Tapered ATR Optical Sensor for Downhole Three-Phase Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole production logging tools are inadequate for reliable three-phase metering in high gas-oil-water ratio (GOR) and gas volume fraction (GVF) conditions, failing to accurately measure fluid phases in real-time due to their design limitations and susceptibility to damage.
Innovation Solution
A downhole production logging tool with integrated optical interfaces and sub-tools using evanescent wave coupled spectroscopy and attenuated total internal reflection (ATR) sensors, capable of transmitting and detecting light to measure phase components in fluids, enabling robust and real-time phase detection in harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional downhole production logging tools are used, then the tool structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the tool fails to provide accurate three-phase metering in high GOR and GVF conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into multiple independent optical sub-tools, each dedicated to detecting specific phases (gas, oil, water). Each sub-tool contains specialized optical sensors and light sources optimized for detecting particular fluid phases, enabling accurate three-phase metering through functional segmentation rather than a single complex sensor system
Solution Approach 2:
Optical interfaces act as intermediaries between the tool body and the fluid phases. These interfaces transmit light into the fluid and receive backscattered light, enabling non-contact measurement that avoids direct mechanical interaction with the harsh fluid environment, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while simplifying the overall tool structure
2Reliability
If conventional downhole tools are used, then the device is easier to operate, but the tool is susceptible to damage in harsh downhole environments
Solution Approach 1:
The tool replaces mechanical measurement systems with optical measurement systems. Light sources and optical sensors detect fluid phases through optical interactions rather than mechanical contact, eliminating moving parts and mechanical wear in the harsh downhole environment, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated optical detection
Solution Approach 2:
The optical interfaces utilize thin film or interface structures that allow light transmission while providing protection against the harsh fluid environment. These thin film structures enable the optical sensors to detect fluid phases without direct exposure to damaging conditions, enhancing reliability while keeping the operational design straightforward
3Measurement precision
If existing PLT suppliers' three-phase metering is used, then the measurement can be interpreted through two-phase measurement, but the tool cannot reliably measure phases under high GVF and GOR conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Different optical sub-tools are optimized with specific light sources and detectors tailored to detect particular fluid phases. Gas detection sub-tools use optical characteristics specific to gas phases, while oil and water detection sub-tools use different optical signatures, enabling accurate phase differentiation in high GVF and GOR conditions through localized optimization rather than a generic measurement approach
Solution Approach 2:
The tool integrates multiple optical sub-tools into a single platform, each capable of detecting different fluid phases. This multi-functional design allows the system to adapt to various fluid compositions and phase distributions, providing reliable three-phase metering across a wide range of downhole conditions including high GVF and GOR scenarios
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
The tool provides accurate, real-time measurement of fluid phases in high GOR and GVF conditions, reducing maintenance and damage risks while maintaining operational integrity in harsh downhole environments, enabling effective monitoring and analysis of fluid compositions.
Implementation Method 1
attenuated total internal reflection (ATR) sensors
Implementation Method 2
evanescent wave coupled spectroscopy and attenuated total internal reflection (ATR) sensors
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is for a tool for measurement of phases in fluid in downhole applications. The tool includes a light coupler for providing a first light and for detecting a second light. The first light is provided to an optical interface and the second light is received from the optical interface. The optical interface is between the tool and the fluid. An optical path is provided that is integral or coupled to the optical interface. The optical path allows transmission of the first light into the fluid at the optical interface and also allows receiving the second light from the optical interface. The second light includes one or more light components disturbed by the fluid. A processor provides digital data associated with the measurement of phases in the fluid using optical data from at least the second light.