Mobile Fluid Analysis Installation for On-Site PVT and Geochemical Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for monitoring underground fluid compositions, such as in geological gas storage sites, require transporting pressurized samples to laboratories for analysis, which is cumbersome, risky, and prevents real-time monitoring due to sample damage, customs issues, and long transport times.

Innovation Solution

A mobile analysis installation with PVT and geochemical analysis means, including piston cells and self-regulating pumps, allows for on-site analysis of fluids, reducing the need for sample transport and enabling real-time monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If fluid samples are transported to remote laboratories for analysis, then comprehensive analysis can be performed, but transport time increases and real-time monitoring is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid composition analysis accuracyVSAvoidsample transport time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the analysis function into two independent mobile units: a PVT analysis unit and a geochemical analysis unit. Each unit can be deployed independently to perform specific types of analysis, eliminating the need to transport samples to a single remote laboratory and enabling faster, specialized analysis closer to the sampling location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a mobile analysis installation as an intermediary between the underground sampling point and the final analysis destination. This mobile unit can be positioned near the sampling location to perform preliminary analysis, serving as a mediator that reduces transport time while maintaining analysis capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If pressurized fluid samples are transported to laboratories, then analysis can be conducted, but sample damage and contamination risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid composition analysis accuracyVSAvoidsample contamination and damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile analysis installation acts as an intermediary that can perform analysis closer to the sampling location, reducing the distance and time samples must be transported. This minimizes exposure to contamination risks during transport and handling while maintaining comprehensive analysis capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses inert gas (nitrogen or argon) to pressurize and protect fluid samples during storage and analysis. This inert atmosphere prevents contamination of the samples with atmospheric gases and maintains sample integrity throughout the analysis process, eliminating the need for risky transport of pressurized samples.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Measurement precision

If samples are analyzed in remote laboratories, then detailed analysis is possible, but customs and legislative problems arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid composition analysis accuracyVSAvoidcustoms and legislative procedures
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The analysis system is segmented into mobile units that can be deployed at or near the sampling location. This eliminates the need to transport samples across borders to remote laboratories, avoiding customs and legislative complications while maintaining comprehensive PVT and geochemical analysis capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Quantity of substance

If synthetic brine is used to push fluid into the sampler, then complete sample recovery is achieved, but contamination of the sampled fluid occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample recovery completenessVSAvoidfluid contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces synthetic brine with inert gas (nitrogen or argon) to pressurize and recover fluid samples. This inert gas pushes the sampled fluid into the storage chamber without contaminating it, achieving complete sample recovery while eliminating the harmful contamination effect introduced by synthetic brine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 mobile installation facilitates immediate and accurate analysis of fluid compositions, reducing contamination risks and enabling timely site monitoring, overcoming the limitations of traditional laboratory-based analysis.

Implementation Method 1

a first circuit comprising oil, at least two piston cells, each piston cell comprising a piston delimiting two volumes, a first volume being connected to said first circuit, means of connection to a container comprising said fluid to be analyzed in order to transfer said fluid to be analyzed in the second volumes of said piston cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

PVT analysis means for determining the gas-water and/or gas-oil ratio of said fluid to be analyzed contained in a first piston cell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPVT analysis:

Implementation Method 3

geochemical analysis means for determining at least part of the composition of said fluid to be analyzed contained in a second piston cell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeochemical analysis:

Data Source

PatentEP3642453B1Mobile facility for analysing a fluid
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES
  • EP3642453B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention concerns a mobile facility (1) for analysing a fluid. The facility (1) is mobile such that it can be moved to the collection site. In order to perform the analysis, the facility comprises, in particular, at least two piston cells (3), PVT analysis means and geochemical analysis means (GEO). Moreover, the invention concerns the use of such a mobile facility (1) for analysing a fluid collected in an underground formation.