Hydrocarbon detection in oil and gas wells using fiber optic sensing cables
US10808499B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 18, 2016 |
| Grant date | Oct 20, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N33/383
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and systems that provide ways to detect the hydrocarbon flow while eliminating the hydrogen darkening effect in the downhole environment by separated strain and temperature measurement. The methods and systems use fiber optic sensing cables for real-time detection of hydrocarbon fluids (oil, gas, condensate or combination) in oil and gas wells, for example in cemented annuli between either a rock formation and a casing string, or between a larger diameter casing string and a smaller diameter casing string, or in a cement plug left in the well upon abandonment. Hydrogen darkening-resistant temperature and strain sensing fiber optic cables can be used in conjunction with hydrocarbon sensitive polymers to monitor hydrocarbon migration in the oil and gas well and/or to identify the zone(s) from which the hydrocarbons are flowing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.