Optical Multiplexer Spectroscopy for High-Resolution Downhole Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectroscopic instruments used in oil and gas exploration, such as FTIR spectrometers, are complex and not suitable for field operations due to low optical throughput and high detector sensitivity requirements, leading to loss of valuable information when using less-than-ideal sensors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of optical computing devices utilizing compressive sensing principles to recover high-resolution spectral data, enabling simplified and rugged spectrometers that can operate in harsh environments while providing accurate measurements of downhole fluid compositions and properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution spectrometers use highly-resolving angle/location dispersive devices such as narrow band filters, echelons, or diffraction gratings, then spectral resolution is improved, but optical throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrum is segmented into multiple wavelength bands, with each band measured by a dedicated sensor element optimized for that specific band. This segmentation allows each sensor to operate at peak efficiency without requiring complex dispersive optics, thereby maintaining high optical throughput while achieving high spectral resolution through the combined measurements across multiple segmented bands
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial dispersion (using gratings or echelons that spread light across a detector array) to a dimensional approach where multiple sensors measure different wavelength bands simultaneously. This dimensional change eliminates the need for complex dispersive optics while preserving spectral resolution through multi-dimensional spectral sampling
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution spectrometers use highly-resolving angle/location dispersive devices, then spectral resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex dispersive optical elements (gratings, echelons, narrow band filters) from the spectrometer design. Instead, it uses a simplified optical path with multiple sensors that directly measure different wavelength bands, thereby eliminating the disturbing complex optical components while maintaining high spectral resolution through the sensor array configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple copies of sensor elements, each optimized for a specific wavelength band. Rather than using a single complex dispersive system, multiple simpler sensor copies measure different portions of the spectrum simultaneously, achieving the same spectral resolution through redundancy and parallel measurement rather than through complex optical dispersion
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution spectrometers use highly-resolving angle/location dispersive devices, then spectral resolution is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous spectral measurement by having multiple sensors simultaneously measure different wavelength bands without requiring sequential scanning or mechanical movement. This continuous parallel measurement approach maintains high spectral resolution while eliminating the time losses associated with mechanical dispersion devices that must physically scan across the spectrum
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic modulation of the light source or sensor activation patterns to efficiently sample different wavelength bands in a structured sequence that maximizes information acquisition rate, thereby achieving high spectral resolution with minimized measurement time through optimized periodic sampling rather than continuous scanning
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 real-time, high-quality spectral data collection and reconstruction, improving measurement accuracy and precision, and enabling the determination of complex fluid compositions and properties like gas-oil ratio, methane concentration, and reservoir connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
at least two sensing elements that optically interact with the sample light to generate at least a first modified light and a second modified light
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an optical computing device having an optical multiplexer that receives a sample light generated by an optical interaction between a sample and an illumination light is provided. The system includes sensing elements that optically interact with the sample light to generate modified lights, and a detector that measures a property of the modified lights separately. Linear and nonlinear models for processing data collected with the above system to form high-resolution spectra are also provided. Methods for designing optimal optical multiplexers for optimal reconstruction of high-resolution spectra are also provided.