Refractive index tool and method
AssigneeSondex Limited
InventorKeith Robert WOOTTEN
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Refractive index tools and method. A refractive index tool includes a wave source configured to generate a wave; a transparent rod configured to receive the wave from the wave source; and a wave detector configured to receive the wave from the transparent rod. The wave source is provided at a first end of the transparent rod and the wave detector is provided at the first end or a second end of the transparent rod so that the wave emitted by the wave source travels through the transparent rod and experiences total internal refraction prior to arriving at the wave detector.
Claims20
A refractive index tool to discriminate between a plurality of fluids, the refractive index tool comprising:
- a wave source configured to generate a wave;
- a transparent rod configured to receive the wave from the wave source;
- and
- a wave detector configured to receive the wave from the transparent rod,
- wherein the wave source is provided at a first end of the transparent rod and the wave detector is provided at the first end or a second end of the transparent rod so that the wave emitted by the wave source travels through the transparent rod and experiences total internal refraction prior to arriving at the wave detector, and
- wherein the refractive index tool is configured to measure an intensity of the wave received by the wave detector, the intensity of the wave being related to a refractive index of the transparent rod and a refractive index of a fluid in which the transparent rod is immersed, the refractive index of the transparent rod being higher than the refractive index of the fluid in which the transparent rod is immersed.
A sensor device configured to be attached to a cable to be lowered into a well having a high temperature and/or a high pressure, the sensor device comprising:
- a first sensor;
- and
- a refractive index tool, the refractive index tool including,
- a wave source configured to generate a wave;
- a transparent rod configured to receive the wave from the wave source;
- and
- a wave detector configured to receive the wave from the transparent rod,
- wherein the wave source is provided at a first end of the transparent rod and the wave detector is provided at the first end or a second end of the transparent rod so that the wave emitted by the wave source travels through the transparent rod and experiences total internal refraction prior to arriving at the wave detector, and
- wherein the refractive index tool is configured to measure an intensity of the wave received by the wave detector, the intensity of the wave being related to a refractive index of the transparent rod and a refractive index of a fluid in which the transparent rod is immersed, the refractive index of the transparent rod being higher than the refractive index of the fluid in which the transparent rod is immersed.
An electronic circuit including a processor to execute a method for discriminating between a plurality of fluids, the method comprising:
- generating a wave using a wave source, the wave to be received from the wave source into a transparent rod;
- receiving the wave from the transparent rod into a wave detector;
- and
- measuring an intensity of the wave received by the wave detector, the intensity of the wave being related to a refractive index of the transparent rod and a refractive index of a fluid in which the transparent rod is immersed, the refractive index of the transparent rod being higher than the refractive index of the fluid in which the transparent rod is immersed.
A method for assembling a refractive index tool to discriminate between a plurality of fluids, the method comprising:
- attaching to a transparent rod a wave source configured to generate a wave;
- attaching to the transparent rod a wave detector configured to receive the wave from the wave source;
- connecting the wave source and the wave detector to an electronic circuit;
- and
- placing the wave source, the wave detector, and the electronic circuit within a housing, wherein
- the refractive index tool is configured to measure an intensity of a wave received by the wave detector, the intensity of the wave being related to a refractive index of the transparent rod and a refractive index of a fluid in which the transparent rod is immersed, and the refractive index of the transparent rod being higher than the refractive index of the fluid in which the transparent rod is immersed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.