Optical Fiber Tilt Meter for Well Deviation Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring local deviations from the horizontal direction in horizontal well segments are time-consuming and costly, as they require running intervention tools with sensors into the well.
Innovation Solution
A tilt meter with a housing structure and optically coupled optical fiber sections that detect differential pressure changes in a buffer fluid within a sealed inner chamber, allowing for the measurement of tilt in well segments using a remote light source and an interrogating system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional intervention tools with sensors are run into the well to measure local deviations, then measurement capability is achieved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical intervention tools with optical fiber sensing technology. Optical fibers are installed in the wellbore and connected to a remote interrogation system, eliminating the need to physically run mechanical sensors into the well for measurements. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical systems enables continuous monitoring without time-consuming tool deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fiber as an intermediary element that remains stationary in the wellbore. Instead of running measurement tools into the well, the optical fiber acts as a permanent sensor network that transmits measurement data to a remote interrogation system, thereby eliminating the need for repeated tool interventions while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If conventional intervention tools with sensors are run into the well to measure local deviations, then measurement capability is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical intervention tools with optical fiber sensing technology. The optical fibers and remote interrogation system provide a more cost-effective solution for measuring local deviations, eliminating the need for repeated tool deployments and associated costs while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical fiber technology to create a permanent measurement network in the wellbore, replacing the need for physical intervention tools. This copying of measurement capability through optical sensors provides a more economical approach compared to repeatedly deploying and retrieving mechanical tools.
3Measurement precision
If optical fiber sections are used to detect pressure variations, then tilt measurement is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical fiber sections that serve multiple functions: they act as both structural elements and sensors for detecting pressure variations caused by tilt. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensing components, thereby simplifying the overall system despite the advanced measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber sections automatically detect pressure variations induced by tilt without requiring additional active components or complex processing mechanisms. The fibers passively sense the physical changes and transmit the information to the interrogation system, enabling tilt measurement while maintaining relative system simplicity.
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 and cost-effective measurement of well tilt by detecting pressure variations induced by the tilt of the housing structure, providing accurate tilt data without the need for extensive tool deployment.
Implementation Method 1
at least a Bragg grating in one of the portions. Any variation of inclination of a structure whereto the upper part is fixed induces a load on the grating which then modifies a light propagated in the portion where it is located.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
A tilt meter includes a housing structure defining an inner chamber sealed from an environment outside the housing structure. First and second optical fiber sections are provided in the inner chamber. The second optical fiber section is optically coupled to the first optical fiber section, with the second optical fiber section rotated azimuthally with respect to the first optical fiber section. The first and second optical fiber sections are arranged to receive light transmitted from a remote light source, and a tilt of the housing structure induces a differential pressure within the inner chamber to be detected by the first and second optical fiber sections.