Downhole Fluid Analysis Using Segmented Dual-Flowline Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole fluid analysis techniques lack the ability to provide quantitative measurements of individual hydrocarbon moieties for C2, C3, C4, and fail to distinguish molecules with more than six carbons, requiring samples to be transported to laboratories for detailed analysis, and are time-consuming due to contamination issues during fluid extraction.
Innovation Solution
A downhole fluid analysis method using a focused-probe sampling tool with dual flowlines and integrated gas chromatography or mass spectrometry systems for real-time composition analysis, including identification of hydrocarbons with at least 10 carbon atoms and biomarkers, allowing for precise reservoir fluid characterization and rapid data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional fluid sampling probe is used, then device complexity is reduced, but extraction time increases due to contamination issues
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple flowlines (first flowline, second flowline, third flowline) with different functions. The first and second flowlines are used for initial sampling while the third flowline provides a clean sample path, allowing parallel contamination removal and sample extraction without sacrificing spatial resolution.
2Loss of time
If focused probe with multiple flowlines is used, then extraction time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple flowlines (first flowline, second flowline, third flowline) with different functions. The first and second flowlines are used for initial sampling while the third flowline provides a clean sample path, allowing parallel contamination removal and sample extraction without sacrificing spatial resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary contamination removal through the first and second flowlines before the actual sample analysis is conducted through the third flowline. This preliminary action cleans the sample path in advance, enabling rapid subsequent sampling without contamination delays.
3Measurement precision
If downhole analysis system is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical laboratory analysis systems with downhole optical detection systems (spectroscopy, fluorometry, NMR) that can perform hydrocarbon composition analysis, biomarker identification, and saturation measurement directly in the reservoir environment, eliminating the need to transport samples to laboratories.
4Measurement precision
If samples are transported to laboratory for analysis, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical laboratory analysis systems with downhole optical detection systems (spectroscopy, fluorometry, NMR) that can perform hydrocarbon composition analysis, biomarker identification, and saturation measurement directly in the reservoir environment, eliminating the need to transport samples to laboratories.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary contamination removal through the first and second flowlines before the actual sample analysis is conducted through the third flowline. This preliminary action cleans the sample path in advance, enabling rapid subsequent sampling without contamination delays.
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 analysis of reservoir fluid compositions, including biomarkers, reducing contamination time and providing detailed species-specific information, thus improving spatial resolution and efficiency in reservoir evaluation without the need for laboratory analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The downhole fluid analysis system can include one or two dimensional downhole gas chromatography system
Implementation Method 2
a downhole mass spectrometry system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for downhole fluid analysis is disclosed. The method includes positioning a downhole fluid sampling tool at first and second locations; extracting and compositionally analyzing samples of reservoir fluid while positioned at the first and second locations; comparing analysis results; and repositioning the tool to a third location depending on the results of the comparison. The compositional analysis can be performed using downhole gas chromatography and mass spectrometry systems and preferably can identify subtle non-homogeneities such as biomarkers. The fluid extraction can be performed using a focuses dual-flowline type sampling probe.