The THAAD terminal (formerly theatre) high-altitude area defence missile system is an easily transportable defensive weapon system to protect against hostile incoming threats, such as tactical and theatre ballistic missiles, at ranges of 200km and altitudes of up to 150km.
THAAD system provides the upper tier of a ‘layered defensive shield’ to protect high-value strategic or tactical sites such as airfields or populations centres. The THAAD missile intercepts exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric threats.
The sites would also be protected with lower and medium-tier defensive shield systems, such as the Patriot PAC-3, which intercepts hostile incoming missiles at 20 to 100 times lower altitudes.
THAAD system has maintained a 100% success rate over its last 16 intercept tests since the beginning of production. The system used a government-developed remote launcher kit in its 16th attempt in August 2019, for the first time, to extend the range of the defended area.
THAAD air defence missile programme
The US Army is expected to acquire 80 to 99 THAAD launchers, 18 ground-based radars and a total of 1,422 THAAD missiles. Two THAAD battalions are planned, each with four batteries.
In 1992, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space and other industrial team partners were awarded a $689m contract to develop the THAAD system. Raytheon was selected as sub-contractor to develop the ground-based radar.
Raytheon is responsible for the solid-state receiver / transmitter modules, while TRW is responsible for software development. The other main contractors are Raytheon for the travelling wave tubes, Datatape for the data recorders, and EBCO for radar turrets.
The THAAD programme entered the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase in 2000. In May 2004, production of 16 flight test missiles began at Lockheed Martin’s new production facilities in Pike County, Alabama.
Flight testing, at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, of the EMD system began in 2005. The first flight test of the entire system, including missile, launcher, radar and fire control system, took place in May 2006. Flight testing began at Pacific Missile Range, Kauai, Hawaii in January 2007, with a successful intercept test in the high endo-atmosphere.
A second successful test took place in April 2007, with intercept in the mid endo-atmosphere. The final White Sands test took place in June 2007, with a low endo-atmosphere test. In October 2007, THAAD performed a successful intercept of a unitary target outside the atmosphere (exo-atmospheric). In June 2008, THAAD successfully intercepted a separating target in mid-endo-atmosphere. Until the end of 2011, THAAD has completed nine intercepts and 12 flight tests.
In January 2007, Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract for the first two production THAAD systems to include six launchers, 48 missiles, two radars and two tactical operations centres. The first THAAD weapon system launcher, and fire control and communications unit, were launched in April 2009.
In May 2008, the US Army activated the first THAAD battery unit at Fort Bliss, Texas. In August 2007, Lockheed Martin announced that THAAD launcher, fire control and communications units were built at its Camden, Arkansas facility. The THAAD interceptor was built at its Pike County facility in Troy, Alabama. The second battery unit was activated in October 2009.
In September 2008, the United Arab Emirates requested the sale of three THAAD fire units, 147 missiles, four THAAD radars, six fire control stations and nine launchers. In 2011, UAE signed a $1.96bn deal for two THAAD weapon systems and the support equipment. This is the first foreign military sale of THAAD.
The US Army contract for the third and fourth THAAD battery units was awarded to Lockheed Martin in 2010 and 2011. The contract for the fifth battery was awarded in late 2012.
A $66m follow-on contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin for continued development of the THAAD system, in March 2012. The company was awarded a $150m contract for 12 launchers, two fire control and communications units, and associated support equipment in August 2012.
The THAAD missile system successfully engaged a medium-range ballistic missile during an integrated ballistic missile defence system test conducted in October 2012. Another missile defence flight test was conducted in September 2013.
Lockheed Martin was awarded a $3.9bn contract for the manufacture and delivery of up to 110 interceptors for the US Army in September 2013. The contractual scope also includes production of interceptors and other ground hardware for the UAE.
The THAAD laser-initiated ordnance system is being developed by Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (PSEMC). Alfalight was awarded a $3.7m contract by PSEMC for the delivery of lasers in September 2014.
The missile defense agency (MDA) placed a $124.6m order with Lockheed for the supply of THAAD ground components, in October 2014.
Lockheed achieved the milestone of delivering 100 interceptors to the US and its allied nations in July 2015.
