公开(公告)号：US6023340A

公开(公告)日：2000-02-08

申请号：US74081

申请日：1998-05-07

Applicant: Xu Wu ,  Edmund J. Fordham ,  Oliver C. Mullins ,  Rogerio Tadeu Ramos

Inventor： Xu Wu ,  Edmund J. Fordham ,  Oliver C. Mullins ,  Rogerio Tadeu Ramos

IPC: G01N21/85 ,  G01N21/00

CPC classification number: G01F1/74 ,  G01F1/661 ,  G01N21/8507

Abstract: Single point optical probes for measuring three-phase characteristics of fluid flow in a hydrocarbon well and methods of processing signals generated by the probe are disclosed. A probe having a single fiber optic is coupled to a light source and apparatus for detecting reflectance and fluorescence. Light is delivered to the tip of the probe where it either is internally reflected in the probe or exits the probe and illuminates the fluid (liquid) ambient the probe tip. If the fluid at the probe tip is oil, the light exits the probe, illuminates the oil, and causes the oil to fluoresce. If the fluid is water, no fluorescence occurs. If the fluid is gas, at least some light is internally reflected in the probe. A detection system including at least one beam splitter and fluorescence and reflectance detectors is provided in conjunction with the probe. Preferably, the fluorescence detector is coupled to the fiber optic by a wavelength division multiplexer. A preferred signal processing system for detecting oil, gas, and water provides two quasi-binary indicators: gas/liquid and oil/not oil. Three of the four possible indications (gas-not oil, liquid-not oil, and liquid-oil) give reliable results indicating whether the fluid at the probe tip is gas, water, or oil. One of the four possible indications (gas-oil) can be considered an error indicator.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于测量烃井中流体流动的三相特性的单点光学探针以及由探针产生的处理信号的方法。 具有单个光纤的探针被耦合到光源和用于检测反射率和荧光的装置。 光被传送到探头的尖端，其中它被内部反射在探头中或者离开探头并照亮探针尖端的流体（液体）环境。 如果探针尖端处的液体是油，则光离开探头，照亮油，并引起油发荧光。 如果液体是水，则不会发生荧光。 如果流体是气体，则至少有一些光在探头内部被反射。 与探头一起提供了包括至少一个分束器和荧光和反射检测器的检测系统。 优选地，荧光检测器通过波分复用器耦合到光纤。 用于检测油，气和水的优选信号处理系统提供两个准二进制指示器：气/液和油/非油。 四种可能的适应症（气体不是油，液体不是油和液体油）中的三种给出了可靠的结果，指示探针尖端的流体是气体，水还是油。 四种可能的迹象（瓦斯油）中的一种可以被认为是错误指示器。

公开(公告)号：US06075611A

公开(公告)日：2000-06-13

申请号：US74082

申请日：1998-05-07

Applicant: Elizabeth B. Dussan V. ,  Xu Wu ,  Oliver C. Mullins ,  Richard Gaylor ,  Rogerio Tadeu Ramos ,  Kenneth Stephenson

Inventor： Elizabeth B. Dussan V. ,  Xu Wu ,  Oliver C. Mullins ,  Richard Gaylor ,  Rogerio Tadeu Ramos ,  Kenneth Stephenson

IPC: G01F1/708 ,  G01F1/74 ,  G01N21/64 ,  G01N21/85 ,  G01N21/00

CPC classification number: G01N21/85 ,  G01F1/7086 ,  G01F1/74 ,  G01N21/64

Abstract: Single point optical probes for measuring three-phase characteristics of fluid flow in a hydrocarbon well and methods of processing signals generated by the probe are disclosed. A single fiber optic probe is coupled to a light source and apparatus for detecting reflectance and fluorescence. Light is delivered to the tip of the probe where it exits the probe and illuminates the liquid ambient the probe tip or is internally reflected in the probe when gas is located at the probe tip. If the fluid at the probe tip is oil, the light exits the probe, illuminates the oil, and causes the oil to fluoresce. According to one signal processing method of the invention, the reflectance signal is binarized at a threshold to provide a gas/liquid quasi-binary signal which changes over time. A time fraction of the signal values is used to calculate the gas holdup. According to other signal processing methods of the invention, the fluorescence indication signal is processed by taking its derivative (and if desired a second derivative) to determine the "corners" of the fluorescence signal over time. The derivative signal exhibits a positive and a negative peak which are separated by time. The time between the peaks is used to calculate oil holdup and the amplitude of one of the peaks is used to calculate the velocity of the oil drop.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于测量烃井中流体流动的三相特性的单点光学探针以及由探针产生的处理信号的方法。 单个光纤探针耦合到光源和用于检测反射率和荧光的装置。 当气体位于探针尖端时，光被传送到探头的尖端，在那里它离开探针并照亮探测尖端的液体环境或内部反射在探针中。 如果探针尖端处的液体是油，则光离开探头，照亮油，并引起油发荧光。 根据本发明的一种信号处理方法，反射信号以阈值二值化，以提供随时间变化的气/液准二值信号。 信号值的时间分数用于计算气体滞留量。 根据本发明的其他信号处理方法，通过取其衍生物（并且如果需要，二阶导数）来处理荧光指示信号，以确定荧光信号随时间的“角”。 导数信号表现出正时和负峰，它们被时间分离。 峰值之间的时间用于计算油滞留量，其中一个峰值的振幅用于计算油滴的速度。

