Inline X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry for Subterranean Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring water cut and fluid composition in hydrocarbon wells are limited by the need for radioactive sources and lack of real-time, in-situ analysis, which hinders effective reservoir management and production allocation.
Innovation Solution
A system using x-ray fluorescence spectrometry to measure the mean density of multiphase fluids and perform chemical analysis of crude and brine compositions within a subterranean well, eliminating the need for radioactive sources and enabling real-time determination of water cut, oil density, and brine ion composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to measure water cut and fluid composition, then measurements can be obtained, but radioactive sources are required and real-time in-situ analysis is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radioactive measurement systems with an optical measurement system using LED light sources and photodetectors. The system uses light absorption and fluorescence principles to measure water cut and fluid composition, eliminating the need for radioactive sources while maintaining measurement capability through non-invasive optical sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from radioactive emission detection to optical absorption and fluorescence detection. By using LED light sources at specific wavelengths and detecting the absorbed light and fluorescence emissions, the system achieves real-time in-situ analysis without radioactive materials, transforming the physical basis of measurement
2Loss of information
If traditional offline analysis methods are used, then fluid composition can be determined, but real-time measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time measurement by positioning the optical sensors to measure light absorption and fluorescence emissions as fluid continuously flows through the production pipe. The system provides ongoing compositional data without interrupting production, enabling real-time monitoring of water cut and fluid properties
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the natural fluorescence properties of the fluid components themselves for detection. By measuring the fluorescence emissions from the fluid at specific wavelengths, the system obtains compositional information directly from the fluid's inherent properties without requiring external reagents or complex sample preparation
3Loss of information
If multiple separate measurement systems are used for density and chemical analysis, then comprehensive data can be obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated optical measurement system. By using LED light sources and photodetectors to simultaneously measure light absorption for density determination and fluorescence emissions for chemical composition analysis, the system obtains comprehensive fluid characteristics data without requiring separate measurement devices
Solution Approach 2:
The optical measurement system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it measures water cut through light absorption, determines fluid density through attenuation measurements, and analyzes chemical composition through fluorescence detection. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized instruments while providing comprehensive fluid characterization
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, real-time measurement of water cut and fluid composition without radioactive sources, improving reservoir management and production allocation by providing in-situ analysis of crude and brine characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
An x-ray source is located on a first side of the production pipe. An x-ray beam is directed into the production pipe and into the fluids, and out of an opposite side of the production pipe as a resulting beam, with the x-ray source. A level of attenuation of the resulting beam is detected with an attenuation detector located on an opposite side of the production pipe.
Implementation Method 2
A fluorescence spectra of the resulting beam is detected with a scattered fluorescence detector located on the opposite side of the production pipe.
Implementation Method 3
A fluorescence peak of the resulting beam is detected with a peak fluorescence detector located on the opposite side of the production pipe.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for determining characteristics of a fluid in a subterranean well include providing a production pipe extending into the subterranean well to convey the fluids from within the subterranean well to an earth's surface. An x-ray source is located on a first side of the production pipe. An x-ray beam is directed into the production pipe, into the fluids, and out of an opposite side of the production pipe as a resulting beam, with the x-ray source. A level of attenuation of the resulting beam is detected with an attenuation detector located on an opposite side of the production pipe. A fluorescence spectra of the resulting beam is detected with a scattered fluorescence detector located on the opposite side of the production pipe. A fluorescence peak of the resulting beam is detected with a peak fluorescence detector located on the opposite side of the production pipe.