Down-hole Dielectric Measurement Tool for Fluid Composition Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of hydrocarbon extraction wells face challenges in optimizing chemical injection decisions due to unknown fluid composition at injection points, leading to suboptimal hydrocarbon production.
Innovation Solution
A measurement tool with helically disposed wires around a dielectric core is used to determine the dielectric constant of fluids at various locations within the bore by emitting and analyzing reflected signals, allowing for accurate fluid composition analysis and informed chemical injection strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chemical injection is performed without knowing fluid composition, then chemical injection can be carried out, but the effectiveness of hydrocarbon production improvement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sampling methods with electromagnetic field-based dielectric measurement. By using wires that emit electromagnetic signals and measuring the dielectric constant of the fluid through the bore wall, the system obtains composition information without mechanical intervention, enabling real-time monitoring that directly informs chemical injection decisions to improve hydrocarbon production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dielectric constant measurement as an intermediary parameter to infer fluid composition. Rather than directly measuring composition, the system measures the dielectric constant (which varies with fluid composition) and uses this intermediate property to determine the appropriate chemical injection strategy, thereby solving the information loss problem
2Measurement precision
If fluid composition is measured at multiple locations, then chemical injection optimization improves, but measurement system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement tool that can measure dielectric constant at multiple locations along the bore using a single integrated system. The measurement tool with multiple wires at different positions can assess fluid composition at various points, providing comprehensive data for optimization without requiring separate measurement systems for each location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures a fundamental physical parameter (dielectric constant) that naturally varies with fluid composition. By monitoring changes in this parameter at different locations, the system achieves precise composition measurement without complex analytical instruments, as the dielectric constant inherently reflects the fluid's compositional state
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 precise determination of fluid composition, enabling operators to make data-driven decisions on chemical injection locations and quantities, thereby improving hydrocarbon production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
determine the dielectric constant of fluids at various locations within the bore by emitting and analyzing reflected signals
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement tool configured to be run through a bore of a hydrocarbon well. The measurement tool includes a dielectric core, a controller disposed at a first end of the dielectric core, a first wire helically disposed about the dielectric core and extending from the controller to a first location a first distance from the controller, and a second wire helically disposed about the dielectric core and extending from the controller to a second location a second distance from the controller. The controller provides first and second input signals to the first and second wires, and receives first and second reflected signals from the first and second wires.