Integrated Computational Element for Multi-Spectral Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing the properties of production fluids from oil and gas wells are limited by the need for multiple devices and sampling chambers, which increase complexity and reduce efficiency in determining chemical and physical characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The use of integrated computational elements that process multiple spectral ranges of electromagnetic radiation interacted with the fluids, employing a monolithic structure with alternating layers of high and low refractive index materials to produce weighted electromagnetic spectra, enabling the measurement of fluid properties within a unified device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices and sampling chambers are used to analyze fluid properties across different spectral ranges, then comprehensive measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spectral analyzers that process different spectral ranges into a single integrated device. Each analyzer handles a specific spectral range (e.g., visible, near-infrared, short-wave infrared), and they are merged into one unified instrument that can simultaneously or sequentially analyze fluid properties across all these ranges, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple measurement functions within a single system. It can simultaneously measure various fluid properties including composition, density, viscosity, and other characteristics by processing electromagnetic radiation across multiple spectral ranges, making the device universally applicable for comprehensive fluid analysis
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices and sampling chambers are used to analyze fluid properties, then comprehensive measurement capability is improved, but operational efficiency and analysis time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple spectral analyzers into one integrated device, the system enables simultaneous or sequential measurement across all spectral ranges without requiring physical movement between separate instruments or multiple sampling operations, significantly improving operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The device prepares and processes the fluid sample once, then simultaneously directs it through multiple spectral analysis channels. This preliminary single-pass sample preparation eliminates the need for repeated sampling and analysis steps that would be required with separate devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional analysis methods with multiple devices are used, then comprehensive fluid characterization is achieved, but measurement precision and sensitivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple spectral analyzers allows for cross-validation and combined analysis of fluid properties across different spectral ranges. Data from all analyzers can be correlated to improve measurement precision and detect subtle fluid characteristics that might be missed by single-range 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 efficient, in-situ analysis of fluid properties by processing spectral ranges progressively from shortest to longest wavelengths, reducing the need for multiple devices and enhancing measurement accuracy and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
The integrated computational elements optically process the electromagnetic radiation within a plurality of spectral ranges to produce a corresponding number of weighted electromagnetic spectra
Implementation Method 2
employing a monolithic structure with alternating layers of high and low refractive index materials
Implementation Method 3
Each spectral analyzer includes an integrated computational element optically coupled to an optical transducer
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, tools, and methods are presented for processing a plurality of spectral ranges from an electromagnetic radiation that has been interacted with a fluid. Each spectral range within the plurality corresponds to a property of the fluid or a constituent therein. In one instance, a series of spectral analyzers, each including an integrated computational element coupled to an optical transducer, forms a monolithic structure to receive interacted electromagnetic radiation from the fluid. Each spectral analyzer is configured to process one of the plurality of spectral ranges. The series is ordered so spectral ranges are processed progressively from shortest wavelengths to longest wavelengths as interacted electromagnetic radiation propagates therethrough. Other systems, tools, and methods are presented.