Fluorescence sensing apparatus for determining presence of native hydrocarbons from drilling mud
US5084617A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jan 28, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2021/6484
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A monitoring device for determining presence of native hydrocarbons downward along a drilled borehole by analyzing upcoming drilling mud returning to the reserve pit. The device includes a short pulse laser of selected output wavelength disposed at a remote location to couple output light into a fiber optic cable that leads to a position at the reserve pit viewing the returning drill mud. The device employs optical coupling to project any hydrocarbon fluorescence light for return along the fiber optic cable to the remote position for reflection through a monochromator, and the fluorescence light is processed through a photomultiplier tube and data acquisition system to derive charcteristic decay lifetime signatures to distinguish between native hydrocarbons and any lighter oils contained in the drilling mud.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.