Downhole Sensor Conditioning via Designer Fluid Recalibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole formation fluid sensors face challenges such as temperature and pressure variations, vibration, and 'carryover' effects from previous measurements, leading to reduced accuracy due to contamination and internal drift, which complicates the determination of geological formation characteristics during oil and gas exploration.
Innovation Solution
The use of 'designer fluids' is introduced to normalize sensor responses by cleaning contamination through solvents, chemical reactions, surface adsorption exchange, and other methods, allowing for effective recalibration of sensors between measurements, ensuring accurate data collection by resetting the baseline values and reducing the impact of environmental variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If sensors are deployed down hole to measure formation fluid characteristics, then geological formation understanding is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to environmental variations and carryover effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration actions by introducing known concentration fluids before actual formation fluid measurements. This preliminary action establishes baseline sensor responses and enables subsequent accuracy corrections for geological formation characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes fluid concentration parameters by introducing fluids with known concentrations (ranging from 0-100% brine) to the sensor. This parameter variation allows the system to map sensor responses across different concentration levels and establish calibration curves for accurate formation fluid characterization.
2Productivity
If sensors operate continuously in down hole environment, then data collection efficiency is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to temperature variations, pressure variations, and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic calibration actions by introducing fluids with known concentrations at regular intervals or before specific measurement sequences. This periodic recalibration compensates for drift caused by continuous exposure to temperature variations, pressure variations, and vibration, maintaining measurement reliability throughout extended operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from calibration measurements with known concentration fluids to continuously adjust and correct sensor responses. This feedback mechanism enables the system to compensate for environmental variations and maintain reliable measurements throughout continuous down hole operation.
3Measurement precision
If calibration fluids are introduced to normalize sensor responses, then measurement accuracy is improved, but operational complexity increases due to additional fluid handling and processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal calibration approach where fluids with known concentrations serve multiple functions: calibration standards, baseline references, and drift compensation inputs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate calibration equipment and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by using its own measurement infrastructure to introduce and measure calibration fluids. The same sensor and fluid handling system used for formation fluid measurements also handles calibration fluids, eliminating the need for separate calibration equipment and reducing operational complexity.
4Measurement precision
If multiple fluids with known concentrations are used for calibration, then sensor normalization accuracy is improved, but substance consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial calibration actions by introducing calibration fluids only to the extent necessary for establishing baseline responses and detecting drift. Rather than continuous calibration fluid flow, the system uses targeted, intermittent introduction of calibration fluids, reducing consumption while maintaining sufficient normalization 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 approach enhances the accuracy and reliability of formation fluid measurements by effectively mitigating carryover and environmental effects, allowing for consistent and precise data collection throughout the drilling process.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid transport mechanism to move fluid from the container(s) into the flow line so as to cause the fluid to contact the surface
Implementation Method 2
Cleaning contamination via surface adsorption exchange (e.g., cation exchange)
Implementation Method 3
Cleaning contamination via chemical reaction (e.g., oxidation effects)
Implementation Method 4
Cleaning contamination via chemical reaction (e.g., oxidation effects)
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article may operate to move fluid from at least one fluid container into a flow line so as to cause the fluid to contact at least one surface having a condition affecting sensor information provided by a sensor. Additional activities may include adjusting operation of a fluid transport mechanism based on the sensor information and baseline information, to continue moving the fluid and change the condition until the fluid is depleted from the at least one fluid container or the sensor information conforms to the baseline information to a selected degree. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.