Tunable Laser Diode Hydrocarbon Speciation in Drilling Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing hydrocarbons in drilling fluids are inefficient in speciating methane, ethane, propane, butane, and pentane, and do not effectively liberate gases from drilling fluids, leading to inaccurate predictions of oil or gas production potential.
Innovation Solution
A gas analyzer and gas trap system that uses infrared radiation to detect absorption spectra and liberate gases from drilling fluids, allowing for the determination of hydrocarbon concentrations through a tunable laser diode and processor analysis, and a brushless DC motor-powered gas trap to efficiently agitate and separate hydrocarbons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to analyze hydrocarbons in drilling fluids, then the analysis process is simple, but the speciation accuracy of methane, ethane, propane, butane, and pentane is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical gas chromatography systems with an optical detection system using a tunable laser diode that emits infrared radiation. The laser light interacts with hydrocarbon molecules in the gas phase, and absorption spectra are detected by a detector to identify and quantify specific hydrocarbon species (methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane) based on their unique infrared absorption fingerprints at specific wavelengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a tunable laser diode that can adjust its emission wavelength across different infrared frequency ranges. By tuning the laser wavelength to match the specific absorption wavelengths of different hydrocarbon molecules, the system achieves selective detection and speciation of individual hydrocarbon components based on their characteristic absorption spectra.
2Productivity
If conventional gas liberation methods are used, then the process is simple, but the efficiency of separating gases from drilling fluid is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a brushless DC motor-powered agitator that mechanically stirs and vibrates the drilling fluid within the gas trap. This mechanical agitation increases the surface area and contact between the drilling fluid and the infrared radiation, enhancing the liberation of dissolved gases and improving the efficiency of gas separation from the liquid phase.
3Reliability
If real-time hydrocarbon speciation is implemented, then production prediction accuracy is improved, but the measurement and detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a real-time feedback system where the detector continuously monitors the infrared absorption spectra of hydrocarbons in the drilling fluid. The system processes the absorption data to calculate concentrations of individual hydrocarbon species and provides immediate feedback on the composition changes, enabling real-time assessment of production potential and formation characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses infrared radiation as an intermediary that mediates the interaction between the detection system and hydrocarbon molecules. The tunable laser diode emits infrared radiation that passes through the gas-phase hydrocarbons, and the detector measures the absorption characteristics. This intermediary approach enables non-contact, real-time measurement of hydrocarbon concentrations without direct physical interaction between the detection system and the samples.
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 speciation of hydrocarbons in real-time, improving the prediction of oil or gas production potential by accurately measuring concentrations of methane, ethane, propane, and butane, and efficiently liberating gases from drilling fluids.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the gas sample with infrared radiation spanning a wavelength range comprising near-infrared wavelengths; simultaneously detecting absorption spectra associated with irradiating each of the one or more of methane, ethane, propane, and butane
Implementation Method 2
a brushless DC motor-powered gas trap to efficiently agitate and separate hydrocarbons
Data Source
AI summary
A method for analyzing a gas sample conveyed in a drilling fluid involves liberating the gas sample from the drilling fluid, irradiating the gas sample with infrared radiation spanning a wavelength range in the near-infrared range, detecting absorption spectra associated with irradiating the gas sample, and determining a composition of the gas sample from the absorption spectra. The gas sample includes one or more of methane, ethane, propane, and butane, the detected absorption spectra are associated with irradiating each of the one or more of methane, ethane, propane, and butane, and the composition includes a concentration of any one or more of the methane, ethane, propane, and butane.