Trend-Based Colorimetric Diagnostics for Field Component Wear

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for assessing the damage of mechanical components in harsh environments, such as downhole or subsea conditions in oil and gas operations, are inaccurate, intrusive, and only provide a single-point assessment, failing to monitor continuous changes in optical properties that indicate corrosion and wear.

Innovation Solution

Implementing trend-based colorimetric analysis techniques using optical sensors to measure and analyze changes in optical properties of component surfaces, generating condition outputs based on trend data to determine the condition and remaining useful life of mechanical components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If common inspection techniques are used, then component assessment is provided, but the assessment is only at a single point in time and not continuous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassessment accuracyVSAvoidmonitoring continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies colorimetric sensors that continuously monitor optical property changes on component surfaces throughout their operational life. The sensors provide ongoing data collection rather than periodic inspections, enabling continuous tracking of degradation trends from initial state through various intermediate states to final failure conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical inspection methods with optical-based colorimetric sensing. By using optical sensors to detect color changes on component surfaces, the system eliminates the need for physical disassembly or intrusive mechanical measurement tools, providing non-contact continuous monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If intrusive inspection methods are used, then component condition can be assessed, but the inspection process is intrusive and may interfere with component operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondition assessment reliabilityVSAvoidinspection intrusiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces intrusive mechanical inspection methods with non-contact optical sensing. Colorimetric sensors detect surface condition changes through optical property measurements without requiring physical contact or disassembly of the monitored components, eliminating interference with component operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes colorimetric indicators that change color in response to environmental conditions such as corrosion, temperature, or chemical exposure. These visual color changes provide direct information about component condition without requiring intrusive measurement, as the color itself becomes the sensor output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Device complexity

If single-point assessment is used, then inspection is simple, but the assessment fails to capture changes over time and trend analysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection simplicityVSAvoiddegradation trend information

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous monitoring that captures colorimetric data at multiple time points throughout component operation. This ongoing data collection builds a temporal record of degradation trends, allowing analysis of how component conditions evolve from initial state through various intermediate states to failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback loop where colorimetric sensor data is continuously collected, analyzed for trends, and used to update component condition assessments. This feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring and prediction of remaining useful life based on observed degradation patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Provides accurate, continuous monitoring of component degradation, enabling timely repair or replacement decisions based on colorimetric data analysis, improving operational safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

trend-based colorimetric analysis techniques using optical sensors to measure and analyze changes in optical properties of component surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectColorimetric analysis: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS12449349B2Trend-based colorimetric analysis techniques for field component and tool string diagnostics

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method. The method includes receiving, via one or more processors, colorimetric data corresponding to a portion or integrality of a surface of a field component. The method also includes determining, via the one or more processors, a color value associated with the surface. Further, the method includes retrieving, via the one or more processors, trend data indicating relationships between a plurality of color values and a plurality of conditions corresponding to the field component. Further still, the method includes determining, via the one or more processors, a condition of the plurality of conditions correspond to the field component based on the trend data and the color value. Even further, the method includes generating, via the one or more processors, a condition output based on the determined condition.