Integrated Computational Element for Organosulfur Compound Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for analyzing hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans in oilfield operations are limited by their inability to distinguish between these compounds and are often slow, inaccurate, and unsuitable for real-time process control, especially in the presence of interfering substances like carbon dioxide.

Innovation Solution

The use of optical measurement techniques with integrated computational elements that optically interact with electromagnetic radiation to analyze organosulfur compounds and hydrogen sulfide, allowing for real-time or near real-time detection and differentiation in complex mixtures, even in the presence of interferents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If spectroscopic analyses are used to detect hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans, then detection capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to significant spectral overlap between the compounds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spectral range is segmented into multiple wavelength regions, and multiple computational elements are used, each optimized for specific wavelength ranges. This allows the system to analyze different spectral features separately and combine results, overcoming the limitation of spectral overlap at any single wavelength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated computational element performs multiple functions: it processes spectral data across different wavelength ranges, distinguishes between hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans, and provides quantitative analysis. This multi-functionality enables precise measurement despite spectral interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If non-spectroscopic chemical analyses are used, then analysis capability is provided, but productivity deteriorates due to long analytical turn-around times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis capabilityVSAvoidanalytical turn-around time

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/chemical analysis methods with optical measurement and computational analysis. The integrated computational element processes spectral data rapidly, eliminating the need for time-consuming chemical separations and reactions, thereby achieving real-time or near real-time analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If conventional spectroscopic methods are used to distinguish hydrogen sulfide from mercaptans, then detection is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to similar chemical and spectral properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoiddifferentiation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the spectral analysis by using multiple computational elements, each optimized for specific wavelength ranges. This allows differentiation based on multiple spectral features simultaneously, improving the ability to distinguish between compounds with similar properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated computational element acts as an intermediary that processes spectral data and translates it into accurate identifications. It uses complex algorithms to interpret overlapping spectral features and provide precise differentiation between hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables accurate and rapid analysis of hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans, facilitating appropriate handling and process control, reducing the risk of corrosion and scaling, and improving safety and operational efficiency in oilfield operations.

Implementation Method 1

optically interacting electromagnetic radiation with the substance and an integrated computational element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical interaction with electromagnetic radiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9029761B2Methods for analyzing substances containing one or more organosulfur compounds using an integrated computational element

Publication Date: 2015.05.12 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

The presence of organosulfur compounds in a substance may make analyses of the substance difficult, particularly in the presence of interfering compounds. Methods for analyzing a substance may comprise: providing a substance comprising an organosulfur compound; optically interacting electromagnetic radiation with the substance and an integrated computational element; and analyzing for the organosulfur compound in the substance using the integrated computational element.