Lockheed Martin received a $528m contract from the MDA for the supply of THAAD missile system interceptors, in January 2016.
In January 2017, Lockheed secured a $459m order from the MDA for the development of THAAD interceptors.
THAAD system’s (FTT-23) remote launching capability was tested by the US Missile Defense Agency to destroy ballistic missile threats in August 2019. It successfully detected, tracked and intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) target during the test.
THAAD programme is supported by more than 280 suppliers across 40 states of the US, creating approximately 18,000 jobs in the country.
THAAD missile battery
The THAAD battery typically operates nine launch vehicles each carrying eight missiles, with two mobile tactical operations centres (TOCs) and a ground-based radar (GBR).
THAAD missile information
The target object data and the predicted intercept point are downloaded to the missile prior to launch. The updated target and intercept data are also transmitted to the missile in flight.
The missile is 6.17m in length and is equipped with a single stage solid fuel rocket motor with thrust vectoring. The rocket motor is supplied by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. The launch weight is 900kg.
A separation motor is installed at the interstage at the forward end of the booster section. The separation motor assists in the separation of the kinetic kill vehicle (KKV) and the spent boost motor.
Aerojet Rocketdyne delivered 600th Boost Motor and the Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS) for the THAAD system in June 2020.
The shroud separates from the KV before impact. The KV is equipped with a liquid-fuelled divert and attitude control system (DACS), developed by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, for the terminal manoeuvring towards the target intercept point.
A gimbal-mounted infrared seeker module in the nose section provides terminal homing to close in on the target missile in the terminal phase of approach.
During the initial fly-out phase of flight, the seeker window is covered with a two-piece clamshell protection shroud. Metal bladders installed in the shroud are inflated to eject the protective shroud before the seeker initiates target acquisition. The infrared seeker head, developed by BAe Systems, is an indium antimonide (InSb) staring focal plane array operating in the mid-infrared 3μm to 5μm wavelength band.
M1075 truck-mounted launcher
There are nine M1075 truck-mounted launchers in a typical THAAD battery. Launch vehicle is a modified Oshkosh Truck Corporation heavy expanded mobility tactical truck with load-handling system (HEMTT-LHS). The 12m-long by 3.25m-wide launch vehicle carries ten missile launch containers. While on the launcher, lead acid batteries provide the primary power. The batteries are recharged with a low-noise generator.
After firing, reloading the launch vehicle takes 30 minutes.
The cueing for the THAAD system is provided by the Raytheon Systems AN/TPY-2 ground-based radar (GBR) for surveillance, threat classification and threat identification. THAAD can also be cued by military surveillance satellites such as Brilliant Eyes.
The ground-based radar units are C-130 air transportable. The AN/TPY-2 radar uses a 9.2m² aperture full field of view antenna phased array operating at I and J bands (X band) and containing 25,344 solid-state microwave transmit and receive modules. The radar has the capability to acquire missile threats at ranges of up to 1,000km.
The first production radar was tested at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. In September 2004, the THAAD radar tracked a tactical ballistic missile, cueing a successful intercept by a Patriot PAC-3 missile. A second radar was delivered to White Sands in June 2007.
The US Missile Defence Agency awarded a $2.3bn production contract to Raytheon for seven gallium nitride (GaN)-based AN/TPY-2 radars as a THAAD system component in June 2020.
Tactical operations centre
Each THAAD battery has two tactical operations centres (TOC). The TOC has been developed by Northrop Grumman, formerly Litton Data Systems Division. The TOC accommodates two operator stations and is equipped with three Hewlett-Packard HP-735 data processors.
Mobile BMC3I units
The THAAD system is able to ‘hand over’ targets to other defence systems and can cue the targets to other weapons. THAAD is able to interface to other US or allied air defence data information networks and to the battle management and command control and communications centre.
Northrop Grumman has been contracted to develop the THAAD BMC3I. The battle management and command, control, computers and intelligence (BMC3I) units are installed in hardened shelters mounted on high-mobility multi-wheeled vehicles (HMMWVs).
The THAAD communications system can use a joint tactical information distribution system (JTIDS), mobile subscriber equipment, a single channel ground and airborne radio system (SINCGARS) and the joint tactical terminal for voice and data communications and for intelligence data transfer.