公开(公告)号：US07542142B2

公开(公告)日：2009-06-02

申请号：US11457642

申请日：2006-07-14

Applicant: Xu Wu ,  Elizabeth B. Dussan V ,  Oliver C. Mullins

Inventor： Xu Wu ,  Elizabeth B. Dussan V ,  Oliver C. Mullins

IPC: G01N21/00 ,  G01N21/55 ,  G01N15/06 ,  G01N21/49 ,  G01N21/85 ,  G01V5/00 ,  G01V5/04 ,  G02B6/00 ,  G02B6/26 ,  G02B6/42

CPC classification number: G02B6/4246 ,  G01F1/7086 ,  G01N21/552 ,  G01N21/64 ,  G01N21/85 ,  G02B6/4298

Abstract: Several optical probes useful in downhole applications are provided. A first probe has a tip in the form of a cubical corner with the diagonal of the cubical corner aligned with the axis of the probe. A second probe has a tip formed in a 45° cone. In these designs, light will bounce respectively three times or twice, but still retain the same orientation. To facilitate drainage, the very tip of the probe may be rounded. Both designs also provide a probe with a large numerical aperture and both are useful for detecting reflectance and the holdup of a multiphase fluid. A third probe uses (hemi)spherical or paraboloid probe tip. The third probe tip has a small numerical aperture and is useful for detecting fluorescence and oil velocity. In all three embodiments, the base behind the probe tip may be tapered to facilitate fluid drainage.

公开(公告)号：US06268603B1

公开(公告)日：2001-07-31

申请号：US09204447

申请日：1998-12-03

Applicant: Oliver C. Mullins ,  Xu Wu ,  Charles Flaum

Inventor： Oliver C. Mullins ,  Xu Wu ,  Charles Flaum

IPC: G01V802

CPC classification number: G01V8/02 ,  E21B49/005

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for investigating formations surrounding a borehole involve acquiring a fluorescent signal over a portion of the borehole and analyzing the signal to detect the presence of crude oil. Analyzing the signal to detect the presence of crude oil may involve distinguishing mineral fluorescence from oil fluorescence. The signal may be analyzed further to distinguish characteristics of the crude oil, such as its grade (light, medium or heavy), and to indicate a physical property correlated with the fluorescence, such as the presence of laminations or formation permeability. In some embodiments, fluorescence signals from illuminating the portion of the borehole with at least two different wavelengths of light are analyzed.

Abstract translation: 用于研究钻孔周围地层的方法和装置涉及在钻孔的一部分上获取荧光信号，并分析该信号以检测原油的存在。 分析信号以检测原油的存在可能涉及区分矿物荧光和油荧光。 可以进一步分析信号以区分原油的特性，例如其等级（轻，中等或重），并指示与荧光相关的物理性质，例如叠层或地层渗透性的存在。 在一些实施例中，分析用至少两个不同波长的光照射钻孔部分的荧光信号。

公开(公告)号：US6140637A

公开(公告)日：2000-10-31

申请号：US445121

申请日：1995-05-19

Applicant: Oliver C. Mullins ,  Xu Wu ,  Philip Rabbito

Inventor： Oliver C. Mullins ,  Xu Wu ,  Philip Rabbito

IPC: G01V8/02 ,  G01V5/04

CPC classification number: G01V8/02 ,  E21B47/0002

Abstract: A method of locating in situ hydrocarbons in underground formations comprises illuminating the borehole wall with light such as visible, infrared or ultraviolet light or combinations of these, from a source in a tool such as a wireline logging tool or an LWD tool, detecting any fluorescent radiation with a detector in the tool and analyzing the florescent radiation to determine the presence of hydrocarbon in the formation. The tool is moved through the borehole while irradiating the formation and detecting fluorescence. The borehole wall is illuminated and fluorescence detected through a window in the tool which is pressed against the borehole wall with sufficient force to displace any mudcake. The window is made of a wear resistant material such sapphire or diamond and is conveniently secured in a wear resistant housing which might be made of tungsten carbide or the like.

