Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Borehole Fluid Contamination Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for evaluating fluid contamination in boreholes are inefficient and inaccurate, particularly in estimating low levels of contamination, which can impact the quality of formation fluid measurements and reservoir evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize fluorescence spectroscopy to analyze fluid samples from boreholes by applying light at different excitation wavelengths, comparing the resulting spectra to reference spectra, and estimating contamination levels based on wavelength shifts and intensity ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing methods are used to evaluate fluid contamination, then the process is simple, but the accuracy and efficiency are poor especially for low contamination levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing multiple excitation wavelengths (e.g., 254 nm and 190 nm) to excite fluorescent compounds in the fluid sample. By changing the excitation wavelength parameter, the system obtains different fluorescence spectra that can be compared to reference spectra to accurately determine contamination levels, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring overly complex equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or conventional sensing methods with fluorescence spectroscopy, an optical measurement technique. This substitution enables non-contact, non-invasive measurement of contamination levels through optical properties, achieving high precision while maintaining relatively simple system architecture
2Productivity
If existing methods are used, then the equipment is simple, but the measurement efficiency and accuracy for low contamination levels are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous measurement by obtaining fluorescence spectra at multiple excitation wavelengths and continuously comparing them against reference spectra. This continuous spectral analysis enables efficient and accurate real-time detection of contamination levels, including low levels, without requiring repeated sampling or complex processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescence spectra as an intermediary parameter between the physical fluid sample and the contamination level measurement. By measuring the fluorescence characteristics of the fluid and comparing them to reference spectra, the system efficiently and accurately determines contamination levels without direct contact or complex analysis
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
This approach allows for accurate and efficient estimation of fluid contamination levels, including low contamination levels, thereby improving the quality of fluid samples and reservoir evaluation data.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescence spectroscopy unit configured to apply light having a first excitation wavelength to the fluid sample... measuring a first fluorescence spectrum... comparing the first fluorescence spectrum to a reference fluorescence spectrum... comparing the first fluorescence spectrum to a second fluorescence spectrum based on applying light having a second excitation wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
A method of analyzing a fluid includes acquiring a sample of the fluid extracted from a subterranean region proximate to a borehole, the borehole including an injected fluid, applying light having a first excitation wavelength to the fluid sample, and measuring a first fluorescence spectrum. The method also includes comparing the first fluorescence spectrum to a reference fluorescence spectrum corresponding to a fluid having injected fluid contamination and/or to a second fluorescence spectrum based on applying light having a second excitation wavelength to the fluid sample. The method further includes estimating a level of contamination of the fluid sample with the injected fluid based on the comparing.