Co-located Inductive Capacitive Resistivity Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current resistivity measurement tools in the energy industry face challenges in accurately differentiating hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon fluids and measuring formation features like lithology and fractures, particularly due to interference between inductive and capacitive sensors and the difficulty of precise sensor location in rotating configurations.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing co-located inductive and capacitive resistivity sensors with a capacitive electrode assembly that prevents eddy currents and interference, allowing for simultaneous measurements at the same location, reducing complexity and processing requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If inductive and capacitive sensors are used simultaneously for resistivity measurements, then measurement capability is improved, but interference between sensors increases and measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A non-conductive spacer is introduced as an intermediary component between the inductive sensor and capacitive sensor. This spacer physically separates the two sensor types while maintaining their co-location on the钻杆, preventing direct interference between the inductive and capacitive measurement mechanisms, thereby enabling both sensors to function simultaneously without degrading measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: the inductive sensor, the non-conductive spacer, and the capacitive sensor are arranged as separate segments along the钻杆. This segmentation allows each sensor type to operate in its own designated space while maintaining overall integration, resolving the interference issue between the two measurement systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If sensors are precisely positioned for accurate measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor location precisionVSAvoidsensor positioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inductive sensor, non-conductive spacer, and capacitive sensor are merged into a single integrated sensor assembly that is mounted as one unit on the钻杆. This merging eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms for each sensor, reducing device complexity while maintaining precise relative positioning through the fixed structural arrangement of the assembly itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 accurate and efficient resistivity measurements by minimizing interference and eliminating the need for precise sensor positioning, improving the differentiation of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon fluids and formation feature evaluation.

Implementation Method 1

inductive sensor that measures resistivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

capacitive sensor that measures resistivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3374600B1Resistivity imaging using combination capacitive and inductive sensors
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 BAKER HUGHES CO
  • EP3374600B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3374600B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3374600B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A system for measuring electric characteristics of an earth formation includes a carrier configured to be disposed in an earth formation, and an inductive measurement assembly including an antenna configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field in the earth formation and measure a resistivity of the formation by detecting a signal in response to currents induced in the formation. The system also includes a capacitive measurement assembly including a capacitive measurement electrode configured to detect a signal in response to a measurement current injected into the formation, the capacitive measurement electrode disposed between the antenna and the formation and in a path of the magnetic field, the capacitive measurement electrode formed from a plurality of constituent electrodes that are electrically isolated from each other so as to prevent induction of eddy currents across the plurality of electrodes.