Abstract translation: 在地下地层中定位原位碳氢化合物的方法包括用诸如可见光，红外线或紫外光的光或这些的组合从诸如电缆测井工具或LWD工具的工具中的光源照射钻孔壁，检测任何荧光 用工具中的检测器辐射辐射，并分析荧光辐射以确定地层中烃的存在。 工具在照射地层并检测荧光的同时移动穿过井眼。 钻孔壁被照亮并通过工具中的窗口检测到荧光，该窗口以足够的力压靠钻孔壁以移动任何泥饼。 窗户由诸如蓝宝石或金刚石的耐磨材料制成，并且方便地固定在可由碳化钨等制成的耐磨外壳中。

公开(公告)号：US5912459A

公开(公告)日：1999-06-15

申请号：US873849

申请日：1997-06-12

Applicant: Oliver C. Mullins ,  Xu Wu ,  Philip Rabbito

Inventor： Oliver C. Mullins ,  Xu Wu ,  Philip Rabbito

IPC: G01V8/02

CPC classification number: G01V8/02 ,  E21B47/0002

Abstract: A method of locating in situ hydrocarbons in underground formations comprises illuminating the borehole wall with light such as visible, infrared or ultraviolet light or combinations of these, from a source in a tool such as a wireline logging tool or an LWD tool, detecting any fluorescent radiation with a detector in the tool and analyzing the florescent radiation to determine the presence of hydrocarbon in the formation. The tool is moved through the borehole while irradiating the formation and detecting fluorescence. The borehole wall is illuminated and fluorescence detected through a window in the tool which is pressed against the borehole wall with sufficient force to displace any mudcake. The window is made of a wear resistant material such sapphire or diamond and is conveniently secured in a wear resistant housing which might be made of tungsten carbide or the like.

公开(公告)号：US5859430A

公开(公告)日：1999-01-12

申请号：US827647

申请日：1997-04-10

Applicant: Oliver C. Mullins ,  Xu Wu

Inventor： Oliver C. Mullins ,  Xu Wu

IPC: E21B47/10 ,  E21B49/10 ,  G01N21/05 ,  G01N21/35 ,  G01N33/28 ,  G01N33/24

CPC classification number: E21B47/102 ,  E21B49/10 ,  G01N21/0303 ,  G01N21/05 ,  G01N21/359

Abstract: A borehole tool analyzes the composition of gases flowing from a formation. The tool includes an optical fluid analyzer (OFA) and a gas analysis module (GAM). The OFA determines when fluid flowing into the tool has become substantially only gas. The gas is then diverted to the GAM, thereby avoiding the possibility of oil depositing itself on a optical window and interfering with a proper analysis. The GAM includes a near infrared ray light source, at least one photo-detector, a gas sample cell (or cells) having portions with different path lengths, each portion having an optical window, and fiber optics which direct light in first paths from the source to the sample cell, and from the sample cell to the photo-detectors. By providing cells with different path lengths, issues of dynamic range are obviated. The GAM also preferably includes a second optical path which goes directly from the light source to the photo-detectors and is used for canceling drift, and a third optical path which goes from the light source, through a known standard such as methane to the photo-detectors and is used for compensation of shifts in actual hydrocarbon peak locations or shifts in optical filter wavelengths. Analysis of the different hydrocarbon gas components of the gas stream is conducted by analysis of selected CH vibrational peaks in the 5700 cm.sup.-1 to 6100 cm.sup.-1 range.

Abstract translation: 井眼工具分析了从地层流出的气体的组成。 该工具包括光学流体分析仪（OFA）和气体分析模块（GAM）。 OFA确定流入工具的流体何时已经变得基本上只有气体。 然后将气体转移到GAM，从而避免了将油自身沉积在光学窗口上并干扰适当分析的可能性。 GAM包括近红外线光源，至少一个光检测器，具有不同路径长度的部分的气体样品池（或电池），每个部分都具有光学窗口，以及光纤，其将来自第一路径的光引导 来源于样品池，以及从样品池到光电探测器。 通过为单元提供不同的路径长度，可以避免动态范围的问题。 GAM还优选地包括直接从光源到光电检测器并且用于抵消漂移的第二光路和从光源通过已知标准例如甲烷到照片的第三光路 用于补偿实际碳氢化合物峰值位置的偏移或光学滤波器波长的偏移。 通过分析5700cm-1至6100cm -1范围内选择的CH振动峰，分析气流的不同烃气体成分。

公开(公告)号：US07142306B2

公开(公告)日：2006-11-28

申请号：US10055420

申请日：2002-01-23

Applicant: Xu Wu ,  Elizabeth B. Dussan V ,  Oliver C. Mullins

Inventor： Xu Wu ,  Elizabeth B. Dussan V ,  Oliver C. Mullins

IPC: G01N21/00 ,  G01N21/55 ,  G01N15/06 ,  G01V5/00 ,  G02B6/00 ,  G02B6/26

CPC classification number: G02B6/4246 ,  G01F1/7086 ,  G01N21/552 ,  G01N21/64 ,  G01N21/85 ,  G02B6/4298

