X-Ray Fluid Analysis in Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying fluid types in wellbores require sample collection or disturbance, which alters the fluid properties and location, and fail to provide non-disruptive, forward-looking analysis capable of anticipating fluid changes before the tool reaches the interface.
Innovation Solution
A system with an x-ray source and detector array within a tool housing allows for non-disruptive fluid analysis by collecting and analyzing backscattered radiation from the fluid in front of the tool, using a pixel array detector to reduce noise and determine fluid composition and interface depth without disturbing the fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical or ultrasonic means are used for in situ fluid characterization, then fluid properties can be determined without sample retrieval, but the fluid must still be accessed by a tool which may disturb its location and properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing fluid analysis on fluid that has been diverted into the tool before the tool reaches the fluid interface. This allows the fluid to be analyzed in its natural state without the tool disturbing the interface, as the fluid is brought to the analysis chamber in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fluid analysis process by separating the fluid sampling, fluid diversion into tool, and fluid analysis functions. This allows the fluid to be analyzed in a controlled environment within the tool while the main wellbore fluid remains undisturbed.
2Loss of information
If fluid samples are retrieved from the well for analysis, then detailed fluid composition can be determined, but the fluid properties change due to pressure release and the fluid is removed from its original location
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by analyzing the fluid immediately after it is diverted into the tool, before pressure changes can alter the fluid properties. The analysis chamber maintains formation pressure and temperature to preserve fluid composition stability during analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the fluid environment by maintaining formation pressure and temperature conditions in the analysis chamber, allowing fluid composition to be determined without actually removing the fluid from its natural state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tool is moved through the well to reach fluid interfaces, then different fluid zones can be analyzed, but the fluid interface is disturbed by the tool passage
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses preliminary action by diverting fluid into the tool before reaching the interface, allowing analysis to be performed on fluid from upcoming zones without the tool physically disturbing those interfaces. The fluid is brought to the analysis chamber in advance of tool arrival at the interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (fluid diversion system) that allows fluid to be transferred into the tool without the tool directly contacting or disturbing the fluid interface in the wellbore. The diversion system acts as a mediator between the wellbore fluid and the analysis chamber.
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 precise, undisturbed fluid characterization and interface detection as the tool moves through the conduit, providing meaningful a priori knowledge of fluid changes and composition without sample removal or disturbance.
Implementation Method 1
the detector array collects and measures backscattered radiation from the fluid
Implementation Method 2
A system with an x-ray source and detector array within a tool housing allows for non-disruptive fluid analysis
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and means for identifying a fluid type inside of a conduit is provided, including at least the steps of illuminating a fluid (105) in a conduit with ionizing radiation (104); detecting backscattered electromagnetic radiation (106) returned from one or more surfaces of associated illumination volumes using one or more electromagnetic radiation sensors (103); converting detected radiation into a corresponding set of planar image data; analyzing the image data using quantitative processing techniques; and creating a depth correlated log representative of the fluid response data. Various logging methods and means are also disclosed, and include at least a forward looking acquisition mode for use while the apparatus remains stationary; a plurality of acquisitions being performed while longitudinally moving the apparatus a predetermined distance through the conduit between acquisition operations; and a plurality of acquisitions being performed longitudinally while moving the apparatus a predetermined distance through the conduit.