive A is shown being stored within a hopper 86B, and dispensed from hopper 86B into a conduit 87B by selectively operating an on/off valve 88B shown mounted within conduit 87B. An end of conduit 87B opposite from its connection to hopper 86B registers with port 67B that is formed through a sidewall of housing 68B. A control valve 90B is shown in conduit 87B and on a side of valve 88B distal from hopper 86B. However, examples exist wherein control valve 90B is disposed between valve 88B and hopper 86B. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, when valve 88B is in the open position, control valve 90B regulates a flow of additive A from hopper 86B and into annular space 77B. Monitoring the level of additive A within hopper 86B over time, and comparing the changing level with metered marks provided on the wall of the hopper 86B, a flow rate of the additive A into the annular space 77B can be estimated. If the observed flow rate of additive A is different from a designated flowrate of additive A, the control valve 90B can be adjusted so that the designated flowrate of additive A is delivered to the annular space 77B. In one example, the designated flowrate of additive A is so that mixture M has a particular amount of additive A being mixed with fluid F to achieve designated properties of the mixture M. In one example, control valve 90B is a diaphragm-type pinch valve whose opening can be adjusted with a hand wheel manually, which can be obtained from Red Valve, www.redvalve.com, Red Valve Company 600 N. Bell Ave., Bldg. 2, Carnegie, Pa. 15106.

[0026] The present invention described herein, therefore, is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as others inherent therein. While a presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been given for purposes of disclosure, numerous changes exist in the details of procedures for accomplishing the desired results. For example, the embodiments of FIGS. 2, 2A, and 3 can be combined, either in series or in parallel to form a system for introducing additives into a fluid to be injected into a wellbore. These and other similar modifications will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and are intended to be encompassed within the spirit of the present invention disclosed herein and the scope of the appended claims.