text:
On our way back from our vacation in Denmark, August 2010, we decided to have a short stopover in Dubai as we were flying Emirates airlines and initially had to wait 8 hour in Dubai airport on the way back to Singapore. So we booked a hotel room for two nights and made this a stopover.
We didn’t really have any plans of what to do there but we decided to just go with the flow. Thomas has lived for 5 years in the middle east, in Riyadh, and he wanted to show me the desert and the red sand dunes. That’s all we had talked about beforehand. We arrived at Dubai International Airport around midnight from a flight coming from Hamburg, Germany. As a Filipino, I needed to get a Visa upon arrival and that alone took us over an hour. I have no idea why? There were not many people in line for this visit visa, but I guess it takes time to read papers, pick nose, scratch certain body parts and use a stamp. Then in the immigration, the queue was very long and another hour passed here. I was so tired and sleepy and annoyed with how slow and inefficient things worked.
Eventually we arrived at the hotel, a really nice place in the middle of the city. After breakfast the next day, we planned our trips for the day.
1st stop: Indoor skiing, at Ski Dubai in the Mall of Emirates.
This indoor ski resort was absolutely amazing. For someone like me who never experienced or touched snow before, this was a perfect moment. I loved the feeling and the excitement as soon as we entered the area. Thomas, who has been skiing all over Europe, was actually very very impressed how surprisingly well made this indoor resort was made. He said it is like “the real thing”. 5 runs down, with a fall of 60 meters and the longest run 400 meters long. Impressive!
For me, the best snow encounter I can say, even though I did not dare to ski, was making snow angles and sitting in the middle of the downhill run, outside on the terrace of a Swiss mountain cabin replica and drinking hot chocolate with whipped cream, under an electrical patio heater and watching Thomas pass by. Really awesome.
2nd stop: Evening Desert Safari trip
We had booked a desert safari trip that same day, and were picked up by the hotel, together with 4 other guests. That trip was an amazing and memorable experience that I will always remember. I loved the bumpy dune bashing experience. Driving full speed up and down the huge red sand dunes in 4×4 trucks. We passed by beduin farms, camels and lonely trees, everything surrounded by this intensive red colored sand, as the sun slowly began to go down in the horizon. It was so amazing to see. I took off my shoes, when we had a stop at the top of a dune and I went running around and made my first sand angel. A snow angel and a sand angel within the same day. Whou the sand was so hot! Very beautiful view of the sunset with the red sands around.
We continued driving in a convoy of other cars until we reached our final destination, an old clay house compound, used to be a farm. We first tried a Camel Ride, before entering the courtyard.
It was a very nice set-up inside the compound, with traditional arabic sitting under the open sky, BBQ grills hissing all around us and drinks, belly dancing and shisha after a nice dinner.
We were back at the hotel around 10 in the evening, totally exhausted but happy and thrilled after a lot of impressions in Dubai.
It is hopefully not the last trip we have to Dubai. There are so many things to do and see here, however if I can choose another time, I will try not to go in August. The heat is so intense and extreme. 45 degrees and that’s still in the shade. I was really surprised about that. But what a trip. Really fantastic!

