Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing a deposited layer on the inner surface of a fluid container wall having inner and outer surfaces are disclosed. One embodiment of the method comprises (a) transmitting an acoustic signal from a transmitter at a first distance from the outer surface of the wall; (b) receiving a first received signal A, comprising a reflection from the wall outer surface; (c) receiving a second received signal B, comprising a reflection from the wall inner surface; (d) receiving a third received signal C from the wall inner surface; (e) calculating a coefficient Rwp from A, B and C, and (f) calculating a coefficient Rpd from A, B and Rwp, and calculating the acoustic impedance of the deposited layer Zd from Rwp, Rpd, and Zw, where Zw is the acoustic impedance of the material between the transmitter and the wall outer surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing a deposited layer on the inner surface of a fluid container wall having inner and outer surfaces are disclosed. One embodiment of the method comprises (a) transmitting an acoustic signal from a transmitter at a first distance from the outer surface of the wall; (b) receiving a first received signal A, comprising a reflection from the wall outer surface; (c) receiving a second received signal B, comprising a reflection from the wall inner surface; (d) receiving a third received signal C from the wall inner surface; (e) calculating a coefficient Rwp from A, B and C, and (f) calculating a coefficient Rpd from A, B and Rwp and calculating the acoustic impedance of the deposited layer Zd from Rwp, Rpd, and Zw, where Zw is the acoustic impedance of the material between the transmitter and the wall outer surface.

Abstract: A measurement device is provided that determines fluid properties from vibration frequencies of a sample cavity. In one embodiment, the measurement device includes a sample flow tube, vibration source and detector mounted on the tube, and a measurement module. The sample flow tube receives a flow of sample fluid for characterization. The measurement module employs the vibration sources to generate vibrations in the tube. The measurement module combines the signals from the vibration detector on the tube to determine properties of the sample fluid, such as density, viscosity, compressibility, water fraction, and bubble size. The measurement module may further detect certain flow patterns such as slug flow, for example. To measure the sample fluid density, the measurement module determines the resonant frequency of the sample flow tube. The density can then be calculated according to a formula that compensates for the temperature and pressure of the system.

Abstract: A measurement device is provided that determines fluid properties from vibration frequencies of a sample cavity and a reference cavity. In one embodiment, the measurement device includes a sample flow tube, a reference flow tube, vibration sources and detectors mounted on the tubes, and a measurement module. The sample flow tube receives a flow of sample fluid for characterization. The reference flow tube is filled with a reference fluid having well-characterized properties. The measurement module employs the vibration sources to generate vibrations in both tubes. The measurement module combines the signals from the vibration detectors on the tubes to determine properties of the sample fluid, such as density, viscosity, compressibility, water fraction, and bubble size. The measurement module may further detect certain flow patterns such as slug flow, for example.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and measuring the buildup of deposits on the inner surface of a pipeline containing flowing fluid comprises (a) transmitting a first acoustic signal into the pipeline through the pipeline wall, (b) receiving echoes of the transmitted signal, and (c) determining from the received echoes how far from the pipeline inner surface the interface between the deposits and the flowing fluid lies. An alternative method for monitoring and measuring the buildup of deposits on the inner surface of a pipeline containing flowing fluid comprises (a) transmitting a first acoustic signal into the pipeline through the pipeline wall, (b) receiving echoes of the signal, and (c) using the Doppler frequency shift of the received echoes to determine how far from the pipeline inner surface the interface between the deposits and the flowing fluid lies.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and measuring the buildup of deposits on the inner surface of a pipeline containing flowing fluid comprises (a) transmitting a first acoustic signal into the pipeline through the pipeline wall, (b) receiving echoes of the transmitted signal, and (c) determining from the received echoes how far from the pipeline inner surface the interface between the deposits and the flowing fluid lies. An alternative method for monitoring and measuring the buildup of deposits on the inner surface of a pipeline containing flowing fluid comprises (a) transmitting a first acoustic signal into the pipeline through the pipeline wall, (b) receiving echoes of the signal, and (c) using the Doppler frequency shift of the received echoes to determine how far from the pipeline inner surface the interface between the deposits and the flowing fluid lies.

Abstract: Methods are provided for downhole sensing and flow control utilizing neural networks. In a described embodiment, a temporary sensor is positioned downhole with a permanent sensor. Outputs of the temporary and permanent sensors are recorded as training data sets. A neural network is trained using the training data sets. When the temporary sensor is no longer present or no longer operational in the well, the neural network is capable of determining the temporary sensor's output in response to the input to the neural network of the permanent sensor's output.

Abstract: A method of optimizing performance of a well system utilizes a neural network. In a described embodiment, the method includes the step of accumulating data indicative of the performance of the well system in response to variable influencing parameters. The data is used to train a neural network to model an output of the well system in response to the influencing parameters. An output of the neural network may then be input to a valuing model, e.g., to permit optimization of a value of the well system. The optimization process yields a set of prospective influencing parameters which may be incorporated into the well system to maximize its value.

Abstract: A method is provided for analyzing suspended particulate and liquid medium in a fluid stream by transmitting acoustic signals into the fluid, detecting scattered acoustic energy, and determining a parameter related to the density and compressibility of the fluid. In one embodiment, the fluid analysis tool comprises two transmitting transducers intermittently emitting acoustic signals, and two receiving transducers being differently azimuthally positioned with respect to the transmitters. The ratio of the amplitude of scattered signals measured by the two receivers as a result of emission from the first and second transmitters are used to calculate the parameter. In another embodiment, a tool comprising one transmitter and at least three receivers with azimuthal angles in both forward and backward scattering regions with respect to the incident wave is disclosed. The scattering signal amplitudes normalized by the amplitude from one of the receivers is used to identify and monitor the system.

Abstract: A measurement device is provided that determines fluid properties from vibration frequencies of a sample cavity and a reference cavity. In one embodiment, the measurement device includes a sample flow tube, a reference flow tube, vibration sources and detectors mounted on the tubes, and a measurement module. The sample flow tube receives a flow of sample fluid for characterization. The reference flow tube is filled with a reference fluid having well-characterized properties. The measurement module employs the vibration sources to generate vibrations in both tubes. The measurement module combines the signals from the vibration detectors on the tubes to determine properties of the sample fluid, such as density, viscosity, compressibility, water fraction, and bubble size. The measurement module may further detect certain flow patterns such as slug flow, for example.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-situ characterization of downhole fluids in a wellbore using ultrasonic acoustic signals. Measurements of the speed of sound, attenuation of the signal, and acoustic back-scattering are used to provide qualitative and quantitative data as to the composition, nature of solid particulates, compressibility, bubble point, and the oil/water ratio of the fluid. The tool generally comprises three sets of acoustic transducers mounted perpendicular to the direction of the flow. These transducers are capable of operating at different frequencies so that the spectrum of the acoustic signal can be optimized. The apparatus is capable of operating downhole to provide real time information as to conditions in the well.