Nonlinear Light Converter for Remote Downhole Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensing techniques for downhole oil field operations face challenges due to the limitations of broadband light transmission through optical fibers and the susceptibility of electronics to failure in extreme environments, making them infeasible for collecting necessary data.
Innovation Solution
The use of nonlinear light conversion systems, such as photonic crystal fibers and tapered fibers with dispersive cladding, to convert narrowband light pulses into broadened or shifted spectrum light pulses, enabling remote sensing and tool operations in downhole environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If broadband light is conveyed to remote downhole location, then optical sensing capability is improved, but bandwidth limitations of optical fibers prevent effective transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the narrowband light parameter into a broadband spectrum through nonlinear optical conversion processes. By changing the spectral parameters of light via supercontinuum generation and frequency conversion, the system achieves broadband optical sensing capability while transmitting through standard optical fibers, thus resolving the bandwidth limitation contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If broadband light source is used in downhole environment, then optical sensing is enabled, but electronics become prone to failure in extreme environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the broadband light generation function from the downhole environment and places it at the surface. Only narrowband light transmission and nonlinear optical conversion (which require no electronics) are performed downhole, eliminating electronic components from the extreme environment while maintaining optical sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic broadband light sources with a nonlinear optical conversion system that uses only narrowband light transmission and passive optical materials downhole. This substitution eliminates electronic components prone to failure in extreme environments while achieving the same optical sensing functionality.
3Reliability
If narrowband light is transmitted through optical fibers, then transmission reliability is improved, but optical sensing techniques become infeasible without broadband conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary broadband spectrum generation at the surface before light transmission. By pre-converting narrowband light to supercontinuum broadband light and then to specific frequency bands suitable for sensing, the system ensures reliable narrowband transmission while maintaining versatility for multiple optical sensing applications downhole.
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
This approach allows for effective data collection and tool operation in downhole environments by overcoming bandwidth limitations and electronic failure issues, facilitating the use of sensors and tool elements that can operate using expanded or shifted spectrum light pulses.
Implementation Method 1
The nonlinear light converter converts a narrowband light pulse received from the light source to an expanded spectrum and/or shifted spectrum light pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed remote work system includes a light source and a nonlinear converter optically coupled to and remote from the light source. The nonlinear light converter converts a narrowband light pulse received from the light source to a converted spectrum light pulse. The system also includes a work element coupled to the nonlinear light converter. The work element performs a work operation using the converted spectrum light pulse. A related remote work method includes generating a narrowband light pulse and conveying the narrowband light pulse to a remote location. The method also includes converting the narrowband light pulse to a converted spectrum light pulse at the remote location. The method also includes performing a sense operation or work operation at the remote location using the converted spectrum light pulse.