domain: geography


text:
Larsenaikia ochreata (F.Muell.) Tirveng.
Tirvengadum, D.D. (1993) Nordic Journal of Botany 13: 181
Seldom exceeding 30 cm dbh. Blaze conspicuously layered as a result of layers of fine, pink, granular tissue and hard, bony, brown or cream stripes.
Fruits ovoid, about 45-50 x 30-35 mm. Fruits +/- circular in transverse section.
Cotyledons obovate to +/- orbicular, about 8-11 mm long. At the tenth leaf stage: leaf blade obovate, apex acute to shortly acuminate, base auriculate, hairy on the upper surface, lateral veins about 8-12 on each side of the midrib; stipules interpetiolar, hairy, completely encircling the stem, apex truncate. Seed germination time 24 to 31 days.
A shrub or small tree with potential in horticulture. Flowers fragrant, white, turning yellow with age. Plants will withstand dry periods.

domain: biology


text:
When people think of Florida, what usually comes to mind is the tourist image – beaches and Disney World. As you might guess, there is a whole lot more to it than that. I thought it might be nice to share some photos of where I live. Glenwood is an unincorporated area, 5 miles long and 2 miles wide, on the west side of Volusia County. The east side, separated by 12 miles of swamp, is Daytona Beach, and it may as well be in another world. Nothing stays the same, of course: the dirt road I’ve lived on for over 20 years is in the process of being paved – a mixed blessing. Still, it is a great place for a Southern Agrarian to live and watch his family grow up.
None of these photos are of my own property – just photos around Glenwood.

domain: travel


text:
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|Zone (Patch)||The Tombs of Night: A Search For Answers (Bloodline Chronicles)|
|Level||35▲▲▲ Tier 4 Heroic|
|Location||Center of the Maw of Mortality ( 28, -25, 59 ) /waypoint 28, -25, 59|
This named will summon a little rumbler worm to assist during the battle. He also uses the ability Jaw Break which does around 1900 crushing damage and will stifle the target.

domain: game


text:
Rider, Lawn Tractor, Garden Tractor: What’s the Difference?
Here's the info need to know about lawn tractors, rear-engine riding mowers and garden tractors.
What’s the Difference between Lawn and Garden Tractors?
Some retailers use the terms “lawn tractor,” “riding lawn mower” and “garden tractor” interchangeably. But they’re not the same. Find out what their differences are below.
Rear-Engine Riding Mowers
Rear-engine riding mowers do one thing: cut grass. Compared with lawn tractors, they’re less powerful, slower and cut a smaller swath (maximum width: 30 in.). At $800 to $1,400, they’re not always cheaper than a lawn tractor. The least expensive models are a good choice for smaller yards and limited storage space.
Riding lawn tractors have more power, cutting widths of up to 48 in., comfort features, faster-cutting speed and a higher price tag ($1,200 to $2,200). Riding lawn tractors can tow a cart or vacuum attachment, and most models have a detachable mower deck, allowing you to add winter accessories like a snow thrower.
Garden tractors are the heavy-duty models. They start at about $2,200 and top out at about $8,000. They accept larger mowing decks (up to 72 in.!) and a wide range of implements such as tillers, seeders, snow throwers, front loaders and backhoes.

domain: agronomy


text:
100 - 500 downloads
by Reds On Fly on 19/10/2014
I've tried all the tide apps and this is the best tide and weather app I've used. I am a fishing guide and having accurate tide predictions is so important. The support is great, the guys who make this app are also fishermen so the know what we need. The weather upgrade makes it perfect! I'd highly recommend this app to anyone serious about being on the water.

domain: hobby


New drive-thru coronavirus testing opens in Greenspoint neighborhood
Published: May 1, 2020, 9:49 am Updated: May 1, 2020, 11:18 am(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. HOUSTON – A new coronavirus testing site opened Friday in the Greenspoint neighborhood of Houston. Officials at the Aldine Independent School District said they are glad to see a testing site open in their area that can provide services to the families in their district. This is the seventh site being run by United Methodist Medical Center that has been opened in the area. “We know that we are testing to save lives,” Jackson-Lee said.


text:
KASHing up with the nucleus: novel functional roles of KASH proteins at the cytoplasmic surface of the nucleus.
Published Web Locationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceb.2014.03.002
Nuclear-cytoskeletal connections are central to fundamental cellular processes, including nuclear positioning and chromosome movements in meiosis. The cytoskeleton is coupled to the nucleoskeleton through conserved KASH-SUN bridges, or LINC complexes, that span the nuclear envelope. KASH proteins localize to the outer nuclear membrane where they connect the nucleus to the cytoskeleton. New findings have expanded the functional diversity of KASH proteins, showing that they interact with microtubule motors, actin, intermediate filaments, a nonconventional myosin, RanGAP, and each other. The role of KASH proteins in cellular mechanics is discussed. Genetic mutations in KASH proteins are associated with autism, hearing loss, cancer, muscular dystrophy and other diseases.

