Integrating Open-Path Laser Detection into Gas Extractors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surface equipment for analyzing wellbore fluids requires significant space and time due to separate locations for gas detectors and extractors, leading to contamination of gas samples during transportation through gas lines.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an open-path laser detection device (OPDD) into a gas extractor, utilizing spectroscopy for molecular species detection, with vibrationally isolated reflective surfaces and a carrier gas system to minimize contamination and optimize space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas detector and gas extractor are positioned at separate surface locations, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the space requirement increases and gas sample contamination occurs during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the gas detector directly into the gas extractor, combining two previously separate devices into a single unified system. This eliminates the need for separate surface locations and gas line connections, thereby preventing sample contamination while reducing the total surface space required at the rig site.
2Productivity
If gas detector and gas extractor are positioned at separate surface locations, then each device can operate independently, but additional time and cost are required to rig up gas lines for connection
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the gas detector and gas extractor into a single integrated unit, the patent eliminates the need for complex gas line rigging and connections. This reduces deployment time and complexity while maintaining the functional independence of each component through modular internal design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If gas lines are used to connect gas extractor to gas detector, then the devices can be separated for flexibility, but gas sample contamination with moisture occurs during passage through gas lines
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the gas detector into the gas extractor eliminates the intermediate gas lines that cause moisture contamination. The direct internal connection ensures gas sample integrity while the system maintains adaptability through its modular architecture, allowing flexible deployment configurations without compromising sample quality.
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 efficient, contamination-free analysis of wellbore fluids with reduced space requirements and faster deployment, providing accurate characterization of fluid compositions at the rig site.
Implementation Method 1
employing spectroscopy to detect a type and quantity of at least one component/molecular species within the wellbore fluid
Implementation Method 2
an open-path laser detection device (OPDD) may include a gas detection chamber mounted onto or integrated into a gas extraction chamber
Implementation Method 3
with vibrationally isolated reflective surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a standalone gas extraction and detection system comprising a gas extraction chamber operable to receive a wellbore fluid and a carrier gas; a gas detection chamber in fluid communication with the gas extraction chamber, the gas detection chamber comprising reflective surfaces operable to receive infrared radiation (IR) and an extracted gas sample from the gas extraction chamber; an open-path detector operable to detect the IR in the gas detection chamber; and a shaft extending through the gas extraction chamber and the gas detection chamber of the standalone gas extraction and detection system.