Variable ICE for Downhole Spectral Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectrally resolved optical devices in hydrocarbon exploration and extraction require frequent recalibration due to fabrication errors and environmental changes, leading to manufacturing variability and increased complexity, especially in downhole applications.
Innovation Solution
A variable integrated computational element (ICE) that adjusts its spectral properties in real-time using electrostrictive, piezoelectric, or magnetostrictive materials, allowing for environmental and fabrication error corrections, reducing the need for continuous recalibration and simplifying the measurement system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional passive spectrally resolved optical devices are used, then fabrication errors and environmental drifts occur, but continuous recalibration procedures are required which increase device complexity and operational burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by transforming the static optical filter into a dynamic, adjustable system. The filter's spectral properties can be changed in real-time through applied voltage or magnetic field, allowing the system to adapt to environmental changes and fabrication variations without requiring recalibration procedures. This dynamic adjustment capability directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement accuracy while eliminating the complexity of continuous recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements Parameter changes by modifying the optical properties of the filter through external fields (voltage or magnetic field). By changing the spectral transmission characteristics dynamically, the system compensates for fabrication errors and environmental drifts. This parameter adjustment mechanism allows the device to maintain reliability without increasing operational complexity, as the adjustments are automated and integrated into the measurement process.
2Measurement precision
If the number of thin dielectric layers is increased to improve spectral resolution, then measurement precision improves, but the device becomes more sensitive to environmental conditions and fabrication errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses Parameter changes to compensate for the increased sensitivity resulting from multiple dielectric layers. By dynamically adjusting the filter's spectral properties through external fields, the system can correct for environmental variations and fabrication errors that affect each individual layer. This allows the multi-layer structure to maintain high spectral resolution while reducing its vulnerability to environmental factors through active compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements Feedback by continuously monitoring the filter's performance and adjusting its spectral properties in response to detected variations. This closed-loop control system compensates for the cumulative effects of multiple thin dielectric layers, maintaining measurement precision while mitigating the increased environmental sensitivity that comes with higher spectral resolution requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate adjustment elements are manufactured for each unit to correct variability, then manufacturing precision improves, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies Taking out by separating the calibration function from the manufacturing process. Instead of incorporating physical adjustment elements into each unit during manufacturing, the system extracts the calibration function and implements it through software-controlled spectral adjustments. This eliminates the need for costly per-unit adjustment components while achieving the same variability correction, thereby improving manufacturing precision without increasing manufacturing complexity or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical adjustment elements with an electronic/software-based system. By using voltage or magnetic field control to adjust spectral properties, the system eliminates the need for physical calibration components in each unit. This substitution reduces manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining unit-to-unit consistency through programmable adjustments.
4Measurement precision
If continuous calibration measurement steps are introduced, then measurement precision is maintained, but computational resource load increases heavily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies Preliminary action by performing spectral calibration adjustments before actual measurements are taken. The system pre-configures the filter's spectral properties to account for environmental conditions and fabrication variations, eliminating the need for continuous computational calibration during measurement operations. This maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing the computational resource load during data acquisition.
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 variable ICE enhances the reliability and reduces the complexity of optical measurement systems by allowing real-time adjustments, improving mechanical, electrical, and electronic component alignment, and minimizing the number of moving parts, thereby maintaining accurate measurements under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A variable integrated computational element (ICE) that adjusts its spectral properties in real-time using electrostrictive, piezoelectric, or magnetostrictive materials
Implementation Method 2
A variable integrated computational element (ICE) that adjusts its spectral properties in real-time using electrostrictive, piezoelectric, or magnetostrictive materials
Implementation Method 3
A variable integrated computational element (ICE) that adjusts its spectral properties in real-time using electrostrictive, piezoelectric, or magnetostrictive materials
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for measuring properties of a sample utilizing a variable integrated computation element (ICE) formed of one or more layers of film that is physically sensitive to an electrical field or a magnetic field applied through the material. The thickness of a layer, and hence the optical properties of the ICE, can be electrically or magnetically altered to adjust the ICE for a analysis of a particular property of the sample, or to calibrate the ICE or to adjust the ICE to compensate for alterations to the ICE resulting from environmental conditions. The film may be formed of electrostrictive materials, piezoelectric materials, magnetorestrictive materials, and/or piezomagnetic materials.