domain: medical


text:
Grammy-winning gospel legend Amy Grant is celebrating the 25th anniversary of her 1991 hit “Baby Baby!”
The song – which received 3 Grammy award nominations in 1992 and went #1 on Billboard Hot 100, as well as top 10 in 10 countries – has been given a brand new facelift with the help of Tori Kelly! “I was thrilled to hear that Tori was on board to record it,” Amy said in statement. “Although I had not met Tori at that point, my 15-year-old daughter, Corrina, is a big fan of Tori’s and so I was very aware of her incredible talent and was honored she would sing this song.”
The revised version stays true to the original for the most part, the production has just been spruced up a bit with a little 2016 gloss. Amy and Tori sound perfect together, it’s simply fantastic!
BUY Amy Grant’s special re-release “Baby Baby (feat. Tori Kelly)” on iTunes / Apple Music now!

domain: artistic


|Publication number||US7721802 B2|
|Application number||US 12/036,059|
|Publication date||May 25, 2010|
|Filing date||Feb 22, 2008|
|Priority date||Feb 23, 2007|
|Also published as||CA2678726A1, CA2678726C, EP2126612A1, EP2126612A4, US7938180, US8109332, US8662168, US20080202745, US20100193177, US20100193182, US20100259416, WO2008101333A1|
|Publication number||036059, 12036059, US 7721802 B2, US 7721802B2, US-B2-7721802, US7721802 B2, US7721802B2|
|Inventors||Warren Michael Levy|
|Original Assignee||Warren Michael Levy|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (19), Non-Patent Citations (4), Referenced by (8), Classifications (16), Legal Events (1)|
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
This patent application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/891,374 filed on Feb. 23, 2007.
1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the invention relate to sensors that measure the capacitance of fluids into which the sensors are immersed, from which the type and the height or level of each of the fluids may be determined. Additionally, methods of using the invention to determine a location or boundary between different types of fluids are disclosed.
2. State of the Art
By way of background, wells, which may include oil, gas, water, or other fluids, are typically drilled through various formations of rocks having different material properties. One of these properties is porosity, which sometimes is defined as the ratio of the volume of empty space to the volume of solid matter in a formation of rock. For example, a sample of a formation of unit size has 0% porosity when the entire space is filled entirely with the solid rock. However, a formation having a porosity of 10% has 10% of the volume filled by a fluid.
In a typical formation having hydrocarbons dispersed in a porous rock, fluids having a low density relative to the other fluids present, such as natural gas, propane, and butane, would be near the “top” of the reservoir rock, or closer to the surface. The hydrocarbons, having a relatively greater density, are typically below the gases. At the lowest portion of the reservoir formation typically lies water because it is denser than the gases and the hydrocarbons.
A boundary or interface exists at a location where fluids of differing densities meet. For example, the gas-oil interface location 123 demarcates the boundary or interface between the gas layer 122 and the oil layer 124. While the gas-oil interface location 123 appears in
Often, it is desirable to know the location of an interface or boundary between two different fluids in a well, whether it is a water well, brine well (i.e., solution mining), methane/natural gas well, gas wells of other types, observation or injection wells, or petroleum wells. In each instance, but most particularly in the case of a petroleum well, multiple fluids may be present, both liquid and gaseous, and it may be of particular value to know the location of the boundary or interface between the fluids. This is so because it is usually desirable to produce, i.e., pump, to the surface only one or two of those fluids present in the well bore, especially in the case of a petroleum well. (Note: A petroleum well usually has water as well as gas and crude oil present, although the gas or the oil may not be present in commercially viable quantities, i.e., it is desirable to produce only one or the other.)
Unfortunately, water is often produced in a petroleum well. If the water cannot be reinjected in nearby well to improve oil production, it must be treated and disposed of in an environmentally sensitive manner, which may require the use of processes that are expensive. To reduce the amount of water produced and, therefore, reduce the cost of treating that water, it is desirable to know the location of the boundary between the water and the recoverable hydrocarbons present in the well.
The locations of the boundaries of the different fluids typically are determined, at least initially, through the use of logging tools, such as logging while drilling (LWD) tools that take measurements of various formation properties during the drilling of the well and wireline tools that make similar and additional measurements to LWD tools after the well is drilled. The measurements taken by these tools allow for the determination of the type of fluid present in the reservoir formation at a particular depth and, therefore, allow the determination of the location of the boundary between two types of fluids.
