Methods and apparatus of downhole fluid analysis

• US 7,461,547 B2
• Filed: 08/15/2005
• Issued: 12/09/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/29/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (Schlumberger NV)
• Original Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (Schlumberger NV)
• Inventors: Mullins, Oliver C., Yamate, Tsutomu, Kurkjian, Andrew L., Terabayashi, Toru, Chikenji, Akihito, Elshahawi, Hani
• Primary Examiner(s): Williams; Hezron E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Frank; Rodney T
• Application Number:
  US11/203,932
• Publication Number:
  US 20060243047A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,212 Days
• Field of Search: 731/525.5, 73/644.5
• US Class Current: 73/152.55
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 49/10 using side-wall fluid samplers or testers
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2011/006 Determining flow properties indirectly by measuring other parameters of the system
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 9/36 Analysing materials by measuring the density or specific gravity, e.g. determining quantity of moisture methods of measurement in general G01N9/02 - G01N9/32

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for downhole analysis of formation fluids by isolating the fluids from the formation and/or borehole in a pressure and volume control unit that is integrated with a flowline of a fluid analysis module and determining fluid characteristics of the isolated fluids. Parameters of interest may be derived for formation fluids in a static state and undesirable formation fluids may be drained and replaced with formation fluids that are suitable for downhole characterization or surface sample extraction. Isolated formation fluids may be circulated in a loop of the flowline for phase behavior characterization. Real-time analysis of the fluids may be performed at or near downhole conditions.

Claims

1. A downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole, comprising:

a fluid sampling and analysis module, the fluid sampling and analysis module comprising;

a flowline for fluids withdrawn from a formation to flow through the fluid sampling and analysis module downhole, within a borehole, the flowline having a first end for the fluids to enter and a second end for the fluids to exit the fluid sampling and analysis module;

a first selectively operable device and a second selectively operable device structured and arranged with respect to the flowline for isolating a quantity of the fluids in a portion of the flowline between the first and second selectively operable device; and

a pump unit integrated with the flowline for varying pressure and volume of the isolated fluids wherein the pump unit comprises a syringe-type pump; and

at least one sensor connected to the portion of the flowline between the first and second selectively operable device for measuring parameters of interest downhole, within a borehole, relating to the fluids in the flowline.

2. The downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus accordingly to claim 1, wherein the least one sensor comprises a plurality of sensors.

3. The downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises one or more of a spectral sensor optically coupled to the flow-line;

a fluorescence and gas sensor;

a density sensor;

a pressure sensor;

a temperature sensor;

a bubble/gas sensor;

a MEMS based sensor;

an imager;

a resistivity sensor;

a chemical sensor; and

a scattering sensor.

4. A downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole, comprising:

a fluid sampling and analysis module, the fluid sampling and analysis module comprising;

a flowline for fluids withdrawn from a formation to flow through the fluid sampling and analysis module downhole, within a borehole, the flowline having a first end for the fluids to enter and a second end for the fluids to exit the fluid sampling and analysis

a first selectively operable device and a second selectively operable device structured and arranged with respect to the flowline for isolating a quantity of the fluids in a portion of the flowline between the first and second selectively operable device; and

at least one sensor connected to the portion of the flowline between the first and second selectively operable device for measuring parameters of interest downhole, within a borehole, relating to the fluids in the flowline, wherein;

the portion of the flowline for isolating the fluids comprising;

a bypass flowline, the first and second selectively operable device being structured and arranged for isolating fluids in the bypass flowline, and

a circulation line interconnecting a first end of the bypass flowline with a second end of the bypass flowline such that fluids isolated between the first and second selectively operable device can circulate in a closed loop formed by the circulation line and the bypass flowline; and

the fluid analysis module further comprising;

a circulation pump for circulating fluids in the closed loop of the circulation line and the bypass flowline.

5. The downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the at least one sensor comprises one or more of a density sensor;

a pressure sensor;

a temperature sensor;

a bubble/gas sensor;

a MEMS based sensor;

an imager; and

a scattering sensor, wherein the at least one sensor measures parameters of interest relating to fluids isolated in the bypass flowline; and

the fluid analysis module further comprising;

one or more of a spectral sensor optically coupled to the flowline;

a fluorescence and gas sensor;

a chemical sensor; and

a resistivity sensor, structured and affanged with respect to the flowline for measuring parameters of interest relating to fluids flowing through the flowline.

