Single ICE Multi-Characteristic Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical computing devices require multiple Integrated Computational Elements (ICEs) to measure multiple characteristics of a substance, which is impractical due to space and size constraints in applications like downhole reservoir fluid characterization.

Innovation Solution

A single ICE is designed to detect multiple characteristics by applying a single regression vector to multiple calibration spectra data sets, optimizing layer thicknesses to minimize performance factors such as standard error of calibration (SEC) across different chemical systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ICEs are used to measure multiple characteristics, then measurement capability is improved, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidnumber of ICEs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single ICE that can measure multiple characteristics (e.g., concentration of different chemicals, temperature, pressure) simultaneously. The ICE is configured with multiple spectral response functions, each corresponding to a different characteristic, allowing one device to perform the work of multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single ICE component. By combining multiple spectral response functions in one ICE, the patent reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining the ability to measure multiple characteristics independently and simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ICEs are deployed, then detection coverage is improved, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection coverageVSAvoiddevice footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The single ICE is designed with multi-functionality to detect multiple characteristics across different spectral ranges, eliminating the need for multiple separate ICEs and thereby reducing the device footprint while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By merging multiple detection functions into one ICE component, the patent significantly reduces the spatial requirements of the optical computing device while preserving the ability to monitor multiple characteristics simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single ICE measures multiple characteristics, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of ICEsVSAvoidcharacteristic detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different spectral response functions to different regions or wavelength ranges within the single ICE. Each spectral response function is optimized for a specific characteristic, allowing the ICE to maintain high measurement precision for each characteristic while measuring multiple characteristics simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the spectral response characteristics of the ICE across different wavelength ranges. By varying the spectral parameters (wavelength sensitivity, response intensity) within the single ICE, it can accurately distinguish and measure multiple different characteristics without cross-interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 a single ICE to predict multiple characteristics, reducing the number of ICEs needed and enabling efficient monitoring of substances in real-time across various industries, including oil and gas, food, and pharmaceuticals.

Implementation Method 1

optical computing devices utilize optical elements to perform calculations... When light from a light source interacts with a substance, unique physical and chemical information about the substance is encoded in the electromagnetic radiation that is reflected from, transmitted through, or radiated from the sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical interaction: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS10379036B2Integrated computational element designed for multi-characteristic detection

Publication Date: 2019.08.13 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A single Integrated Computational Element (“ICE”) predictive of multiple sample characteristics.