Optical Sensor Probe for In-Situ Oil Gas Water Phase Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for in-situ analysis of mixed phase media in oil and gas production wells face challenges such as contamination, inaccurate representation of reservoir composition due to sampling, and low signal detection, especially at high pressures and temperatures, leading to sub-optimal production performance.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus and method utilize multiple optical sensor probes with a multi-facet reflector and optical fiber to generate and process multiple wavelengths of light simultaneously, allowing for direct in-situ discrimination between oil, gas, and water phases, providing accurate and reliable composition analysis at the well site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sampling methods are used to analyze mixed phase medium composition, then fluid samples can be obtained for testing, but the samples become contaminated by drilling fluid and other contaminants during the drilling process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary optical measurement function from the sampling process. Instead of collecting and transporting physical fluid samples that become contaminated, the invention uses optical probes to extract compositional information directly from the mixed phase medium in-situ, eliminating contamination while obtaining the needed analysis data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary substance to transfer information about the mixed phase medium composition without physical contact. Optical probes use light interaction (absorption, reflection) to mediate between the measurement system and the fluid, avoiding direct sampling and thus preventing contamination by drilling fluids
2Measurement precision
If fluid samples are removed from the well bore for analysis, then composition testing can be conducted, but the sample properties change due to pressure and temperature changes from the reservoir conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the measurement action before any sample removal or condition change occurs. Optical probes conduct composition analysis in-situ within the well bore under actual reservoir pressure and temperature conditions, capturing the true composition before the sample is exposed to surface conditions that would alter its properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sampling and transport system with an optical measurement system. Instead of physically removing samples through drilling equipment and transport mechanisms that cause property changes, the invention uses non-contact optical fields to measure composition in-situ, eliminating the mechanical disturbance that alters sample properties
3Device complexity
If single wavelength optical analysis is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to discriminate between different phases (oil, gas, water) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical measurement into multiple wavelength channels, each targeting specific phase discrimination. By dividing the spectral range into multiple measurement bands (e.g., different infrared wavelengths sensitive to different phases), the system achieves comprehensive phase discrimination while keeping each individual wavelength measurement relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the optical probe to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously using multiple wavelengths. A single probe system measures composition, phase identification, and concentration of multiple phases (oil, gas, water) at the same time, achieving universal phase discrimination capability without requiring separate measurement systems for each function
4Productivity
If in-situ optical measurement is implemented, then real-time composition analysis is achieved, but signal detection becomes difficult at high pressures and temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-point measurement to distributed spatial measurement along the optical path. By measuring absorption and reflection across multiple points and wavelengths simultaneously, the system creates a multi-dimensional measurement space that enhances signal detection capability in the harsh high-pressure, high-temperature environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite optical measurement approaches combining multiple wavelengths and multiple measurement modes (absorption, reflection, scattering). This composite measurement strategy enhances the overall signal strength and detection reliability in challenging downhole conditions where single-wavelength or single-mode measurements would be insufficient
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 enables simultaneous and accurate discrimination of all three phases, improving the reliability and speed of analysis, reducing errors, and allowing for real-time, accurate production planning and control decisions.
Implementation Method 1
measuring absorption/evanescent coupling at different wavelengths, each wavelength being absorbed by one of the compounds
Implementation Method 2
a first selectable wavelength substantially absorbed by oil, and substantially reflected by gas and water, and a second selectable wavelength substantially absorbed by water and substantially reflected by gas and oil
Implementation Method 3
an internal reflection window for contacting with the fluid, wherein a mid-infrared light beam is internally reflected at an interface between the window and the fluid
Implementation Method 4
A prism transmits light from the source to the fluid and forms an interface with the flow line. The interface reflects the light from the source
Implementation Method 5
an optical fiber coupled to the optical circuitry and the multi-facet reflector, where the optical fiber receives the guided incident light from the optical circuitry, transmits the guided incident light to the multi-facet reflector, receives the collected light from the multi-facet reflector and transmits the collected light to the optical circuitry
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (12) and method for analyzing a composition of mixed phase medium (14) in-situ an oil and gas production well (20) is provided. The mixed phase medium (14) comprises gas, water and oil. The apparatus includes multiple optical sensor probes (26) that generate a respective characteristic output (86) representing the composition of mixed phase medium (14) tested by the respective optical sensor probe (26). Each of the plurality of optical sensor probes (26) include an optical circuitry (42) for generating guided incident light (48) having more than one selectable wavelengths (46) of light that impinge the mixed phase medium (14) simultaneously while traversing on a triangular path through a multi-facet reflector (56), and for receiving collected light (54) from the mixed phase medium (14) via the multi-facet reflector (56).