Agile Light Source Simulates Optical Elements for Downhole Fluid Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical measurement systems for fluid analysis in oil exploration and extraction are complex, costly, and prone to errors due to the need for multiple filters and rotating wheels, which complicate alignment and data analysis, especially in harsh environments like downhole settings.

Innovation Solution

A compact and rugged optical measurement system using a programmable agile light source that simulates multiple integrated computational elements across the entire optical spectrum, reducing mechanical and electronic complexity by eliminating the need for a rotating filter wheel and allowing precise spectral control through electronic modulation of the light source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple filters and rotating wheels are used to cover broad spectral range, then spectral measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral measurement capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotating filter wheel system with an electronically controlled tunable filter system. The tunable filter is actuated by electronic signals rather than mechanical rotation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment and synchronization mechanisms while maintaining broad spectral coverage capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a single tunable filter that can dynamically adjust its spectral transmission characteristics to perform multiple measurement functions across different spectral ranges. This universal component replaces the need for multiple specialized filters and rotating wheel mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If rotating filter wheel is used, then spectral resolution is improved, but alignment difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral resolutionVSAvoidalignment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the rotating filter wheel mechanism entirely in favor of an electronically controlled tunable filter. This substitution removes the mechanical alignment issues associated with rotating components while maintaining the ability to achieve precise spectral resolution through electronic control of the filter's transmission characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple filters are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a single tunable filter that can be electronically configured to provide multiple spectral response characteristics, replacing the need for manufacturing and assembling multiple specialized filters. This approach reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining measurement accuracy through software-controlled spectral shaping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual copies of multiple filter characteristics through electronic control of the tunable filter, allowing the system to simulate different spectral responses without physically manufacturing multiple filters. This digital copying approach reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Adaptability or versatility

If rotating filter wheel is used, then spectral coverage is improved, but system robustness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral coverageVSAvoidsystem robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanically complex rotating filter wheel with an electronically controlled tunable filter system. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear, moving parts, and alignment issues, significantly improving system robustness and reliability while maintaining broad spectral coverage capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution simplifies alignment, enhances measurement accuracy, reduces costs, and provides detailed compositional information of fluid samples with reduced mechanical and electronic complexity, making it more robust and efficient for use in challenging environments.

Implementation Method 1

the light source is driven with a spectral profile corresponding to one of a plurality of simulated integrated computational elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpectral modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS10481087B2Simulated integrated computational elements and their applications

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A downhole system in which an agile light source is used to simulate an integrated optical element to measure one or more characteristics of a fluid in a wellbore.