6. A method of downhole sampling and characterization of formation fluids utilizing a downhole tool comprising a fluid analysis module positioned within a borehole having a flowline for flowing formation fluids through the fluid analysis module, the method comprising:

monitoring at least a first parameter of interest relating to formation fluids flowing in the flowline downhole, within a borehole;

when a predetermined criterion for the first parameter of interest is satisfied, restricting flow of the formation fluids in the flowline downhole by operation of a first selectively operable device and a second selectively operable device of the fluid analysis module to isolate formation fluids in a portion of the flowline of the fluid analysis module downhole between the first and second selectively operable device; and

characterizing the isolated fluids by operation downhole of one or more sensor on the flowline between the first and second selectively operable device.

7. The method of downhole sampling and sampling and characterization of formation fluids according to claim 6, wherein characterizing the isolated fluids includes determining downhole one or more fluid property of the isolated fluids.

8. The method of downhole sampling and characterization of formation fluids according to claim 6 further comprising:

circulating the isolated fluids in a closed loop of the flowline while characterizing the isolated fluids.

9. A method of downhole sampling and characterization of formation fluids utilizing a downhole tool comprising a fluid analysis module positioned within a borehole having a flowline for flowing formation fluids through the fluid analysis module, the method comprising:

monitoring at least a first parameter of interest relating to formation fluids flowing in the flowline;

when a predetermined criterion for the first parameter of interest is satisfied, restricting flow of the formation fluids in the flowline by operation of a first selectively operable device and a second selectively operable device of the fluid analysis module to isolate formation fluids in a portion of the flowline of the fluid analysis module between the first and second selectively operable device; and

characterizing the isolated fluids including determining one or more fluid property of the isolated fluids by operation of one or more sensor on the flowline between the first and second selectively operable device including changing fluid pressure of the isolated fluids by varying volume of the isolated fluids before determining one or more fluid property.

10. The method of downhole of sampling and characterization of formation fluids according to claim 9 further comprising:

monitoring time dependent signals in the one or more sensor on the flowline to detect gravity separation of the isolated fluids.

11. The method of downhole sampling and characterization of formation fluids according to claim 9, wherein the one or more fluid property determined after changing fluid pressure includes one or more of fluid compressibility;

asphaltene precipitation onset;

bubble point; and

dew point.

12. A method of downhole sampling and characterization of formation fluids utilizing a downhole tool comprising a fluid analysis module positioned within a borehole having a flowline for flowing formation fluids through the fluid analysis module, the method comprising:

monitoring at least a first parameter of interest relating to formation fluids flowing in the flowline;

when a predetermined criterion for the first parameter of interest is satisfied, restricting flow of the formation fluids in the flowline by operation of a first selectively operable device and a second selectively operable device of the fluid analysis module to isolate formation fluids in a portion of the flowline of the fluid analysis module between the first and second selectively operable device; and

characterizing the isolated fluids by operation of one or more sensor on the flowline between the first and second selectively operable device including determining phase behavior of the isolated fluids while circulating the fluids in the closed loop and

circulating the isolated fluids in a closed loop of the flowline while characterizing the isolated fluids.

13. The method of downhole sampling and characterization of formation fluids according to claim 12, wherein determining phase behavior of the isolated fluids comprises monitoring time dependent sensor properties to detect gravity separation of the phases.

14. A tool configured to be located downhole for sampling and characterizing formation fluids located downhole in an oilfield reservoir, comprising;

a fluid analysis module, the fluid analysis module comprising;

a flowline for fluids withdrawn from a formation downhole to flow through the fluid analysis module, the flowline having a first end for the fluids to enter and a second end for the fluids to exit the fluid analysis module;

the flowline comprising;

a bypass flowline and a circulation line interconnecting a first end of the bypass flowline with a second end of the bypass flowline such that fluids can circulate in the circulation line and the bypass flowline; and

the fluid analysis module further comprising;

a circulation pump for circulating fluids in the circulation line and the bypass flowline;

at least one sensor situated on the bypass flowline for measuring parameters of interest relating to the fluids in the bypass flowline; and

a first selectively operable device and a second selectively operable device structured and alTanged with respect to the flowline for isolating a quantity of the fluids in the bypass flowline between the first and second selectively operable device

the at least one sensor comprises one or more of a density sensor;

a pressure sensor;

a temperature sensor;

a bubble/gas sensor;

a MEMS based sensor;

an imager; and

a scattering sensor, wherein the at least one sensor measures parameters of interest relating to fluids isolated in the bypass flowline; and

the fluid analysis module further comprising;

one or more of a spectral sensor optically coupled to the flowline;

a fluorescence and gas sensor, a chemical sensor; and

a resistivity sensor;

structured and arranged with respect to the flowline for measuring parameters of interest relating to fluids flowing through the flowline.

