Downhole Microconduit Fluid Analysis System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The complex composition of fluids from boreholes, which can include oil and water insoluble compounds, is sensitive to environmental changes during extraction, leading to unwanted separation or precipitation when brought to the surface, making it difficult to analyze and restore the original composition.
Innovation Solution
A fluid testing device with microconduits is deployed in situ within the borehole, featuring a substrate with microconduits smaller than 1 cm² that allow for in situ analysis using sensors, enabling precise estimation of fluid parameters without the need for surface transport, which minimizes separation and maintains the fluid's original composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluid is transported to the surface for analysis, then analysis can be performed in a controlled environment, but the fluid composition changes due to separation and precipitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs fluid analysis before the fluid reaches the surface, where environmental changes could cause composition changes. By conducting measurements in situ downhole, the system captures the fluid's original composition state, preventing separation and precipitation issues that would occur during surface transport
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system (sensors and testing members) that can operate directly in the downhole environment. This intermediary device enables accurate fluid characterization without requiring the fluid to be transported to surface facilities, thus maintaining composition stability while achieving measurement objectives
2Stability of the object's composition
If in situ analysis is performed using microconduits, then fluid composition stability is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device is segmented into modular functional components: sampling means, microconduit array with multiple conduits of different dimensions, testing members, and sensors. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining composition stability through the microconduit architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs microconduits with controlled porous structures and specific cross-sectional areas to facilitate fluid flow and interaction with sensors. The microconduit design provides a controlled environment that maintains fluid composition while enabling measurement, reducing the need for complex external containment systems
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for estimating a parameter of interest in a downhole fluid using fluid testing module. The fluid testing module may include: a substrate comprising at least one microconduit, and a sensor. The sensor may be disposed within the at least one microconduit or external. The apparatus may include a fluid transporter for moving fluid within the microconduit. The method includes estimating a parameter of interest using the fluid testing module.