TM01 and TE01 Radar Waveguide Wellbore Fluid Level Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring fluid levels and pressure distributions in hydrocarbon wellbores are limited by the need for costly and risky downhole equipment, and they struggle to accurately detect defects caused by corrosion or scale deposition over long distances.
Innovation Solution
The use of TM01 and TE01 mode radar waves transmitted through the tubing as a waveguide to determine fluid levels, pressure distributions, and detect defects, allowing for non-invasive surface-based analysis with high-frequency radar waves that minimize signal attenuation and enable precise location and thickness assessment of defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If downhole equipment is used to monitor fluid levels and pressure distributions, then measurement capability is improved, but cost and operational risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the tubing itself as an intermediary waveguide to transmit radar signals from the surface to the fluid interface. This eliminates the need for downhole equipment by making the existing tubing structure serve dual purposes: both fluid transport and signal transmission medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical downhole measurement equipment with an electromagnetic radar-based system. By using electromagnetic waves transmitted through the tubing as a waveguide, the system achieves remote sensing capability without mechanical intervention downhole.
2Measurement precision
If conventional radar methods are used to detect defects, then detection capability is limited, but signal attenuation increases over long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of radar wave transmission by utilizing specific waveguide modes (TM01 and TE01) that are optimized for propagation through circular tubing. This parameter optimization minimizes signal attenuation and enables long-distance defect detection with high precision.
3Length of stationary object
If high-frequency radar waves are used to minimize signal attenuation, then transmission distance is improved, but frequency selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the tubing structure serve multiple functions: it acts as both the fluid transport conduit and the electromagnetic waveguide. This universal use of the tubing eliminates the need for separate frequency selection mechanisms and simplifies the overall system while enabling long-distance transmission.
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
Enables accurate and non-invasive monitoring of fluid levels and pressure distributions over long distances, while detecting defects with high precision, reducing the need for costly and risky downhole equipment and allowing for effective batch treatment in gas wells.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, at a second time and at the wellhead, a reflected waveform generated by reflecting the transmitted radar waveform on a fluid surface of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
transmitting, at a first time and from a wellhead, a radar waveform into a tubing disposed in a wellbore positioned in a reservoir, where the radar waveform is at least one of a TM01 mode or TE01 mode waveform
Implementation Method 3
determining a time difference between the first time and the second time; and determining a fluid level of the fluid based on the time difference and on a transmission speed of the radar waveform
Data Source
AI summary
A method of wellbore analysis using TM01 and TE01 modes of radar waveforms can include transmitting, at a first time, a radar waveform from a wellhead into a tubing disposed in a wellbore positioned in a reservoir. The radar waveform is either a TM01 mode or a TE01 mode waveform. The tubing includes a fluid, and the surface of the wellbore includes the wellhead. At a second time, a reflected waveform generated by reflecting the transmitted radar waveform on a fluid surface of the fluid is received at the wellhead. A fluid level of the fluid is determined based on the time difference between the first time and the second time, and on a transmission speed of the radar waveform from the wellhead to the fluid surface. The fluid level is a distance between the wellhead and the fluid surface of the fluid.