Threaded Fluid Diode for Downhole Viscosity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of sensors and devices in downhole environments is hindered by limited space and power resources, as well as adverse conditions such as high temperatures and pressures, which affect the accuracy and sensitivity of measurements.
Innovation Solution
The development of a compact, modular fluid diode system that can change the characteristics of fluid flow, generate torque, and measure viscosity without requiring external power, by utilizing a tapered portion with threads that create channels for fluid flow and an internal fluid channel for pressure measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional viscometers are deployed downhole to measure fluid viscosity, then measurement capability is improved, but space and power resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid diode uses the kinetic energy of the flowing fluid itself to drive the measurement mechanism. The fluid's own motion through the tapered channels generates the necessary flow patterns for viscosity measurement without requiring external power sources or agitators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanically-driven agitator system with a passive fluid dynamics-based measurement system. Instead of using powered mechanical components to create flow patterns, the system uses the natural flow of fluid through geometrically-designed channels to achieve measurement.
2Measurement precision
If traditional viscometers are deployed downhole to measure fluid viscosity, then measurement capability is improved, but device size increases space consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid diode is divided into multiple tapered channels with progressively smaller openings. This segmentation allows the device to measure viscosity across different flow rates and viscosity ranges using a single compact structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate measurement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functional elements within a compact tapered structure. The channels are nested within the tapered body, and the fluid diode itself is inserted into the flow stream, maximizing measurement capability within minimal space.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are deployed in downhole environments to measure conditions, then measurement capability is improved, but accuracy and sensitivity are reduced due to adverse conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid diode measures viscosity based on the fluid's own flow characteristics rather than requiring external reference standards or calibration mechanisms that could drift in harsh environments. The geometric channels provide a stable, reproducible flow path that is insensitive to temperature and pressure variations.
4Measurement precision
If devices are deployed in downhole environments, then measurement capability is improved, but cleaning and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid diode consists of discrete tapered channels that can be individually accessed and cleaned. The modular channel structure allows maintenance personnel to reach into each channel and remove accumulated debris without disassembling the entire device or requiring complex cleaning equipment.
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 fluid diode system effectively measures viscosity and torque in downhole environments, operates without external power, and is designed for easy cleaning and customization, addressing the challenges of limited space and power in downhole operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow direction is associated with a first pressure drop and the second flow direction is associated with a second pressure drop that is different than the first pressure drop
Implementation Method 2
measuring, via one or more measurement devices, one or more characteristics of fluid flowing through the first fluid path and/or the second fluid path
Implementation Method 3
one or more threads form the one or more channels on the surface of the tapered portion of the fluid diode
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques are described for a fluid diode. In some examples, a fluid diode can include a first fluid path for a first flow of fluid to traverse the fluid diode via a first flow direction and a second fluid path for a second flow of fluid to traverse the fluid diode via a second flow direction. The first flow direction can be associated with a first pressure drop and the second flow direction can be associated with a second pressure drop that is different than the first pressure drop. Moreover, the first fluid path and the second fluid path can be configured to remain open to the first flow and the second flow in the first flow direction and the second flow direction.