Pressure Insensitive Interferometer for Marine Reservoir Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine-based permanent hydrocarbon reservoir monitoring systems face challenges due to extreme water depths, high humidity, condensation, and hydrostatic stresses, which affect the reliability and accuracy of optical sensors and data communication systems on the sea floor.
Innovation Solution
The system employs optical interferometric devices with encapsulated optical waveguides and reflective elements, coupled with pressure-balancing fluids to resist hydrostatic stress and correct for polarization distortion, ensuring accurate seismic and acoustic signal measurement without electrical currents in the umbilical and sensor cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical sensors are deployed on the sea floor for permanent reservoir monitoring, then measurement capability is achieved, but the sensors are exposed to hydrostatic stresses and environmental factors that degrade reliability and accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an atmospheric housing as an intermediary protective structure that encloses the optical sensor assembly, isolating it from direct exposure to hydrostatic stress and marine environmental factors while allowing the sensor to function in its optimal atmospheric environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the optical sensor assembly is enclosed within an atmospheric housing, which itself is deployed within the marine environment. This nested arrangement allows the sensor to operate in a protected internal environment while being positioned in the target external environment
2Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used to measure seismic and acoustic signals, then measurement precision is achieved, but acoustic and seismic noise introduces distortion that degrades accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful acoustic and seismic noise components from the measurement signal through signal processing techniques, separating the desired seismic reservoir signals from the unwanted noise generated by the marine environment and deployment structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where noise characteristics are continuously monitored and used to adjust the measurement and processing parameters, thereby compensating for noise-induced distortion and improving measurement accuracy
3Ease of operation
If umbilical cables are used to power and communicate with sea floor sensors, then system functionality is achieved, but tension forces on the umbilical are communicated to the sensor structure causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tension isolation mechanism as an intermediary element between the umbilical cable and the sensor structure, which absorbs and isolates tension forces transmitted through the umbilical, preventing these forces from being communicated to the sensitive optical sensor assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the force transmission path by separating the structural support function (handled by the umbilical and housing) from the sensitive measurement function (handled by the optical sensor), allowing tension forces to be managed independently without affecting measurement accuracy
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 configuration enhances the reliability and accuracy of hydrocarbon reservoir monitoring by mitigating noise and distortion from acoustic and seismic noise, and hydrostatic stress, allowing for precise data collection in marine environments.
Implementation Method 1
An optical interferometer is used to detect phase shifts in optical signals guided by the waveguide caused by external vibrations
Implementation Method 2
pressure-balancing fluids to resist hydrostatic stress
Implementation Method 3
encapsulated optical waveguides and reflective elements, coupled with pressure-balancing fluids to resist hydrostatic stress and correct for polarization distortion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 2A~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A device. The device includes a substrate a substrate, a first optical waveguide disposed on the substrate and a second optical waveguide disposed on the substrate. The device further includes a coupling element disposed on the substrate, the coupling element configured to couple an optical signal in the first optical waveguide to the second optical waveguide, and couple an optical signal in the second optical waveguide to the first optical waveguide. A first reflective element is disposed at an end of the first optical waveguide configured to reflect optical signals in the first optical waveguide. A second reflective element disposed at an end of the second optical waveguide configured to reflect signals in the second optical waveguide.