Adaptive Calibration Memory Gauge for Well Measurement Accuracy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Memory gauges deployed in wells often measure parameters at lower values than their calibration maximum, resulting in reduced accuracy due to the unknown maximum values of parameters at different depths and subsurface structures, leading to the need for high-value calibration to record any encountered value.

Innovation Solution

The method involves generating and storing multiple calibration tables for a memory gauge by varying a parameter in a controlled environment to create calibration tables for different maximum values, allowing the gauge to select the most appropriate calibration table based on the measured parameter, thereby improving measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a memory gauge is calibrated to a high maximum value to record any encountered parameter in a well, then the gauge can measure any possible value, but the accuracy is reduced because the measured value is much lower than the calibration maximum

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement rangeVSAvoidaccuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single calibration range into multiple calibration tables, each covering a specific range of the measured parameter. Instead of using one high-value calibration that compromises accuracy across all ranges, the system segments the measurement space into multiple zones, each with its own optimized calibration. This allows the gauge to maintain high accuracy within each segment while preserving the ability to measure across a wide overall range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic calibration selection mechanism that automatically chooses the appropriate calibration table based on the actual measured values. Rather than using a static high-value calibration for all scenarios, the system dynamically adapts by selecting the calibration table whose maximum value is closest to but not less than the measured parameter, thereby optimizing accuracy for each specific measurement condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If multiple calibration tables are stored in the gauge memory, then the accuracy is improved by selecting the appropriate calibration, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccuracyVSAvoidmemory and processing requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by storing multiple calibration tables in memory, where each table represents a partial calibration set for a specific range. Rather than attempting to create a single comprehensive calibration that covers all possible scenarios (excessive action), the system uses multiple specialized calibration tables that collectively cover the full range while maintaining simplicity within each table.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary organization of calibration data into multiple pre-segmented tables during the calibration phase. This preliminary action allows the gauge to quickly select the appropriate calibration table during operation without requiring complex real-time calculations, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a single calibration table is used for all measurements, then the device complexity is minimized, but the accuracy is compromised when measured values are far from the calibration maximum

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration structureVSAvoidaccuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter organization by dividing the calibration data into multiple tables, each with different maximum values corresponding to different measurement ranges. This parameter change allows the system to select the optimal calibration table based on the measured parameter's magnitude, thereby maintaining high accuracy without requiring an overly complex single-table calibration structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3422054B1Gauge with adaptive calibration and method
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 SERCEL SAS
  • EP3422054B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3422054B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3422054B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Memory gauge and method for processing recorded raw data acquired with a memory gauge in a well. The method includes selecting a first calibration table (Ci), of the memory gauge, that has a highest calibration value for the measured parameter; performing a first analysis of the recorded raw data using the first calibration table (Ci) to determine a highest measured value of the measured parameter; comparing the highest measured value of the measured parameter with highest calibration values of the plural calibration tables of the memory gauge; and when a highest calibration value of a second calibration table is closer to the highest measured value of the measured parameter than the highest calibration value of the first calibration table, selecting the second calibration table (C2); and performing a second analysis of the recorded raw data using the second calibration table (C2) to generate measured values of the measured parameter.