Abstract: Several optical probes useful in downhole applications are provided. A first probe has a tip in the form of a cubical corner with the diagonal of the cubical corner aligned with the axis of the probe. A second probe has a tip formed in a 45° cone. In these designs, light will bounce respectively three times or twice, but still retain the same orientation. To facilitate drainage, the very tip of the probe may be rounded. Both designs also provide a probe with a large numerical aperture and both are useful for detecting reflectance and the holdup of a multiphase fluid. A third probe uses (hemi)spherical or paraboloid probe tip. The third probe tip has a small numerical aperture and is useful for detecting fluorescence and oil velocity. In all three embodiments, the base behind the probe tip may be tapered to facilitate fluid drainage.

公开(公告)号：US06850317B2

公开(公告)日：2005-02-01

申请号：US10055070

申请日：2002-01-23

Applicant: Oliver C. Mullins ,  Donald Charles McKeon ,  Felix Chen ,  Xu Wu ,  Elizabeth B. Dussan V ,  Henning Groenzin ,  Clelia Canuel

Inventor： Oliver C. Mullins ,  Donald Charles McKeon ,  Felix Chen ,  Xu Wu ,  Elizabeth B. Dussan V ,  Henning Groenzin ,  Clelia Canuel

IPC: G01F1/708 ,  G01N21/64 ,  G02B6/34 ,  G02B6/42 ,  G01N33/28

CPC classification number: G01N21/55 ,  G01F1/7086 ,  G01N21/6428 ,  G02B6/29361 ,  G02B6/4246 ,  G02B6/4298

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring oil flow velocity in a well are provided which utilize fluorescence quenching. A marker which quenches the natural fluorescence of crude oil is chosen and injected into the oil flow at a first location. At a second location, the oil flow is subjected to light at a wavelength which will cause oil to naturally fluoresce. The fluorescence signal is detected at the second location by a sensing probe. The time that it takes for the quenching marker to move from the first location to the second location is measured by sensing a decrease in fluorescence due to the quencher. Fluid velocity is determined by dividing the distance between the marker-ejection point and the optical probe position by the time it took the marker to move that distance.

Abstract translation: 提供用于测量井中油流速度的装置和方法，其利用荧光淬灭。 选择淬灭原油的天然荧光的标记，并将其注入到第一位置的油流中。 在第二位置，油流经受将导致油自然发荧光的波长的光。 通过感测探针在第二位置处检测荧光信号。 淬灭标记从第一位置移动到第二位置所需的时间是通过感测由于淬灭剂引起的荧光的降低来测量的。 通过将标记射出点和光学探针位置之间的距离除以标记物移动该距离所花费的时间来确定流体速度。

公开(公告)号：US06704109B2

公开(公告)日：2004-03-09

申请号：US10055654

申请日：2002-01-23

Applicant: Xu Wu ,  Marian Faur ,  Fabien Cens ,  Jacques Sellin ,  Felix Chen ,  Oliver C. Mullins

Inventor： Xu Wu ,  Marian Faur ,  Fabien Cens ,  Jacques Sellin ,  Felix Chen ,  Oliver C. Mullins

IPC: G01N3328

CPC classification number: G01N21/55 ,  G01F1/7086 ,  G01N21/64 ,  G01N21/8507 ,  G02B6/29361 ,  G02B6/4246 ,  G02B6/4298

Abstract: A downhole optical apparatus includes an LED source, reflectance and fluorescence detectors, a plurality of fibers, a dichroic mirror (DM), a beam splitter/coupler, a probe, a short-pass filter (SP), a dichroic long-pass filter (LP), and a lens. Source light filtered by the SP is fed to the DM which deflects light of desired wavelengths only. The deflected light is focused by the lens onto a fiber and is ultimately injected into an oil flow by the probe. Light reflected by oil or fluorescing therefrom is received by the probe, and split by the splitter. A small portion is received by the reflectance detector. A large portion is received by the lens and directed to the DM which deflects reflected light and passes light at longer fluorescing wavelengths. Passed light is further filtered by the DM and LP to eliminate remnants of the reflected light, and provided to the fluorescence detector.

Abstract translation: 井下光学装置包括LED源，反射率和荧光检测器，多个光纤，分色镜（DM），分束器/耦合器，探针，短路滤波器（SP），二向色长通滤波器 （LP）和透镜。 由SP过滤的光源被馈送到仅偏转所需波长的光的DM。 偏转的光被透镜聚焦在纤维上，最终被探针注入到油流中。 由油反射的或荧光的光被探针接收，并被分离器分开。 反射率检测器接收到一小部分。 大部分被透镜接收并且被引导到DM，其偏转反射光并且以更长的荧光波长传递光。 通过的光被DM和LP进一步过滤以消除反射光的残余物，并提供给荧光检测器。