Downhole Sensor Package for Simultaneous Fluid Density and Viscosity Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current downhole tools require separate sensors for measuring density and viscosity of formation fluids in hydrocarbon producing wells, which limits simultaneous and accurate in-situ measurement of these thermophysical properties.

Innovation Solution

A downhole sensor package that uses electromagnetic mechanical driven tubing vibration to simultaneously measure fluid density and viscosity, employing a housing with an inner flow tube and outer flow annulus, and a vibration source and detector to analyze fluid properties through time-modulated and amplitude-modulated driving signals, allowing for simultaneous detection of kinematic and dynamic viscosity, and fluid density across a wide range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate sensors are used for measuring density and viscosity, then measurement coverage is comprehensive, but device complexity increases and simultaneous measurement capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous measurement capabilityVSAvoidsensor package structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines density measurement and viscosity measurement into a single sensor package. The vibration source causes the tube to vibrate, and by measuring both the resonant frequency (for density) and the damping characteristics (for viscosity) of the same vibrating tube, both properties are measured simultaneously using one integrated device rather than separate sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single sensor package performs multiple functions: it measures both density and viscosity of formation fluids simultaneously. The vibration detection system analyzes multiple parameters (frequency and damping) from the same tube vibration to derive both thermophysical properties, making the device multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate measurement tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single sensor measures both density and viscosity, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor package structureVSAvoidthermophysical property measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses mechanical vibration of a tube as the core measurement mechanism. The resonant frequency of the vibrating tube is directly related to fluid density, while the damping of the vibration is related to fluid viscosity. By analyzing different characteristics of the same vibration signal, the system achieves precise measurement of both properties simultaneously without compromising accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional separate mechanical density sensors and viscosity sensors with a unified vibration-based measurement system. Instead of using multiple independent mechanical measurement mechanisms, the system uses the vibrational characteristics of a single tube to derive both thermophysical properties, simplifying the mechanical system while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional downhole tools are used, then existing infrastructure is utilized, but simultaneous in-situ measurement of density and viscosity is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidfluid sampling requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the measurement capability from fluid sampling and brings it directly to the downhole environment. Instead of taking fluid samples to the surface for analysis, the sensor package measures density and viscosity in-situ downhole by analyzing the vibrational characteristics of the tube in direct contact with the formation fluids, eliminating the need for physical fluid extraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 simultaneous measurement of fluid density and viscosity, providing comprehensive thermophysical property data for improved well evaluation and production optimization, suitable for various well types and operations.

Implementation Method 1

A downhole sensor package that uses electromagnetic mechanical driven tubing vibration to simultaneously measure fluid density and viscosity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic mechanical driven tubing vibration: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

employing a housing with an inner flow tube and outer flow annulus, and a vibration source and detector to analyze fluid properties

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration analysis: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS10012077B2Downhole sensor for formation fluid property measurement

Publication Date: 2018.07.03 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A downhole sensor package for detecting one or more thermophysical properties of a downhole fluid, comprising a sensor housing having a fluid input port and a fluid output port; an inner flow tube located within and axially defined with the sensor package housing; an outer flow annulus defined between the inner flow tube and the sensor housing, wherein the inner flow tube is in fluid communication with the outer flow annulus; and a vibration source and a vibration detector engaging the inner flow tube; and methods for using the same are disclosed.