Downhole Thermal Fluid Property Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating characteristics of downhole fluids during drilling are inadequate, particularly in determining contamination levels and fluid properties, as they often rely on invasive techniques that contaminate formation fluids and fail to provide real-time data for controlling drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool and method that involves heating the fluid and taking temperature measurements to estimate properties such as phase change, constituent presence, and contamination level using a model based on thermal properties, with a system that includes a heating element, temperature sensing element, and a controller for processing data, allowing for continuous or periodic measurements during drilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive techniques are used to determine fluid characteristics, then measurement capability is improved, but fluid contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical sampling methods with a non-invasive thermal measurement system. A heating element and temperature sensors measure the thermal response of the fluid in-situ, eliminating the need to physically withdraw and handle formation fluids, thereby preventing contamination while obtaining accurate fluid characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal energy as an intermediary to indirectly measure fluid properties. Instead of directly contacting or withdrawing the fluid, the system applies heat and measures temperature changes, using thermal response as a mediator to infer fluid characteristics such as composition and contamination levels without direct interference.
2Loss of information
If traditional fluid sampling methods are used, then fluid property data is obtained, but real-time monitoring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous thermal measurements to be taken during drilling operations. The heating element and temperature sensors can continuously monitor fluid thermal properties in-situ, providing ongoing real-time data on formation fluid characteristics rather than relying on discrete historical sampling events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-contained thermal measurements downhole during drilling operations. The heating element, temperature sensors, and processing electronics are integrated into a single downhole tool that autonomously conducts thermal tests and processes data without requiring surface intervention or stopping drilling operations.
3Measurement precision
If thermal measurement system is implemented, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional downhole tool that combines heating element, temperature sensors, fluid sampling capability, and data processing in a single integrated assembly. This universal tool can perform multiple functions including thermal measurements, traditional fluid sampling, and real-time data analysis, reducing the need for multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the heating element, temperature sensing elements, and fluid sampling system into a single integrated downhole tool assembly. By combining these previously separate functions into one unified device, the system reduces overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement and sampling capabilities.
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 real-time estimation of downhole fluid properties, including contamination levels, facilitating cleaner fluid sampling and improved drilling control by processing temperature data using thermal profiles and algorithms, enhancing the ability to detect the presence of oil, gas, and water.
Implementation Method 1
heating the fluid at a selected location during a first time phase
Implementation Method 2
measuring the temperature of the fluid substantially at the selected location during a second time phase
Implementation Method 3
estimating the property of the downhole fluid from the plurality of measurements made during the second phase
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a system, tools and methods for estimating a property or characteristic of a fluid downhole. In one aspect, the method may include: heating the fluid at a selected or first location during a first time phase, taking temperature measurements of the fluid substantially at the selected location during a second time phase, and estimating the property of the downhole fluid using temperature measurements. Temperature measurements may also be taken at a location spaced apart from the first location and used to estimate the property of the fluid. The tool may include a device that heats the fluid during a first time phase and takes temperature measurements of the fluid during a second time phase. A processor uses the temperature measurements and a model to estimate a property of interest of the fluid.