However, only that fluid that lies within the pore spaces of the reservoir rock near the well bore can be produced. The distance from the well bore that a fluid may be produced is a function, in part, of the permeability of the reservoir formation (i.e., the degree to which the pore spaces are connected and, thus, provide a path through which the fluid may flow to the well bore), the in-situ pore pressure (the pressure of the fluids in the pore spaces), the hydraulic pressure of the fluid column within the well bore proper, and several other factors known in the art. To form and flow channels to the well bore and, therefore, to increase the likely production of fluids from the pore spaces, the well may be perforated by, for example, the use of explosives. Perforating a well entails the placement of shaped explosive charges at desired locations selected, in part, on the measurement data from LWD and wireline tools and the identified boundary between the fluids. Other methods of increasing the channel to the well bore include hydraulic and acid-fracturing treatments. These treatments, while conceptually different from explosive perforation, use the same principles as explosive perforation to locate the optimum position for conducting the fracturing process. Therefore, for convenience, the discussion herein will refer to explosive perforation, but includes other fracturing processes known in the art.
Based on the initial location of the fluid boundary, a decision is made as to the best location to perforate or fracture the well. For example, the initial oil-water contact location 125 a relative to the explosive perforation(s) 170 are indicated in
A problem arises, however, in that reservoirs are dynamic systems and subject to various stimuli, few of which are in the control of the producer. As just one example, as a well produces fluid the location of the interfaces or boundaries of the fluids changes over time, as affected by various factors, such as the porosity and the permeability of the reservoir formation, the in-situ pore pressure, the rate at which the well is produced, and others.
As the locations of the boundaries change, the mix of produced fluids typically changes. An example of this is illustrated in
A phenomena related to the changing of the entire oil-water contact 125 a is known as “water-coning.” Water coning is the change in the oil-water or gas-oil contact locations, often as a result of producing fluids from the well too quickly by using excessive drawdown pressures. Water-coning occurs in vertical or slightly deviated wells, i.e., wells that have a low angle of inclination relative to vertical, and is affected by the characteristics of the fluids involved and the ratio of horizontal to vertical permeability. When the well is horizontal or highly deviated, the phenomenon is known as “cresting.” Regardless of whether vertical or horizontal, the principles are the same. An example of water-coning is illustrated in
The risk of water coning is partly diminished to some extent by carefully monitoring the locations of the fluid contacts and adjusting production rates accordingly in real-time. In addition, the accurate knowledge of the locations of the fluid contacts permits the design and execution of production treatments, such as additional perforation, fracturing, or the placement of packers to isolate non-productive zones, such as water producing zones in a petroleum well or saline zones in a fresh water well.
Unfortunately, the wireline or LWD tools that were used to make the initial measurements to identify fluid interfaces or boundaries in a well prior to production often cannot be used economically to make the same measurements while the well is producing. This is so because using wireline or LWD tools typically requires that the well to be shut-in (i.e., production stopped), resulting in a loss of revenue. Additionally, production tubing present in the well bore may have to be removed in order to run the wireline or LWD tools, leading to an even greater increase in cost and a longer time during which production and revenue is lost.
Considering the foregoing, it is therefore desirable to have a system that is capable of identifying and monitoring the location of an interface or boundary between different fluids in a producing well bore in real-time. In addition, it is desirable to have a system that minimizes or eliminates semiconductor and other electrical components in that portion of the system positioned in a well so as to reduce the risk of damage or failure resulting from exposure to temperature extremes, both high and low (in the case of nitrogen or carbon dioxide applications).
