Electro-Optic Control System for Stimulation of Oil and Geothermal Wells

65329 This project will develop instrumentation for real-time control of oil production. The instrumentation includes surface and downhole tools for the measurement of oil-water percentages, temperature, pressure, and flow. The high temperature downhole tools will allow continuous well monitoring, optimized control, and eliminate the need for bulky separators or gamma ray analysis systems. Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of a tool for the real-time determination of the water-to-oil ratio in a mixed flow, in-line, and without the use of a separator. The tool was implemented using both conventional electronics and packaging to allow its use as a surface sensor in a production field. High temperature electronics were incorporated for downhole operation capability without the need for a cooling flask. In Phase II, multiple company partners will beta test both surface tool prototypes and high temperature prototypes downhole. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The family of in-line instrumentation tools should have immediate and large-scale use in the oil and gas production industry, as well as in chemical and pharmaceutical markets.