Coherent Radiation Line Detection in Downhole Particle Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hydrocarbon recovery operations, identifying a line of coherent radiation in captured images of downhole particles is challenging due to ambient lighting and reduced laser intensity, leading to false detections and errors in determining particle features like size, shape, and volume.
Innovation Solution
The system employs edge detection algorithms to distinguish image edges associated with the coherent radiation from those caused by ambient lighting, using gradient plots and amplitude analysis to identify a pattern of rising and falling edges, and adjusts minimum edge strength based on ambient light conditions, ensuring accurate identification of the coherent radiation line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ambient lighting is present in the environment, then the shaker can operate in open environments exposed to daylight or bright ambient light, but false detections occur in identifying the coherent radiation line leading to errors in determining particle features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of ambient light by using its characteristics (brightness, color temperature) to adjust the edge detection algorithm parameters. The system measures ambient light conditions and uses this information to dynamically set threshold values and sensitivity parameters, transforming the previously harmful ambient light into a measurable parameter that helps optimize detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes detection parameters based on ambient light conditions by dynamically adjusting edge strength thresholds, sensitivity levels, and filtering criteria according to measured ambient light intensity and spectral characteristics. This allows the system to maintain accurate coherent radiation line identification across varying ambient light conditions.
2Measurement precision
If edge detection algorithms are applied to captured images, then particle features can be determined, but false image edges caused by ambient lighting lead to incorrect identification of the coherent radiation line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement and characterization of ambient light conditions before applying edge detection algorithms. By pre-measuring ambient light intensity, color temperature, and spectral distribution, the system can pre-adjust detection parameters and threshold values, ensuring that the edge detection algorithm is optimized for the specific lighting conditions before actual particle analysis begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the detected image edges are analyzed to determine if they correspond to the coherent radiation line or are false edges caused by ambient light. The system uses the known geometric properties of the laser line (straight line pattern, specific orientation) to verify detections and reject false edges, continuously refining identification accuracy through iterative validation.
3Reliability
If the laser intensity is reduced to meet safety requirements in hazardous locations, then safety limits are satisfied, but the coherent radiation line becomes harder to identify leading to increased false detections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for reduced laser intensity by dynamically adjusting detection sensitivity parameters, lowering edge strength thresholds, and modifying algorithm parameters to enhance detection of weaker signals. The system adapts its detection parameters based on the actual laser intensity level, maintaining detection capability even when laser power is reduced for safety compliance in hazardous locations.
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 approach enhances the accuracy of determining particle features, reducing errors and improving hydrocarbon recovery by correctly identifying the coherent radiation line even in bright ambient light conditions, thereby optimizing borehole operations.
Implementation Method 1
A line of coherent radiation (e.g., a laser line) is positioned on a bed having one or more particles produced by a downhole operation
Implementation Method 2
one or more particles on the bed deflect the line of coherent radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A line of coherent radiation is projected on a bed on which one or more particles is located, the one or more particles flowing produced as a result of a downhole operation in the borehole. An image of the bed is captured wherein one or more particles on the bed deflect the line of coherent radiation. One or more image edges is detected based on the captured image. A subset of the one or more image edges is identified as corresponding to edges of the one or more particles, based in part on changes in intensity of the captured image. Information about the one or more particles, including information about of size, shape and volume, can be determined from the one or more image edges corresponding to the edges of the one or more particles.