Interlaced Electrode Fluid Sensor for Downhole Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current techniques for determining downhole fluid parameters in oil rigs face challenges such as reduced accuracy due to interference from conductive components, clogging, and the need for enhanced measurement processes that can operate effectively in harsh conditions like high temperatures and pressures, while also ensuring compatibility with existing equipment and real-time capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A fluid sensor system comprising a pair of electrodes with insulation, where one electrode is interlaced with the other to create a space for fluid passage, allowing for voltage application to generate current for parameter determination, optimized for reduced size and increased surface area, and capable of operating in harsh downhole conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional electrodes are used for measuring fluid properties, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement accuracy is reduced due to interference from conductive components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidinterference from conductive components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary insulation layer between the electrodes and the wellbore environment. This insulation acts as a mediator that isolates the electrodes from conductive interference while still allowing electrical measurements to be made through the insulation, thereby eliminating the harmful interference from conductive components without sacrificing measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional direct-contact electrode systems with an insulated electrode system where electrical measurements are made through the insulation rather than direct contact. This substitution of the measurement mechanism eliminates mechanical and electrical interference from conductive components while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Volume of moving object

If measurement apparatus size is reduced, then device compactness is improved, but surface area for measurement is decreased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidsurface area for measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested configuration where the second electrode is positioned within the insulation surrounding the first electrode. This nesting arrangement allows the electrodes to be compact while the insulation layer provides sufficient surface area for accurate measurements, effectively resolving the contradiction between small device size and adequate measurement surface area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional electrode arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration where the second electrode is surrounded by the first electrode through the insulation layer. This dimensional change allows compact packaging while maintaining adequate measurement surface area through the radial arrangement of electrodes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If electrodes are positioned close together, then device size is reduced, but fluid flow through the space is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidfluid flow

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin insulation layer as a flexible barrier that allows fluid to pass through while maintaining the close proximity of electrodes. The thin film nature of the insulation enables adequate fluid flow through the space between electrodes without requiring large gaps, thus resolving the contradiction between compact device size and sufficient fluid flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The system provides accurate and real-time determination of fluid parameters like resistivity, impedance, and permittivity, minimizing clogging and interference, while being compatible with existing equipment and capable of operating in high-temperature, high-pressure environments.

Implementation Method 1

A voltage applied across the pair of electrodes generates a current therebetween whereby at least one parameter of the wellbore fluid may be determined

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9360444B2Fluid sensor and method of using same

Publication Date: 2016.06.07 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A fluid sensor and method for determining at least one parameter of a fluid of a wellbore is provided. The fluid sensor has a base positionable on a downhole tool and a pair of electrodes. The base is provided with insulation. The pair of electrodes is operatively positioned in the insulation. The pair of electrodes has a space therebetween for passage of the wellbore fluid therethrough. A first of the pair of electrodes is interlaced with a second of the pair of electrodes such that at least a portion of the second of the pair of electrodes is surrounded by the first of the pair of electrodes. A voltage applied across the pair of electrodes generates a current therebetween whereby at least one parameter of the wellbore fluid may be determined. The fluid sensor is deployable into the wellbore via the downhole tool.