Bi-conical Optical Sensor for Downhole Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in determining fluid properties in downhole wells due to inaccessibility, contamination, and the inability to perform true multi-phase fluid metering, especially for dark or opaque samples and highly scattering fluids.
Innovation Solution
A downhole fluid analysis system featuring a bi-conical optical sensor that uses multi-modal sensing and identification techniques, including optical spectroscopy and piezoelectric helm resonator technology, to measure multiple fluid properties and distinguish between gas, liquid, and oil phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple specialized tools are deployed to determine different fluid properties, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor is designed to perform multiple fluid property measurements (density, composition, phase identification) using a single integrated device. The sensor uses multi-wavelength optical spectroscopy to simultaneously determine different fluid properties, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement capabilities into a single optical sensor platform. By integrating density measurement, compositional analysis, and phase identification functions into one device, the system reduces operational complexity and costs while improving efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If conventional absorption spectroscopy is used for fluid analysis, then measurement capability is improved for translucent samples, but applicability deteriorates for dark or opaque samples and highly scattering fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-wavelength optical spectroscopy, varying the wavelength parameter to optimize measurement for different fluid types. By selecting specific wavelengths that penetrate dark or opaque samples effectively, the sensor achieves accurate compositional analysis across diverse sample types including emulsions and sand-containing fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical tip acts as an intermediary element that facilitates light interaction with the fluid sample. The tip's design enables effective optical coupling and enhances the sensor's ability to measure properties of challenging samples by mediating the light-sample interaction.
3Measurement precision
If multiple tools are individually tripped into and out of the well, then specialized measurement capability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The single optical sensor performs multiple fluid property measurements (density, composition, phase) that previously required multiple separate tools. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for repeated tool trips, thereby improving drilling and wireline logging productivity while maintaining specialized measurement capabilities.
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
The system effectively determines fluid properties such as density, viscosity, sound speed, and multi-phase fluid compositions, enabling accurate downhole measurements without the need for multiple specialized tools, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The bi-conical shape of the optical tip facilitates total internal reflection of the light through the optical tip and out to the detector
Implementation Method 2
Constituents of a sample absorb light of respective wavelengths/frequencies. The amount of light absorbed by the sample at different wavelengths/frequencies depends on the presence and concentration of each constituent.
Implementation Method 3
The first wavelength is attenuated by the presence of oil and the second wavelength is attenuated by the presence of water
Implementation Method 4
a piezoelectric helm resonator, in which the piezoelectric helm resonator generates a resonance response in response to an applied current
Implementation Method 5
the piezoelectric helm resonator generates a resonance response in response to an applied current
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole fluid analysis system includes an optical sensor that includes a light source configured to emit light, a light detector, and an optical tip optically coupled to the light source and the light detector. At least a portion of the light emitted from the light source travels through the optical tip and returns to the detector, wherein the optical tip has a bi-conical shape. The system further includes a piezoelectric helm resonator, in which the piezoelectric helm resonator generates a resonance response in response to an applied current, and an electromagnetic spectroscopy sensor positioned symmetrically with respect to the piezoelectric helm resonator in at least one direction. In some embodiments, the optical tip includes a first conical portion and a second conical portion.