Beta Particle Fluid Density Measurement in Downhole Tools

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring fluid density in oilfield applications are inadequate due to limitations in operating at high pressures and temperatures, and are prone to contamination and inaccuracies when dealing with gaseous, emulsified, or multiphase fluids, making it difficult to differentiate between oil, gas, and water effectively.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a pressure housing with radiation sources and detectors that generate and detect beta particles to measure fluid density, capable of operating at extreme conditions and resistant to contamination, using a wide band gap solid state detector like diamond, which can withstand high pressures and temperatures, and provide accurate measurements of fluid properties including density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If resonating sensors such as resonating tube densitometer and Coriolis flow meter are used, then fluid density can be measured, but the device size becomes too large to fit in downhole tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid density measurementVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical resonating sensors with a radiation-based measurement system. Beta particles from a radiation source pass through the fluid in a flow line, and detectors measure the attenuation of these particles to determine fluid density. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical resonance components, enabling compact downhole tool integration while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If resonating sensors are used in high pressure environments, then fluid density can be measured, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to special fluid conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid density measurementVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical resonating sensors with a radiation-based measurement system. Beta particles from a radiation source pass through the fluid in a flow line, and detectors measure the attenuation of these particles to determine fluid density. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical resonance components, enabling compact downhole tool integration while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If conventional density measurement methods are used, then fluid density can be measured at ambient conditions, but the method becomes unusable at pressures much higher than 1,000 psi

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid density measurementVSAvoidoperating pressure range

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a radiation-based measurement system that operates independently of pressure-induced mechanical effects. Beta particles pass through the fluid in a flow line, and detectors measure attenuation to determine density. This approach changes the measurement parameter from mechanical resonance to radiation attenuation, enabling accurate density measurement at high pressures up to 25,000 psi where conventional methods fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If resonating sensors are used, then fluid density can be measured, but the device becomes sensitive to contamination from drilling mud

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid density measurementVSAvoidcontamination sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical resonating sensors with a radiation-based measurement system. Beta particles from a radiation source pass through the fluid in a flow line, and detectors measure the attenuation of these particles to determine fluid density. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical resonance components, enabling compact downhole tool integration while maintaining measurement 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

Enables accurate and reliable measurement of fluid density in harsh downhole environments, reducing the impact of contamination and effectively differentiating between fluid types, with high precision and stability across a wide range of conditions.

Implementation Method 1

one or more radiation sources mounted within the pressure housing approximate a first source window of the one or more windows that is configured to generate particles into the fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeta particle detection: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

one or more detectors supported by the pressure housing and positioned approximate a first detector window of the one or more window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParticle detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8586913B2Fluidic density measurements based on beta particles detection

Publication Date: 2013.11.19 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Devices, methods, and related systems are described for measuring a property of a fluid, including density, in a subterranean environment. A device includes a pressure housing having one or more windows formed in the pressure housing and a flow device arranged in the pressure housing for the fluid to flow through the flow device. Further, a radiation source is mounted within the pressure housing approximate a first source window configured to generate particles into the fluid. The device includes a detector supported by the pressure housing and positioned approximate a first detector window of the one or more windows. The first detector window is located between the detector and the flow device. The detector can be a solid state beta particle detector with a wide band gap, such as the diamond detector, and the radiation source can be a beta particle source, such as a strontium 90 source.