Flowline Resonator Antennas for Contamination-Resistant Fluid Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to provide an antenna structure for flowlines that does not degrade over time due to contaminant accumulation and can measure resistivity and permittivity accurately in both conductive and non-conductive fluids, while existing electrodes and coil antennas face issues with accuracy and compatibility with conducting or magnetic flowlines.
Innovation Solution
The use of resonator antennas, which are low-profile, easy to manufacture, and maintain a high signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for accurate resistivity and permittivity measurements in flowlines without being affected by particle accumulation, and are compatible with both conductive and non-conductive fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrodes are used to measure resistivity in flowlines, then resistivity measurements can be obtained, but the electrodes become coated by particles in the fluid over time, degrading measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical contact-based electrode system with an electromagnetic induction-based coil antenna system. The coil antenna generates an electromagnetic field that couples with the fluid's electrical properties without requiring physical contact, thereby avoiding particle coating and maintaining measurement accuracy over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the measurement device and the fluid. The coil antenna generates an electromagnetic field that penetrates the fluid without direct contact, allowing resistivity and permittivity measurements while avoiding contamination from particle coating.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If coil antennas are used to measure resistivity and permittivity, then non-contact measurements are achieved, but the received signal is proportional to conductivity, causing issues in conducting or magnetic flowlines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the antenna system by using high-frequency electromagnetic waves whose characteristics (wavelength, impedance) can be adjusted to be independent of the fluid's conductivity. This allows the system to operate accurately in both conductive and non-conductive fluids by controlling the electromagnetic field parameters rather than relying on conductivity-proportional signals.
3Measurement precision
If traditional flowline antenna designs are used, then measurements can be performed, but the antenna structure degrades over time due to accumulation of contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional physical antenna structure that is susceptible to contamination with an electromagnetic field-based measurement system. The coil antenna measures fluid properties through electromagnetic coupling without requiring a physical structure that could degrade from contaminant accumulation, thereby improving long-term reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If high-frequency flowline antenna design is used to measure conductivity and permittivity, then both properties can be measured, but a purpose-built flowline design is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal coil antenna system that can be integrated into existing flowlines without requiring purpose-built custom designs. The antenna structure and measurement methodology are adaptable to standard flowline configurations, enabling both conductivity and permittivity measurements while maintaining compatibility with existing wellbore equipment.
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
Resonator antennas provide accurate resistivity and permittivity measurements in flowlines, maintaining measurement integrity over time and across various fluid conductivities, enhancing the reliability of fluid property determination and flow analysis.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting electromagnetic (EM) waves into the flowline
Implementation Method 2
receiving a reflected EM wave from the flowline and computing an S11 parameter
Implementation Method 3
measure at least one property of the fluid, such as resistivity and permittivity
Implementation Method 4
measure at least one property of the fluid, such as resistivity and permittivity
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for downhole sampling. The system may include a downhole fluid sampling tool that may include one or more probes configured to extend into a formation, and a pump configured to collect a fluid from the formation through the one or more probes. The method may further comprise a flowline configured to transport the fluid from the formation through the one or more probes and through the downhole fluid sampling tool and a fluid analysis module comprising a resonator antenna disposed on the flowline and configured to measure at least one property of the fluid. Additionally, the method may comprise measuring at least one property of the fluid with at least one resonator antennas that are disposed on or within an outer surface of the flowline.