Embodiments of the present invention include a sensor comprising a sensing element or a plurality of sensing elements that can be used to identify a location of an interface or boundary between fluids of different types present in a well bore. The sensing elements include an inner conductive element, a dielectric, and an outer conductive element. The dielectric and the outer conductive element are configured to form a volume which is occupied by at least one of the difference fluids present in the well bore when the sensing element is disposed in the well bore. Additionally, the sensor includes a frequency modulation device.
Embodiments of the present invention also includes methods of using a sensor to determine a location of an interface between two or more fluids in real-time while those fluids are being produced from a well bore. A plurality of sensors are positioned in a well bore and at least partially exposed to at least one fluid present in the well bore. In embodiments of the method, an electrical current of variable frequency is applied to the sensor. The capacitance of the sensor is measured and depends, in part, upon the fluid in which the sensor is disposed. Several physical characteristics of the fluid can be calculated, including the dielectric constant of the fluid. From the measured and calculated characteristics, the type of each of the different fluids is identified and a location of an interface or boundary between different fluids is determined.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
Embodiments of the invention employ a sensor comprising one or more sensing elements to measure a capacitance and to calculate a dielectric constant of at least one fluid in which the sensor is at least partially disposed. If a plurality of fluids is present in a fluid column, the sensor measures the capacitance of each of the fluids as well as the combined total capacitance of the entire fluid column. A change in the total capacitance measured over a time interval indicates that a change in the total height of the fluid column or a change in the relative location of a boundary or an interface between two or more fluids present in the column has occurred. The change in the total measured capacitance occurs because the capacitance of each constituent fluid is a function, in part, of the dielectric constant of the fluid in which a sensor is immersed.
A cross-section of an embodiment of a sensing element 305 used in the invention is illustrated in
Presuming the length (Li) of the cylindrical capacitor disposed in a fluid is long compared to radii a and b (e.g., the electric field is uniform between the inner conductive element 310 and the outer conductive element 320 and, therefore, the non-uniform electrical field at the end of the sensing element 305 has a relatively negligible impact on the measurement), the capacitance of a such a sensing element 305 may be represented by the equation:
i denotes the particular value for a given sensing element 305;
Ci is the measured capacitance of the given sensing element 305;
Gi is a geometric factor and is a function of the geometry of a given sensing element 305;
∈0 is the permittivity of free space, a physical constant equal to
in which “C” is the metric unit Coulomb and “Nm2” is the metric unit Newton·meters2;
∈i is the dielectric constant of a material disposed between the electrodes of a given sensing element 305, and;
Li is the length of the portion of a sensing element that is exposed to a fluid.
The geometric factor Gi accounts for the spacing of the conductive elements 310, 340 and the cross-sectional profile of a given sensing element 305, among other factors, and can be calculated or empirically obtained for any selected capacitor. For example, the geometric factor of the cylindrical (coaxial) sensing element 305 depicted in
π is approximately equal to 3.14597, and;
ln is the natural logarithm of the ratio of radius a of the inner conductive element 310 divided by the radius b of the outer conductive element 320.
While the geometric factor in this example is for a cylindrical sensing element 305, a sensing element of a different shape, such as oval, square, rectangular, or others, with a different geometric factor Gi fall within embodiments of the invention.
The dielectric constant ∈i is a physical property of a dielectric material 320 disposed between the conductive elements 310, 340 of the sensing element, and typically varies in a known matter with respect to temperature and pressure, as determined from empirical results and from reference to tables of chemical constants.
An embodiment of the invention illustrated in
The sensor 400 includes a sensing element comprising an electrical insulator 405 that electrically isolates an inner conductive element 410 from either an outer surface 143 or an inner surface 144 of the production tubing 142. A material 420 that is a dielectric, or displays dielectric like properties at the conditions encountered in the well, is fixed to and at least partially covers the inner conductive element 410. An outer conductive element, or guard electrode, 450 is disposed laterally from the inner conductive element 410. The volume 440 is defined in part by the guard electrode 450, the dielectric material 420, and the electrical insulator 405. Openings at the end of the sensor 400 or openings in the guard electrode 450 (e.g., perforations or holes through the guard electrode 450) provide a means for fluids present in the well bore to communicate with, enter, and occupy the volume 440. A control line 460, typically an electrical conductor, seen in
