Downhole Fluid Sampling Tool with Real-Time Sensor Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole fluid sampling tools have limited capacity for storing fluid samples, making it challenging to determine which samples to capture and analyze further, as they often require laboratory testing for complete rock and fluid property analysis.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fluid sampling tool equipped with sensors for real-time analysis, such as optical, resistivity, and chromatographic sensors, which can measure and process fluid properties downhole, allowing for in-situ data collection and transmission to the surface for further processing, and using analogy mapping to estimate properties not directly measured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If downhole fluid sampling tools are used to collect fluid samples, then real-time fluid property measurement is enabled, but the limited storage capacity makes it difficult to determine which samples to capture for laboratory analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary downhole measurement of fluid samples to characterize their properties before they are brought to the surface. This preliminary action enables the selection of only the most relevant samples for laboratory analysis, resolving the contradiction by preparing data in advance that guides subsequent sampling decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from downhole sensors to continuously monitor fluid properties and adjust sampling decisions. By analyzing real-time data from the sensors, the system can determine which fluid samples warrant further laboratory analysis, reducing the complexity of sample selection while maintaining measurement precision.
2Loss of information
If fluid samples are taken to laboratory for complete analysis, then comprehensive rock and fluid property data is obtained, but time delay and increased operational complexity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis process is segmented into two parts: downhole measurement of readily measurable fluid properties and laboratory analysis of properties that require specialized equipment. This segmentation allows time-sensitive fluid property data to be obtained immediately downhole while scheduling laboratory analyses separately, reducing overall time delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole sensor system acts as an intermediary between the fluid samples and the laboratory analysis process. It pre-characterizes the fluid properties and identifies which samples need laboratory analysis, serving as a mediator that reduces the time and complexity burden on the laboratory analysis process.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple fluid samples are collected during downhole operation, then comprehensive fluid characterization is achieved, but the limited storage space in sampling tools becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of physically storing multiple fluid samples in the limited-capacity sampling tool, the system creates digital copies of the fluid samples by measuring their properties downhole using sensors. This allows unlimited numbers of virtual samples to be stored and analyzed without consuming physical storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical storage approach (physically storing fluid samples in containers) with an optical/electronic measurement approach using sensors to characterize fluid properties. This substitution eliminates the need for physical storage space while maintaining comprehensive fluid characterization capability.
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 real-time, downhole fluid analysis, reducing the need for extensive laboratory testing, optimizing sample selection for further analysis, and improving the efficiency of hydrocarbon reservoir evaluation and production strategies.
Implementation Method 1
sensors for real-time analysis, such as optical, resistivity, and chromatographic sensors, which can measure and process fluid properties downhole
Implementation Method 2
sensors for real-time analysis, such as optical, resistivity, and chromatographic sensors
Implementation Method 3
sensors for real-time analysis, such as optical, resistivity, and chromatographic sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for identifying a fluid sample. The method may comprise disposing a fluid sampling tool into a wellbore. The fluid sampling tool may comprise at least one probe configured to fluidly connect the fluid sampling tool to a formation in the wellbore and at least one passageway that passes through the at least one probe and into the fluid sampling tool. The method may further comprise drawing a wellbore fluid as a fluid sample through the at least one probe and through the at least one passageway, obtaining a fluid measurement of the fluid sample, comparing the fluid measurement to a plurality of fingerprints that populate a database, and identifying the fluid sample based at least in part on one of the plurality of fingerprints.