Downhole Optical Probe Segmentation for Multiphase Fluid Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical analysis probes for downhole fluid properties in hydrocarbon wells are complex and difficult to integrate into downhole measuring tools due to harsh conditions and space/power constraints, and they lack accuracy in multiphase flow monitoring, especially in complex well geometries.
Innovation Solution
A downhole fluid properties optical analysis probe with an elongated cylindrical body, featuring an optical tip and an optoelectronics module connected by an optical fiber bundle, using a light source for reflectance and fluorescence detection, and a processing module for digital signal generation, without directional couplers, enabling robust and accurate three-phase holdup estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single fiber optic probe with directional couplers and wavelength division multiplexer is used for optical detection, then reflectance and fluorescence detection can be achieved, but the optical system becomes complex and difficult to integrate into downhole measuring tools
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber bundle is segmented into multiple independent fibers, each dedicated to a specific function: one fiber for light delivery and separate fibers for reflectance and fluorescence detection. This eliminates the need for complex directional couplers and wavelength division multiplexers, simplifying the optical system while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex optical components (directional couplers, wavelength division multiplexers) are extracted and removed from the system. Instead, simple optical fibers are used to directly transmit light between the source and detectors, reducing device complexity while preserving the ability to detect reflectance and fluorescence signals.
2Measurement precision
If downhole optical probes are designed for accurate multiphase flow monitoring in complex well geometries, then measurement accuracy improves, but the device becomes more difficult to integrate into downhole tools due to harsh conditions and space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into distinct functional components (light source, optical fiber bundle, detectors, processing module) that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into the downhole tool. This modular approach simplifies the integration process while maintaining measurement accuracy for multiphase flow monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber bundle serves multiple functions: delivering light from the source and collecting both reflectance and fluorescence signals. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed, making the device easier to manufacture and integrate into downhole tools with limited space.
3Reliability
If robust packaging is implemented to withstand harsh downhole conditions (high pressure, temperature, corrosive fluids), then reliability improves, but device complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
A protective coating or thin-film encapsulation is applied to the optical fibers and electronic components to protect them from harsh downhole conditions. This thin protective layer provides reliability against corrosion and mechanical damage without adding significant structural complexity or hindering integration into downhole tools.
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 provides more accurate and stable measurements, robust packaging, and easy integration into production logging tools, allowing real-time characterization of hydrocarbon reservoir fluids, overcoming the limitations of existing probes in harsh downhole environments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source arranged to emit electromagnetic radiations in a wavelength range such that reflectance occurs when gas is present at the optical tip
Implementation Method 2
fluorescence occurs when oil is present at the optical tip
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole fluid properties optical analysis probe (1) to analyze at least one property of a multiphase flow mixture (100) flowing in a hydrocarbon well (51) has an elongated cylindrical body shape and comprises an optical tip (5) at one end of the elongated cylindrical body arranged to be in contact with the multiphase flow mixture (100), and an optoelectronics module (11) at another end of the elongated cylindrical body arranged to be separated from the multiphase flow mixture (100) and coupled to the optical tip (5) by an optical fiber bundle. The optoelectronics module (11) comprises at least one light source (13) arranged to emit electromagnetic radiations in a wavelength range such that reflectance occurs when gas (G) is present at the optical tip (5) and fluorescence occurs when oil (O) is present at the optical tip (5), at least one reflectance light detector (14) arranged to be responsive to a reflectance light and to provide a reflectance signal (U1(t)) and at least one fluorescence light detector (15) arranged to be responsive to a fluorescence light and to provide a fluorescence signal (U2(t)). The optical fiber bundle comprises at least one first optical fiber (6) coupling the light source (13) to the optical tip (5), at least one second optical fiber (7) coupling the optical tip (5) to the reflectance light detector (14), and at least one third optical fiber (8) coupling the optical tip (5) to the fluorescence light detector (15), the at least one first, second and third optical fibers being mounted together into a protective tube (9) resistant to downhole conditions.