Calibration and Analysis of a Novel Downhole Sensor to Determine Fluid Viscosities
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AbstractThis paper presents the performance evaluation of a novel sensor designed to measure the in situ the viscosity of a flowing fluid at downhole conditions. The device provides a mechanism to allow the passage of solid particles (i.e. sand) and has a self-cleaning ability should any build-up of these particles restrict the flowing area. The sensor was assembled in a closed flow loop to prevent measurement error due to partial vaporization of the samples at higher temperatures where it was tested and calibrated with mixtures of glycerin and water. Differential pressures, flow rates and temperatures were gathered and used to determine the viscosity of two crude oils with viscosities ranging from 1 to 30 cp and temperatures from 100 to 160 F. Flow rates were controlled to maintain linearity in the differential pressure response to ensure a laminar flow regime. Viscosity measurements were validated with independent measurements using a Brookfield viscometer and the agreement was within 2%. Using data from this sensor, new viscosity mixing rules were developed to allow determination of mixture compositions from viscosity measurements or mixture viscosities for given compositions. Potential applications include the estimation of diluent to be added to a more viscous fluid to achieve a target viscosity reduction, fluid identification from wireline formation testers, smart well fluid monitoring, enhanced mud logging, and fracture fluid characterization.
