Coriolis Flowmeter for Downhole Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing formation fluids in the oil and gas industry require extensive laboratory equipment and personnel, which are often unsuitable for downhole conditions and inefficient in providing real-time data.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool equipped with a flow line, membrane, density and mass flow meter, and processing system that includes a resonator tube, magnet, excitation source, and sensor system to calculate mass flow rate and density of formation fluids, allowing for in-situ analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional laboratory equipment and procedures are used for fluid characterization, then comprehensive fluid analysis can be performed, but the equipment cannot survive harsh downhole conditions and requires extensive personnel attention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical laboratory equipment with a Coriolis flowmeter that uses electromagnetic fields and vibration sensing. The flowmeter employs a magnet to generate a magnetic field and an excitation source to induce vibrations in the resonator tube, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts that would fail in harsh downhole conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole tool performs fluid characterization autonomously using integrated sensors and processing systems. The Coriolis flowmeter automatically measures mass flow rate and density, and the processing system calculates fluid properties without requiring external personnel attention or complex laboratory procedures.
2Loss of information
If fluid samples are collected and sent to surface laboratories for analysis, then comprehensive fluid characterization can be achieved, but real-time data is not available and extensive laboratory resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs fluid characterization measurements directly at the downhole location before the fluid sample undergoes any transport or processing. The Coriolis flowmeter and associated sensors collect all necessary measurement data in-situ, eliminating the need for subsequent laboratory analysis and providing results immediately.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole tool integrates multiple functions into a single device: the Coriolis flowmeter simultaneously measures mass flow rate and density, the processing system calculates multiple fluid properties, and the entire system operates autonomously. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple separate laboratory instruments and procedures.
3Measurement precision
If extensive laboratory procedures are used for fluid analysis, then comprehensive fluid properties can be determined, but the process is time-consuming and requires significant personnel attention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical laboratory procedures with electromagnetic-based measurements. The Coriolis flowmeter uses magnetic fields and vibration sensing to rapidly determine fluid properties, providing accurate measurements without the manual operations required by traditional laboratory methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system continuously receives measurement data from the Coriolis flowmeter sensors and automatically calculates fluid properties using predetermined algorithms. This automated feedback loop eliminates manual data processing and provides rapid, accurate results without requiring personnel intervention at each measurement step.
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
Enables rapid and accurate characterization of formation fluids in harsh downhole conditions, reducing the need for extensive laboratory analysis and providing real-time data for improved operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet configured to apply a magnetic field to the resonator tube; an excitation source configured to apply an electrical excitation current to the resonator tube in the presence of the magnetic field to oscillate the resonator tube
Implementation Method 2
an excitation source configured to apply an electrical excitation current to the resonator tube in the presence of the magnetic field to oscillate the resonator tube in a first oscillation mode
Implementation Method 3
a sensor system configured to sense vibration of the resonator tube in response to the application of the electrical excitation current
Implementation Method 4
a membrane configured to allow a formation fluid to pass into the flow line while blocking water from entering the flow line
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool includes a membrane to separate water from a formation fluid and a meter that operates as a densitometer and a Coriolis effect flowmeter.