Optical Sensor Bridge With Contrast Agent for Downhole Fluid Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical measurements in well drilling are hindered by multiphase flows and particulates, particularly in water sampling, leading to unreliable results and extended measurement times.
Innovation Solution
A bridge design in an optical sensor with a substrate containing a contrast agent, supported by an exoskeleton or endoskeleton, which allows fluid flow and enhances detection by interacting with the sample properties, mitigating multiphase and particulate interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If optical measurements are performed on fluid samples collected during sampling operations, then measurement information is obtained, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to multiphase flows, particles, and light fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
A bridge structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the light source and detector. This bridge contains a substrate with contrast agents that selectively interact with specific phases (oil or water), thereby mediating the optical measurement process to eliminate interference from multiphase flows and particles while preserving measurement information
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge incorporates contrast agents that exhibit color changes or optical property changes in response to specific phases (oil or water). This allows the measurement system to distinguish between different phases and obtain reliable measurements by detecting these optical changes rather than being disrupted by them
2Loss of information
If optical measurements are performed in multiphase environments, then fluid analysis is achieved, but measurement time extends due to unreliable results requiring repeated measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge acts as a mediator that enables single-pass accurate measurement by eliminating the need for repeated measurements. The contrast agents on the bridge substrate selectively enhance the optical signal from the target phase while suppressing interference from other phases, allowing fluid analysis to be completed in one measurement pass
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system utilizes changes in optical parameters (absorbance, reflectance, or fluorescence) of the contrast agents in response to phase-specific interactions. By monitoring these parameter changes rather than attempting direct transmission measurements, the system achieves rapid and accurate fluid analysis in multiphase environments
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 bridge design facilitates rapid chemical equilibrium and accurate optical analysis by enhancing the detection of components in the absorbing phase, improving measurement reliability and reducing time.
Implementation Method 1
The bridge contains a substrate with a contrast agent. The contrast agent may be any molecule configured to interact with a targeted analyte and alter a property of the analyte and/or contrast agent, wherein the property is detectable by a downhole sensor.
Implementation Method 2
The substrate allows fluid flow in and out of the substrate for rapid chemical equilibrium.
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole fluid sampling tool may include an optical measurement tool and a viewing region disposed in the optical measurement tool. In examples, a bridge may be disposed in a transparent portion of the flow path between a light source and a light modifier and an optical detector. The bridge includes a structure comprising a substrate and a contrast agent, wherein the contrast agent is any molecule configured to interact with an analyte and alter a property of the analyte and/or contrast agent, wherein the property is detectable by the optical measurement tool.