Downhole ATIR Optical Sensor for Multiphase Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining fluid properties in downhole wells are inefficient due to inaccessibility, contamination, and the inability to handle multi-phase fluids, leading to high costs and slower operations, and existing optical analysis techniques struggle with opaque or scattering fluids.
Innovation Solution
A downhole fluid analysis system using a piezoelectric helm resonator and optical sensor for simultaneous measurement of fluid density, viscosity, and sound speed, combined with electromagnetic spectroscopy to identify multiple fluid phases, including gas, liquid, and oil, through attenuated total internal reflection spectroscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple specialized tools are deployed to determine different fluid properties, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal downhole tool that integrates multiple sensing capabilities including acoustic sensors for density measurement, optical sensors for spectroscopic analysis, and electromagnetic sensors for dielectric constant measurement. This multi-functional tool can determine multiple fluid properties (density, composition, phase) simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate measurement functions into a single integrated tool. Acoustic sensors, optical sensors with multiple wavelengths, and electromagnetic sensors are merged into one tool assembly that can perform density measurement, spectroscopic fluid identification, and dielectric measurement simultaneously, reducing device complexity and operational costs
2Measurement precision
If multiple specialized tools are deployed to determine different fluid properties, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to slower operations
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated tool enables continuous multi-parameter measurement during a single wireline logging operation. By combining acoustic, optical, and electromagnetic sensors in one tool, the system can continuously measure density, composition, and phase simultaneously as the tool moves through the wellbore, eliminating the need for multiple separate trips and improving productivity
3Measurement precision
If conventional absorption spectroscopy is used to analyze fluid composition, then measurement precision is improved for transparent fluids, but it becomes ineffective for opaque or scattering fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical sensors that measure reflected light intensity at multiple specific wavelengths (e.g., 405nm, 450nm, 488nm, 532nm, 635nm, 680nm) rather than relying on transmission through the fluid. By measuring reflectance spectra at these characteristic wavelengths, the system can identify fluid composition (oil, water, gas) even in opaque or scattering conditions where transmission spectroscopy fails
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an optical tip or window as an intermediary between the optical sensor and the fluid. This interface allows measurement of reflected light from the fluid without requiring the fluid to be transparent, enabling spectroscopic analysis of opaque or scattering fluids by detecting characteristic absorption features in the reflected spectrum
4Measurement precision
If downhole fluid analysis is performed using existing methods, then some fluid properties can be determined, but the ability to analyze multi-phase fluids without a priori knowledge is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensing system that simultaneously measures acoustic impedance (for density), optical reflectance spectra (for composition identification), and electromagnetic impedance (for dielectric constant). This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive multi-phase fluid characterization without requiring prior knowledge of fluid composition, as each sensor type provides complementary information about the fluid phases present
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 accurate, efficient determination of fluid properties in downhole environments, allowing for multi-phase fluid analysis without a priori knowledge, reducing operational costs and improving drilling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the incident angle of the light causes total internal reflection within the optical tip
Implementation Method 2
each reflection point may generate an evanescent wave in a medium surrounding the optical tip
Implementation Method 3
Attenuated total internal reflection spectroscopy... Attenuation of the first wavelength indicates presence of a first fluid type adjacent the optical tip and attenuation of the second wavelength indicates presence of a second fluid type adjacent the optical tip
Implementation Method 4
a piezoelectric helm resonator that generates a resonance response in response to an applied current
Implementation Method 5
a piezoelectric helm resonator that generates a resonance response in response to an applied current
Implementation Method 6
The light may cause fluorescence in a medium surrounding the optical tip, which indicatives the presence of oil in the medium
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole fluid analysis system includes an optical sensor comprising, which includes a light source configured to emit light comprising a plurality of wavelengths, a light detector, and an optical tip through which at least a portion of the light travels and returns to the detector, wherein the incident angle of the light causes total internal reflection within the optical tip. The system further includes a piezoelectric helm resonator that generates a resonance response in response to an applied current, and an electromagnetic spectroscopy sensor positioned symmetrically with respect to the piezoelectric helm resonator in at least one direction. The light may be reflected in the optical tip at one or more reflection points, and each reflection point may generate an evanescent wave in a medium surrounding the optical tip. The light may be internally reflected in the optical tip at a plurality of reflection points.