Thermal-Conduction Fluid Velocity Sensor for Borehole Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spinner-based production logging tools face calibration uncertainties and operational failures due to sticky materials in boreholes, particularly in horizontal wells, leading to inefficient fluid velocity measurements.
Innovation Solution
A thermally conductive spherical sensor with multiple internal temperature sensors and a heat source is used to estimate fluid velocity by measuring temperature distribution and average temperature, minimizing the need for spinner calibration and reducing operational failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spinner-based production logging tools are used for fluid velocity measurement, then fluid velocity can be measured, but calibration uncertainties and operational failures occur due to sticky materials in boreholes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spinner-based fluid velocity measurement system with a thermal conduction-based measurement system. The thermal probe uses temperature sensors and heating elements to measure fluid velocity through thermal conduction principles, eliminating the mechanical spinner that is susceptible to sticky materials and calibration uncertainties in horizontal wells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure fluid velocity. Instead of directly measuring fluid flow mechanically, the system uses temperature distribution and thermal conduction characteristics as a mediator to infer fluid velocity, avoiding direct mechanical contact with sticky borehole materials.
2Reliability
If thermal conduction-based fluid velocity measurement is implemented, then operational failures are reduced, but device complexity increases due to multiple temperature sensors and heating elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the thermal conduction body into multiple segments with temperature sensors positioned at different radial distances from the heating element. This segmentation allows the system to measure temperature distribution at multiple locations, providing comprehensive data for velocity calculation while maintaining a modular and manageable device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal conduction body serves multiple functions: it acts as both the heating element carrier and the temperature sensing array platform. The same conductive body that distributes heat from the heating element also houses the temperature sensors that measure the thermal field, reducing the need for separate structural components.
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
Provides precise fluid flow profiles and reduces operational downtime by overcoming spinner calibration uncertainties and sticky material issues, enhancing measurement reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Fluid flow velocity measurement via thermal conduction
Implementation Method 2
a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor; wherein the first temperature sensor resides within the thermally conductive body at a first radial distance from the heating element
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid velocity sensor can include a thermally conductive body comprising a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, and a third temperature sensor. A heating element is secured within the fluid velocity sensor to heat the thermally conductive body. The first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor each reside within the thermally conductive body at different radial distances from the heating element. A flowrate of a fluid in contact with the fluid velocity sensor is determined based on a comparison between the internal temperatures measured by each of the first, second, and third temperature sensors.