Downhole Optical Radiometry Tool Balanced Thermopiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implementing spectroscopic analysis in downhole tools is challenging due to varying operating temperatures and contamination issues during fluid sampling, which affects the accuracy and reliability of fluid property measurements.
Innovation Solution
A downhole optical radiometry tool with a light source, spectral operation unit, and balanced thermopiles that maintain sensitivity over a wide temperature range, using multiple filaments and a reference light beam to provide accurate fluid property measurements, and employing a wheel with multiple spectral operation units for flexible and reliable analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spectroscopic analysis is implemented in downhole tools, then fluid property measurement capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to varying operating temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the detector by providing multiple filaments that can operate at different temperatures. The first filament operates at a first temperature and the second filament operates at a second temperature, allowing the system to adapt to varying downhole temperature conditions and maintain reliable measurements across the temperature range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference light beam as an intermediary element that does not interact with the fluid flow. This reference beam serves as a stable reference against which the sample beam can be compared, enabling accurate fluid property measurements while compensating for temperature variations and other environmental factors in the downhole environment.
2Measurement precision
If fluid sampling is performed to analyze composition, then measurement capability is improved, but contamination from drilling fluid worsens measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary light interaction with the fluid by using a flow cell that allows light to pass through a controlled path of the fluid sample. This minimal interaction approach enables composition analysis while reducing the impact of contamination, as the light only samples the fluid properties rather than requiring large volumes that would be more susceptible to contamination issues.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spectral operation units are used to provide flexible analysis, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by providing multiple filaments that can operate at different temperatures and a reference light beam that works in conjunction with the sample beam. This universal design allows the same optical system to perform multiple measurement functions (different fluid properties, different temperature conditions) without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
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 in-situ analysis of fluid properties, including contamination levels and composition, across a wide temperature range, enhancing the reliability of fluid sampling and reservoir connectivity assessments.
Implementation Method 1
A light source transmits light through the fluid in a sample cell
Implementation Method 2
A spectral operation unit (SOU) such as a prism, filter, interferometer, or multivariate optical element (MOE)
Implementation Method 3
The resulting light strikes at least one of multiple electrically balanced thermopiles, producing a signal indicative of one or more properties of the fluid
Implementation Method 4
electrically balanced thermopiles that maintain sensitivity over a wide temperature range
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and tools optically analyze downhole fluid properties in situ. Some disclosed downhole optical radiometry tools include a tool body having a sample cell for fluid flow. A light beam passes through the sample cell and a spectral operation unit (SOU) such as a prism, filter, interferometer, or multivariate optical element (MOE). The resulting light provides a signal indicative of one or more properties of the fluid. A sensor configuration using electrically balanced thermopiles offers a high sensitivity over a wide temperature range. Further sensitivity is achieved by modulating the light beam and/or by providing a reference light beam that does not interact with the fluid flow. To provide a wide spectral range, some embodiments include multiple filaments in the light source, each filament having a different emission spectrum. Moreover, some embodiments include a second light source, sample cell, SOU, and detector to provide increased range, flexibility, and reliability.