Downhole Optical Fluid Analyzer In-Situ Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole formation evaluation methods lack effective calibration techniques for fluid analyzers, which are crucial for accurate measurement of downhole fluid properties, especially in harsh subterranean conditions.
Innovation Solution
A downhole fluid analyzer system equipped with an optical sensor and a calibrator that includes a fluid source with a calibration fluid that absorbs outside the wavelength range, allowing for in-situ calibration and measurement of the fluid analyzer, ensuring accurate data collection and validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical sensor is used to measure downhole fluid properties, then measurement capability is provided, but calibration capability is lacking under harsh downhole conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A calibration fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance that can be injected into the flowline to provide known reference values for calibrating the optical sensor. This calibration fluid acts as a mediator between the sensor and the measurement process, enabling accurate calibration without requiring surface-level calibration equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by injecting calibration fluid through the same flowline and optical sensor used for actual measurements. This allows the sensor to calibrate itself in-situ under downhole conditions, eliminating the need for separate calibration procedures or equipment.
2Measurement precision
If calibration fluid is injected into the flowline, then in-situ calibration is enabled, but fluid contamination may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration fluid is injected periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The system can switch between calibration fluid injection and normal downhole fluid flow, allowing calibration to occur at specific intervals without permanently contaminating the flowline or affecting continuous production operations.
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, accurate measurement and calibration of downhole fluid properties, enhancing the reliability and precision of formation evaluation data, even in extreme downhole conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The optical sensor includes an optical cell to measure properties of the downhole fluid in the flowline, and has a wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
The calibration fluid having a liquid that absorbs outside of the wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid analyzer for a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The fluid analyzer includes an optical sensor positioned in the downhole tool to receive a downhole fluid therefrom. The optical sensor includes an optical cell to measure properties of the downhole fluid in a flowline of the downhole tool, and has a wavelength range. The fluid analyzer also includes a calibration fluid having a liquid that absorbs outside of the wavelength range, and a calibrator. The calibrator includes a fluid source housing the calibration fluid and at least one valve. The fluid source is operatively connectable to the optical sensor to provide the calibration fluid thereto whereby the calibration fluid is measureable by and calibratable to the optical sensor.