Electromagnetic Fluid Analysis Device for Multiphase Well Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies for assessing the mix of fluids in wells, particularly in harsh environments with high pressure and temperature, lack sensitivity and precision in differentiating between gas and liquid phases and determining fluid concentrations in multiphase fluids, especially in directional and horizontal wells.

Innovation Solution

A device and method using an electromagnetic guiding device with a reflector immersed in the multiphase fluid, emitting electromagnetic radiation and analyzing the reflected portion to determine the presence, concentration, and phase fraction of fluids, including natural gas, water, and oil, without collecting a sample, and capable of withstanding extreme conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical probes are used to detect fluid phases, then measurement capability is provided, but sensitivity and precision in differentiating gas and liquid phases deteriorates in harsh environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision in differentiating gas and liquid phasesVSAvoidharsh environment conditions (high pressure and temperature)

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/optical probe systems with an electromagnetic radiation-based detection system. The system uses electromagnetic radiation sources and detectors to measure fluid properties without physical contact, eliminating the sensitivity issues that arise when optical probes are exposed to harsh high-pressure and high-temperature environments. This substitution maintains measurement precision while avoiding the harmful effects of environmental exposure on the sensing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If fluid samples are collected for analysis, then fluid composition can be determined, but real-time analysis capability and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid composition determinationVSAvoidreal-time analysis capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs in-situ analysis directly within the wellbore environment using electromagnetic radiation interaction with the fluid phases. The detection apparatus measures fluid composition, concentration, and phase fractions directly in the flowing stream without requiring sample collection, transport, or external laboratory analysis. This self-service approach enables real-time measurement and maintains continuous productivity while achieving precise fluid characterization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If electromagnetic radiation is emitted into multiphase fluid, then fluid analysis is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid phase differentiationVSAvoidelectromagnetic radiation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic radiation system is designed to perform multiple measurement functions using a single integrated apparatus. The system can differentiate between gas and liquid phases, determine fluid concentrations, measure phase fractions, and characterize fluid composition simultaneously through various electromagnetic radiation interactions (absorption, scattering, reflection). This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate measurement devices, thereby managing complexity while providing comprehensive fluid analysis capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 precise real-time analysis of multiphase fluids in wells, differentiating between natural gas and liquid phases with improved accuracy, and determining fluid concentrations within milliseconds, suitable for complex well environments without external sampling.

Implementation Method 1

A device and method using an electromagnetic guiding device with a reflector immersed in the multiphase fluid, emitting electromagnetic radiation and analyzing the reflected portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

emitting electromagnetic radiation and analyzing the reflected portion to determine the presence, concentration, and phase fraction of fluids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3025155B1Systems and methods for analyzing a multiphase fluid

Publication Date: 2023.12.27 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC

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AI summary

A device is presented. The device includes an electromagnetic guiding device to provide electromagnetic radiation, a reflector that reflects a portion of the electromagnetic radiation to generate a reflected portion of the electromagnetic radiation, wherein the reflector is fully immersed in a multiphase fluid, and a processing subsystem that analyzes the multiphase fluid based upon at least a portion of the reflected portion of the electromagnetic radiation, wherein a principal optical axis of the electromagnetic guiding device substantially aligns with a principal optical axis of the reflector.