Petroleum Indicator by Electric Relaxation

72681-The U.S. Department of Energy is seeking advanced ¿smart drilling¿ technologies to improve the nation's competitiveness in petroleum drilling. In response to this need, this project will develop a petroleum indicator that uses an electric relaxation sensor to monitor the drilling process in real time, allowing the operator to avoid blowouts and increasing safety, drilling efficiency, and environmental protection. The oil drilling monitoring device, based on dielectric spectroscopy, will be capable of detecting drilling fluid composition and flow with 1 percent accuracy of the oil component in the drilling mud volume. All the active elements will be robust, capable of withstanding the harsh environment encountered in the drilling process. Phase I developed a proof-of-concept sensor and demonstrated the detection of five percent oil in drilling fluid volume. Sensitivity measurements were limited by the available equipment; however, analysis indicated that sensitivities of 1 percent or better could easily be achieved. In Phase II, a working prototype will be constructed that will be capable of detecting oil concentrations between 1 percent and 100 percent. Tests will be conducted to demonstrate that the system can withstand the harsh drilling downhole environment, and that it can detect and discriminate oil, mud, gases, and various levels of salinity and other relevant minerals. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The proposed technology and its spin-off products should enhance ¿smart drilling¿ capabilities in petroleum drilling process control and monitoring. Other potential applications include chemical/biological process monitoring, waste management, biological engineering, explosive gas warning systems, environmental monitoring, homeland security, military (monitoring of underground facilities), and space (aeronautic) and ground (automotive) vehicle fluid sensors.