Hybrid Sensor System for Borehole Measurement Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accuracy of downhole tools used in boreholes is adversely affected by conditions such as temperature, mud characteristics, and standoff to the borehole wall, limiting their effectiveness in geologic formations for hydrocarbon production, geothermal production, and carbon dioxide sequestration.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid sensor apparatus and method that includes a first sensor for measuring a primary property and a second sensor for measuring a secondary property, with a processor to correct the primary measurement using the secondary measurement, thereby enhancing accuracy by accounting for environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If downhole tools are used to perform measurements in boreholes, then measurements can be obtained, but the accuracy is adversely affected by borehole conditions such as temperature, mud characteristics, and standoff to the borehole wall
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple sensors to continuously monitor borehole conditions (temperature, mud characteristics, standoff) and feeds this information back to a processor that automatically corrects the primary measurements in real-time, eliminating the need for post-processing and improving measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces secondary sensors as intermediary devices that measure environmental factors (temperature, mud properties, standoff) which then serve as correction inputs to adjust the primary sensor measurements, effectively mediating the harmful effects of borehole conditions
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to correct for environmental factors, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional sensor system where secondary sensors serve dual purposes: monitoring borehole conditions for correction purposes and providing diagnostic information about the measurement environment, thereby justifying the added complexity through multiple utility functions
3Measurement precision
If environmental factors are corrected in real-time during measurement, then measurement accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements of environmental factors (temperature, mud characteristics, standoff) simultaneously with the primary measurement, allowing all corrections to be applied in real-time without requiring additional energy-intensive post-processing operations
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for estimating a first property in a borehole penetrating the earth is described. The apparatus includes a carrier configured to be conveyed through the borehole. The apparatus also includes a first sensor disposed at the carrier and configured to perform a first measurement of the first property, the first sensor having a first direction of sensitivity; a second sensor disposed at the carrier and configured to perform a second measurement of a second property, the second sensor having a second direction of sensitivity; and a processor configured to receive the first and second measurements and to correct the first measurement using the second measurement in order to estimate the first property.