Abstract:
In one aspect, an apparatus for determining a property of a fluid is disclosed that in one embodiment may include a transparent member having an axis and a first end substantially perpendicular to the axis and a second end having an outer surface at a first angle to the axis, a light source directing light at the first end, a detector placed spaced from the second end, the space between the second end and the detector containing a fluid, wherein the detector detects light exiting from the outer surface at a second angle to the axis and passing through the fluid, and a controller for determining the second angle from the light detected by the detector. A processor determines the bulk fluid refractive index from the light detected by the detector and a property of the fluid therefrom.
Abstract:
An apparatus for detecting a chemical of interest in a fluid or estimating a concentration of the chemical in the fluid includes: a carrier configured to be conveyed through a borehole penetrating an earth formation; a first temperature sensor disposed at the carrier and configured to sense a temperature of the fluid and provide a first temperature output; and a second temperature sensor disposed at the carrier and covered with an exothermic reaction material that experiences an exothermic reaction when exposed to the chemical of interest and configured to sense a temperature and provide a second temperature output. The apparatus further includes a processor coupled to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor and configured to detect the chemical or estimate the concentration using the first temperature output and the second temperature output.
Abstract:
A method of measuring multiphase flow of components in a wellbore fluid mixture by selectively heating components (e.g. oil and water) in the flow with electromagnetic energy, and detecting the heated components at a known distance downstream. The flow and velocity of components in the flow stream can be estimated with the present method. Example types of electromagnetic waves include infrared, microwaves, and radio waves. The different components can be heated simultaneously or at different times. The heated components can be detected with one or more temperature probes, and oil wet or water wet probes can be used to improve thermal contact to the corresponding components in the fluid stream.
Abstract:
An instrument for measuring gravitational acceleration from within a borehole, the instrument including: a light source having a semiconductor that comprises a bandgap greater than about two electron volts (eV); and a gravimeter for receiving light from the light source and providing output light with a characteristic related to the gravitational acceleration, the gravimeter implemented at least one of a nano electro-mechanical system (NEMS) and a micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS); wherein the light source and the gravimeter are disposed in a housing adapted for insertion into the borehole.
Abstract:
A formation fluid sample is exposed to a rigidly-supported semi-permeable membrane such as silicone rubber to permit diffusion of gases and vapors from the formation fluid into a vacuum chamber, while at the same time, blocking the passage of any liquids. The membrane-transmitted gas is analyzed in the vacuum chamber by a residual gas analyzer. An ion pump or sorbent is associated with the evacuated chamber to maintain the vacuum. The ion pump or sorbent removes gases and vapors from the chamber that diffuse into the chamber from the reservoir sample that is on the opposite side of the semi-permeable membrane.