Mid-Infrared Evanescent Wave Detection for Drilling Fluid Hydrocarbons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current detection systems for hydrocarbons during oil drilling operations are limited in their ability to accurately detect trace or minor quantities of oil in aqueous systems, particularly in extreme environments, and require costly sample recovery and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A mid-infrared (MIR) evanescent wave detection system using waveguides and detectors is deployed near the drill bit to continuously analyze drilling fluids for the presence of petroleum, employing evanescent wave technology and polymer coatings to enhance sensitivity and selectivity, allowing for real-time detection and characterization of hydrocarbons in aqueous colloidal suspensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional gas chromatographic analysis is used to detect hydrocarbons, then detection precision for C1-C6 hydrocarbons is improved, but detection capability for trace petroleum in aqueous colloidal suspensions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from gas chromatographic analysis (which detects C1-C6 hydrocarbons) to mid-infrared spectroscopic analysis (which detects trace petroleum hydrocarbons). This parameter change enables the system to detect a broader range of hydrocarbons including trace amounts in aqueous colloidal suspensions, resolving the contradiction between detection precision and detection capability versatility.
2Measurement precision
If sample recovery and gas chromatographic analysis is performed, then detection accuracy is improved, but response time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sample recovery and gas chromatographic analysis system with an in-situ mid-infrared spectroscopic detection system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical sample retrieval and complex chromatographic separation, enabling real-time detection directly at the drill bit while maintaining detection accuracy through sophisticated spectral analysis algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection action by positioning the mid-infrared sensor at the drill bit to detect hydrocarbons as they are generated, rather than waiting for sample recovery. This preliminary action enables real-time monitoring and immediate response to hydrocarbon presence, significantly reducing response time while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mid-infrared evanescent wave detection system is deployed, then detection capability for trace hydrocarbons is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the mid-infrared evanescent wave detection system is integrated within the drill bit assembly. The sensor, waveguide, and processing electronics are nested together in a compact configuration, allowing the complex detection system to be deployed in the harsh downhole environment without excessive complexity in installation and operation.
4Productivity
If continuous real-time monitoring is implemented, then productivity and response time are improved, but use of energy and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic sampling and detection cycles rather than truly continuous monitoring. The mid-infrared sensor periodically analyzes the drilling fluid passing by the drill bit, providing sufficient real-time data for productivity improvement while reducing energy consumption compared to uninterrupted continuous monitoring. This periodic action maintains the benefits of real-time detection while optimizing energy usage.
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 detection and characterization of hydrocarbons in drilling fluids, reducing the need for sample recovery and improving drilling efficiency by providing continuous monitoring and characterization of fluid compositions, even in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
waveguide means for receiving the light signal to generate an evanescent wave that is transmitted into drilling fluids
Implementation Method 2
means for processing the same into the mid-infrared spectra received from the waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
A first waveguide has a top face positioned in an oil well borehole for wetting by returning drilling mud from a drill bit as drilling progresses. A second waveguide is positioned in the borehole for wetting by new drilling mud being pumped to the drill bit. MIR light rays are fed from an MIR light source into the first and second waveguides for causing evanescent waves to be generated by each waveguide for reacting with the molecules of the associated drilling mud, respectfully, whereby a modulated optical signal representative of spectra of components and particles in the associated drilling mud, respectively, are emitted from each waveguide. The modulated optical signals are converted to electrical signals, subtracted from one another to remove common mode signals, and passed into a processor programmed for extracting the spectra hydrocarbon components contained in the returning drilling mud as the result of the drilling activity.