Downhole Fluid Sensor Arms for Multi-Property In Situ Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole fluid property measurement tools are fragile, costly, and inefficient due to their specialization for single properties, leading to increased operation costs and slower drilling/wireline logging, and they struggle with in situ measurements of multi-phase fluids without prior knowledge of component masses.
Innovation Solution
A multi-modal sensing system with a tool body and movable arms equipped with piezoelectric helm resonators, optical sensors, and spectroscopy sensors that pivot to maintain consistent angles for simultaneous and congruent fluid density, viscosity, and sound speed measurements, allowing for integrated electromagnetic and optical spectroscopy characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple specialized tools are deployed to measure different fluid properties, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and operation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid property measurement capabilities (density, viscosity, composition) into a single integrated tool by mounting multiple sensors on extendable arms, eliminating the need for multiple separate specialized tools
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed with multi-functional sensors that can measure various fluid properties simultaneously, making a single tool universal for multiple measurement tasks rather than requiring specialized single-function tools
2Measurement precision
If multiple specialized tools are deployed, then measurement capability is improved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple measurement functions into one tool, the system eliminates the need to trip multiple tools in and out of the well, significantly reducing operation time and increasing drilling and logging productivity
3Measurement precision
If arms are extended to position sensors away from the central axis, then measurement accuracy is improved, but tool diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool employs dynamically extendable arms that can be retracted during transportation to minimize tool diameter and deployed during measurement to position sensors optimally, allowing the tool to adapt its dimensions to different operational phases
4Device complexity
If sensors are positioned at fixed angles on the tool, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor positioning system is designed to dynamically adjust sensor angles relative to the tool axis, allowing sensors to be oriented optimally for measurements while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure
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, efficient determination of multi-phase fluid properties like volume fractions and live-oil density without prior knowledge, reducing tool fragility and operational costs while enhancing drilling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid sensor of the plurality of fluid sensors comprises a co-located piezoelectric helm resonator
Implementation Method 2
piezoelectric helm resonator
Implementation Method 3
optical sensor, and electrical spectroscopy sensor
Implementation Method 4
A fluid sensor of the plurality of fluid sensors includes either an electrical or acoustic impedance spectroscopy sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole fluid analysis tool includes a tool body, a plurality of arms coupled to the tool body and movable between a retracted position and one or more expanded positions away from a central axis of the tool body. The plurality of arms are at an angle with respect to the central axis, the angle being different in each of the one or more expanded positions. The tool further includes a plurality of fluid sensors coupled to the plurality of arms. A fluid sensor of the plurality of the fluid sensors is movably coupled to an arm of the plurality of arms and configured to pivot across a plurality of angles with respect to the arm. The angle of the fluid sensor with respect to the arm is associated with the angle of the arm with respect to the central axis of the tool body.