Optical Computing Devices for Real-Time Oil Gas Separation Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing fluids in oil/gas separation processes are inefficient, particularly in real-time monitoring, leading to challenges in ensuring environmental safety and compliance with stringent regulations regarding the discharge of produced water into oceans or other water bodies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of optical analysis systems and methods using optical computing devices strategically placed along a fluid flow path, which include integrated computational elements to interact with the fluid and generate output signals for detectors, allowing for real-time monitoring of fluid characteristics before and after separation, enabling proactive control and quality assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fluid analysis methods are used in oil/gas separation processes, then the analysis can be performed with simple equipment, but the analysis is not accurate or timely enough for real-time monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fluid analysis methods with optical computing devices that use light-based detection. The optical computing device includes an integrated computational element that optically interacts with the fluid to generate output signals, enabling real-time monitoring without mechanical contact with the fluid stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical computing device that sits between the fluid flow and the detection system. This device contains an integrated computational element that acts as a mediator, optically interacting with the fluid and converting fluid characteristics into detectable output signals without requiring direct sampling or complex mechanical analysis equipment.
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring of fluid characteristics is implemented, then environmental compliance can be ensured, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sampling and laboratory analysis systems with a streamlined optical computing device that provides real-time monitoring. The device uses optical interaction to continuously assess fluid characteristics, ensuring environmental compliance without the complexity of traditional multi-step analysis procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical computing device is designed to autonomously monitor fluid characteristics and generate output signals without requiring external intervention or complex supporting infrastructure. The integrated computational element performs the analysis function within a single device, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable real-time monitoring for environmental compliance.
3Productivity
If optical computing devices are placed at multiple points along the flow path, then comprehensive real-time monitoring is achieved, but the system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring function into discrete optical computing devices placed at specific segments along the flow path - specifically at the inlet and discharge conduit of the separator. Each device independently monitors fluid characteristics at its location, providing comprehensive real-time data without requiring a fully continuous complex system throughout the entire flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical computing device is designed as a universal monitoring tool that can be deployed at multiple locations along the flow path. The same integrated computational element design and optical interaction mechanism are used at each location, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive monitoring through replication of a standardized, relatively simple device rather than through a single complex centralized system.
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
These systems provide accurate, real-time monitoring of fluid characteristics, enhancing the efficiency of fluid separation processes, ensuring environmental safety, and compliance with regulations by detecting impurities and optimizing fluid management in oil/gas production and other industries.
Implementation Method 1
a first integrated computational element configured to optically interact with the fluid and thereby produce and convey optically interacted light to a first detector
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for analyzing an oil/gas separation process. One method includes conveying a fluid to a fluid separator coupled to a flow path, the fluid separator having an inlet and a discharge conduit, generating a first output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the fluid adjacent the inlet with a first optical computing device, generating a second output signal corresponding to the characteristic of the fluid adjacent the discharge conduit with a second optical computing device, receiving the first and second output signals with a signal processor communicably, and generating a resulting output signal with the signal processor indicative of how the characteristic of the fluid changed between the inlet and the discharge conduit.