15. The tool configured to be located downhole for sampling and characterization formation fluids in accordance with claim 14, wherein at least one of the first and second selectively operable device comprises a valve;

and

the fluid analysis module further comprising;

a pump unit integrated with the flowline for varying pressure and volume of the isolated fluids.

16. A downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole, comprising:

a fluid sampling and analysis module, the fluid sampling and analysis module comprising;

a flowline for fluids withdrawn from a formation to flow through the fluid sampling and analysis module downhole, within a borehole, the flowline having a first end for the fluids to enter and a second end for the fluids to exit the fluid sampling and analysis module;

a bypass flowline connected to said flowline for receiving fluids from said flowline for sampling and analysis;

a first selectively operable valve positioned within said bypass flowline at an initial end of said bypass flowline and a second selectively operable valve positioned within said bypass flowline at an outlet end of said bypass flowline and arranged with respect to the bypass flowline for isolating a quantity of the fluids in a portion of the bypass flowline between the first and second selectively operable valves; and

at least one sensor connected to the portion of the bypass flowline between the first and second selectively operable device for measuring parameters of interest downhole, within a borehole, relating to the fluids in the flowline wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of;

an optical spectrometer and an optical cell, an optical spectrometer and a refractometer, a fluorescence refraction detector, an imager, a scattering detector for detecting particles within the bypass line, and an ultrasonic transducer.

17. The downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the at least one sensor comprises:

a resistivity sensor.

18. The downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the at least one sensor comprises:

a chemical sensor.

19. The downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the at least one sensor comprises:

a pressure gauge.

20. The downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the at least one sensor comprises:

a temperature gauge.

21. The downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the at least one sensor comprises:

a density sensor.

22. The downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the at least one sensor comprises:

a viscosity sensor.

23. The downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the imager comprises:

a CCD camera.

24. The downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the scattering detector for detecting particles comprises detecting at least one of:

asphaltene within the bypass flowline, bubbles within the bypass flowline, and oil mist from gas condensate within the bypass flowline.

25. A downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole, comprising:

a fluid sampling and analysis module, the fluid sampling and analysis module comprising;

a flowline for fluids withdrawn from a formation to flow through the fluid sampling and analysis module downhole, within a borehole, the flowline having a first end for the fluids to enter and a second end for the fluids to exit the fluid sampling and analysis module;

a bypass flowline connected to said flowline for receiving fluids from said flowline for sampling and analysis;

a first selectively operable valve positioned within said bypass flowline at an initial end of said bypass flowline and a second selectively operable valve positioned within said bypass flowline at an outlet end of said bypass flowline and arranged with respect to the bypass flowline for isolating a quantity of the fluids in a portion of the bypass flowline between the first and second selectively operable valves;

at least one sensor connected to the portion of the bypass flowline between the first and second selectively operable device for measuring parameters of interest downhole, within a borehole, relating to the fluids in the flowline;

a circulation line connected at one end to said bypass flowline downstream of the first valve positioned within said bypass flowline and upstream of the second valve positioned within said bypass flowline; and

a circulation pump connected in series with said circulation line for circulating fluid within said bypass flowline.

26. A downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole, comprising:

a fluid sampling and analysis module, the fluid sampling and analysis module comprising;

a flowline for fluids withdrawn from a formation to flow through the fluid sampling and analysis module downhole, within a borehole, the flowline having a first end for the fluids to enter and a second end for the fluids to exit the fluid sampling and analysis module;

a bypass flowline connected to said flowline for receiving fluids from said flowline for sampling and analysis;

a first selectively operable valve positioned within said bypass flowline at an initial end of said bypass flowline and a second selectively operable valve positioned within said bypass flowline at an outlet end of said bypass flowline and arranged with respect to the bypass flowline for isolating a quantity of the fluids in a portion of the bypass flowline between the first and second selectively operable valves;

at least one sensor connected to the portion of the bypass flowline between the first and second selectively operable device for measuring parameters of interest downhole, within a borehole, relating to the fluids in the flowline; and

at least another sensor connected in series with the flowline for fluids withdrawn from a formation.

27. The downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the at least another sensor comprises:

an optical spectrometer and an optical cell.

28. The downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the at least another sensor comprises:

an optical spectrometer and a refractometer.

29. The downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the at least another sensor comprises:

a fluorescence refraction detector.

30. The downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the at least another sensor comprises:

a resistivity sensor.

31. The downhole fluid sampling and characterization apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the at least another sensor comprises:

a chemical sensor.