Downhole Fluid Composition Detection Using Segmented Sheath
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in detecting the elemental composition of downhole fluids under high pressure, as the fluid pressure requires thick container or conduit walls that block high-energy radiation, preventing effective elemental composition detection.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an apparatus and system that includes a container with a sheath positioned proximate the target fluid, a radiant energy source, an energy detector, and a fluid flow control device. The sheath reduces external high-energy interference, allowing the energy detector to accurately measure the elemental composition of the target fluid even under high pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thick container or conduit walls are used to withstand high downhole fluid pressure, then the structural strength and pressure resistance are improved, but the high-energy radiation is blocked, preventing effective elemental composition detection
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is segmented into multiple functional layers: an outer pressure-containing wall and an inner detection chamber wall. This segmentation allows the outer wall to be thick for pressure resistance while the inner wall can be thin for radiation transmission, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin-walled intermediate chamber or conduit is introduced as a mediator between the high-pressure environment and the detection system. This intermediate structure allows radiation to pass through to the detector while the outer thick walls contain the pressure, enabling both pressure containment and effective detection.
2Measurement precision
If fluid is brought to the surface for analysis, then the elemental composition can be detected using high energy techniques, but the time delay and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is installed and prepared in advance within the downhole environment, allowing immediate detection of elemental composition as fluid flows through the detection chamber. This preliminary positioning eliminates the time delay associated with transporting fluid to the surface for analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole detection system performs self-detection of elemental composition directly at the source without requiring external intervention or surface facilities. The system serves itself by containing both the detection apparatus and the sample chamber downhole, enabling autonomous real-time analysis.
3Measurement precision
If a sheath is added to reduce external high-energy interference, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A thin-walled sheath or film structure is used to shield the detection chamber from external high-energy interference. This thin film approach provides necessary protection while minimizing structural complexity and maintaining radiation transmission capability, unlike bulky shielding structures.
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
This solution enables real-time detection of elemental composition downhole, allowing for immediate operational decisions and reducing the delay associated with bringing the fluid to the surface for analysis, thereby enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of borehole operations.
Implementation Method 1
a radiant energy source, capable to generate an emission energy
Implementation Method 2
an energy detector, capable to detect the emission energy
Implementation Method 3
a sheath at least in part positioned proximate the target fluid, wherein the sheath reduces high energy from outside of the container being detected within the container by the energy detector
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure presents systems and processes to collect elemental composition of target fluid and solid material located downhole of a borehole. Waveguides can be utilized that include capillary optics to deliver emitted high energy into a container or a conduit and then to detect the high energy. A source waveguide can be used to emit the high energy into the target fluid and a detector waveguide can collect resulting measurements. Each waveguide can include a protective sheath and a pressure cap on the end of the capillary optics that are proximate the target fluid, to protect against abrasion and target fluid pressure. In other aspects, a pulsed neutron tool can be utilized in place of the waveguides to collect measurements. The collected measurements can be utilized to generate chemical signature results that can be utilized to determine the elemental composition of the target fluid or of the solid material.