Downhole Gas Sensor for Multiphase Hydrocarbon Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting gaseous components like hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide in downhole environments face challenges due to high temperatures and pressures, and the presence of water and other fluids, leading to inaccurate measurements and partial loss of H2S during sample transport to the surface.
Innovation Solution
A system with a gas sensor that separates gaseous components from multiphase mixtures using a gas permeable membrane and a nonsolid conductive material, applying a potential difference across electrodes for direct oxidation or reduction to measure the components, allowing for real-time detection and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If samples are transported to the surface for analysis, then measurement equipment can be used, but H2S is partially lost due to reaction with metal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the H2S detection function from the surface laboratory and places it directly in the wellbore environment. The sensor is deployed downhole to measure H2S concentrations in real-time, eliminating the need to transport samples to the surface where H2S would react with metal components and be lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized sensor system as an intermediary between the wellbore environment and the analysis process. This sensor acts as a mediator that can detect H2S directly in the multiphase flow without requiring sample transport, thus preventing H2S loss while enabling measurement.
2Productivity
If downhole detection methods are used, then real-time measurement is possible, but measurement accuracy is compromised due to high temperatures and pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting the operating conditions of the sensor to match the downhole environment. The sensor is designed to function accurately at high temperatures and pressures by compensating for these parameter changes, enabling real-time measurement without sacrificing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials in the sensor construction to withstand the harsh downhole conditions while maintaining measurement accuracy. The sensor incorporates materials that are both chemically resistant to H2S and mechanically robust enough to operate at high temperatures and pressures.
3Measurement precision
If surface analysis is performed, then standard measurement equipment can be used, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the measurement action preliminarily at the source (in the wellbore) rather than waiting to transport the sample to the surface for analysis. This preliminary measurement eliminates the time-consuming transport process while maintaining analytical accuracy through direct in-situ detection.
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 and efficient detection of gaseous components in downhole environments, reducing errors associated with sample transport and high-pressure conditions, and providing reliable data for hydrocarbon analysis and safety assessments.
Implementation Method 1
separates gaseous components from multiphase mixtures using a gas permeable membrane
Implementation Method 2
applying a potential difference across electrodes for direct oxidation or reduction
Implementation Method 3
applying a potential difference across electrodes for direct oxidation or reduction
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for detection and/or measurement of gaseous components of multiphase mixtures containing one or more hydrocarbons that may be retrieved down a wellbore or may be being transported in a pipeline. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention may provide for separation of the gaseous components from the multiphase mixtures and detection and/or measurement of the separated gaseous components by direct oxidation or reduction.