Bias Correction for Gas Extraction Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling fluid sampling and gas extraction systems face challenges in accurately analyzing the composition of drilling fluids due to system biases, which are influenced by parameters like liquid and gas flow rates and processing temperatures, making it difficult to obtain reliable formation characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a gas extraction and analysis method that captures drilling fluid samples, recirculates them through an extractor to minimize dissolved gas loss, and uses a gas chromatograph to analyze methane through pentane concentrations. It generates an area per concentration curve, fits it with a response curve, and applies this correction to original data to account for system biases without needing specific extractor parameters, enabling faster and accurate analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drilling fluid samples are analyzed using conventional gas extraction systems, then gas composition analysis can be performed, but system biases caused by parameters like liquid and gas flow rates and processing temperatures reduce measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring the actual liquid and gas flow rates and processing temperatures during extraction, then using this information to dynamically adjust the analysis parameters and correct the measured concentrations. This closed-loop approach compensates for system biases and maintains measurement accuracy despite parameter variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the liquid and gas flow rates and processing temperatures during the extraction process, then using these controlled variations to calculate correction factors. By understanding how measurements respond to parameter changes, the system can compensate for biases and improve measurement reliability.
2Measurement precision
If detailed system operational parameters are measured and corrected for, then measurement accuracy improves, but system complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the extraction system by pre-determining the relationship between operational parameters (flow rates, temperatures) and measurement biases. This calibration data is stored and automatically applied during routine analyses, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and reducing operational complexity while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified mathematical model or lookup table that replicates the complex relationship between system parameters and measurement biases. Instead of directly implementing complex physical corrections, the system uses this copied representation to quickly determine correction factors, reducing computational complexity while preserving measurement accuracy.
3Productivity
If conventional extraction methods are used, then system complexity is maintained, but processing time increases and accuracy decreases due to system biases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustments and manual correction procedures with an automated computational system. A processor automatically applies correction algorithms to the measured concentrations based on monitored operational parameters, eliminating the need for manual system adjustments and significantly reducing processing time while improving accuracy.
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 provides unbiased concentration values for drilling fluid samples, allowing for accurate determination of formation characteristics, such as rock types and hydrocarbon presence, without requiring detailed knowledge of the system's operational parameters, thus enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a gas extractor and fluid sampling system used for drilling operations... extracting, using a gas extraction and sampling system, a dissolved gas from a drilling fluid sample
Implementation Method 2
determining, using a gas chromatograph, a concentration over time of at least one chemical species of the dissolved gas
Data Source
AI summary
A method for analyzing a drilling fluid receiving a drilling fluid sample from a flow of the drilling fluid at a surface of a borehole being drilled in a subterranean formation and extracting, using a gas extraction and sampling system, a dissolved gas from the drilling fluid sample. The method includes determining, using a gas chromatograph, a concentration over time of at least one chemical species of a dissolved gas from the drilling fluid sample and generating an area per concentration curve based on the concentration over time. The method includes determining, using a gas extraction and sampling system, at least one concentration value of the at least one chemical species of the dissolved gas from the drilling fluid sample and correcting bias caused by the gas extraction and sampling system, wherein correcting the bias comprises modifying the at least one concentration value based on the area per concentration curve.