UV-Transparent Well for In Situ NAPL Saturation Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for in situ monitoring of petroleum in soils, such as oil-water interface probes and laser-induced fluorescence, face inaccuracies due to well interference and destructive drilling requirements, respectively.
Innovation Solution
A UV-transparent well system with a fluorescence sensing device, including a UV light source and camera or spectrometer, allows for non-destructive, real-time estimation of non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) saturations by capturing and processing fluorescence images within the soil column.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an oil-water interface probe (OWIP) is used to measure petroleum thickness in wells, then the measurement process is simple and direct, but the well acts as the largest pore in the ground and accumulates much more petroleum than the geologic formation, resulting in inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the wellbore environment by using a sealed well system with UV-transparent casing that prevents petroleum accumulation in the well itself. The measurement is performed through the transparent casing wall using optical sensing, separating the measurement process from the petroleum-containing formation and eliminating the well-as-pore problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a UV-transparent casing as an intermediary medium that allows optical signals to pass through while maintaining a sealed well environment. This intermediary structure enables non-contact measurement of petroleum saturation in the surrounding formation without the wellbore interfering with the petroleum distribution.
2Measurement precision
If laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) is used for petroleum monitoring, then fluorescence detection can be performed, but drilling is required for every measuring event, making it a destructive method requiring large equipment and personnel mobilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by installing a sealed well with UV-transparent casing and optical sensing equipment before petroleum contamination occurs or before measurement is needed. This pre-installation eliminates the need for repeated drilling operations, as the well system remains in place and can perform multiple measurements over time without further ground disturbance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical drilling system with an optical measurement system. Instead of using drilling equipment to access the formation for each measurement, the system uses UV light sources and fluorescence detectors that can measure petroleum saturation through the transparent casing wall, eliminating the need for mechanical ground penetration.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional well construction is used, then the well can be easily installed, but the well interferes with petroleum distribution in the soil column and does not represent the immobile LNAPL below the water table or residual saturations in the vadose zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the well casing UV-transparent in the specific region where measurement occurs, while maintaining sealed construction properties elsewhere. This localized property change allows optical measurement without requiring the entire well structure to be different, balancing ease of installation with measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material properties by combining UV-transparent materials (such as acrylic or specialized polymers) with sealed well construction materials. This composite approach creates a well system that simultaneously provides optical transparency for measurement and hydraulic seal integrity to prevent petroleum accumulation.
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 provides accurate, non-destructive measurements of NAPL saturations, minimizing well interference and eliminating the need for repeated drilling, thereby improving the representation of petroleum distribution in the soil formation.
Implementation Method 1
an oil sensing device positioned in the well configured to monitor the soil column
Data Source
AI summary
Improved devices, systems and methods for measuring in situ saturations of non-aqueous phase liquids and/or petroleum in media such as soil. A clear or otherwise UV-transparent well for detecting fluorescence in a soil column having a transparent casing and an oil sensing device positioned in the well configured to monitor the soil column. A method for real-time estimation of LNAPL saturations in media, including emplacing a UV-transparent well in the media and recording fluorescence in the media via an oil sensing device.