The dielectric material 420 is selected for desirable properties related to a physical environment in which it is to be used. Among other properties, the dielectric constant of the dielectric material 420 changes predictably and, preferably, remains substantially constant over a range temperatures and pressures to which the dielectric material 420 is exposed, as well as a range of frequencies of electric current that are applied to the sensor 400. Of course, one will understand that the physical environment includes other factors, such as pH (acidity), erosion, salinity, and other factors which may be considered in selecting the dielectric material 420. Other properties for which the dielectric material 420 is selected include the accuracy (e.g., the degree to which the measured value conforms to a true value) and the reproducibility (e.g., the degree to which subsequent measured values conform or are similar to earlier measurements) with which the sensor 400 measures a value.
Additionally, the dielectric material 420 of the sensor 400 is selected, in part, to exhibit a dielectric constant that is predictable and substantially constant over a selected range of temperatures because, as a depth of well bore increases, the temperature in the well bore typically increases at a rate of approximately 1° F./100 ft. While the temperature gradient and temperature maximum typically varies globally or even across a geographic region, it is desirable that a sensor and, more specifically, a dielectric material 420, retains at least a predictable change in measurement accuracy, reproducibility, and dielectric constant with temperature so that the measured values made by the sensor 400 can be compensated through algorithms, empirical data, and other means to account for the affect of these factors on the measurement. Additionally, embodiments of sensors described herein are usable in injection wells, such as high temperature steam injection wells. Such injection wells typically have temperatures much higher than those encountered in a production well. Preferably, the sensor 400 and the dielectric material 420 retain a substantially constant accuracy over a range of temperature. Examples of such temperature ranges encountered in a petroleum wells, injection wells, and the like, range from negative 100° F. to 600° F. As an example, the configuration of a sensor 400, such as the material and/or the configuration of its dielectric material 420, exhibits a substantially predictable and substantially constant measurement accuracy, reproducibility, and dielectric constant over a smaller, selected temperature range, such as 300° F. to 600° F., 100° F. to 450° F., and so forth. In applications in which nitrogen or carbon dioxide is being injected into the well, the sensor 400 and the dielectric material 420 should retain a substantially constant accuracy at much lower temperatures, including temperatures below the freezing point of water and as low as negative 100° F. As will be understood, these smaller, selected temperature ranges are examples only, and other selected ranges fall within the scope of the disclosure and the claims.
Furthermore, the dielectric material 420 of the sensor 400 is selected, in part, to exhibit a dielectric constant that is predictable and substantially constant over a selected range of hydrostatic pressures to which the sensor 400 is exposed. This is because the capacitance of a capacitor typically changes as the dielectric material is squeezed or exposed to increasing pressures, requiring a correction factor to be applied to the measurement. By using a dielectric material 420 that maintains a substantially constant dielectric constant over a pressure range, the need to use and the magnitude of the correction factor and, therefore, the potential for error, is reduced. The hydrostatic pressure to which a dielectric material 420 is exposed ranges from atmospheric pressure (14.7 pounds per square inch (psi), on average) to pressures of 30,000 psi in the case of high pressure injection wells. As an example, the configuration of a sensor 400, such as the material and/or the configuration of its dielectric material 420, exhibits a substantially predictable and substantially constant measurement accuracy, reproducibility, and dielectric constant over a smaller, selected pressure range, such as: 1,000 psi to 7,000 psi; 2,500 psi to 10,000 psi; 10,000 psi to 15,000 psi, 15,000 to 20,000 psi, and so forth. As will be understood, these smaller, selected pressure ranges are examples only, and other selected ranges fall within the scope of the disclosure and the claims.
Additionally, a dielectric material 420 for use in a sensor 400 should exhibit at least partial and, preferably, substantial resistance to degradation and decomposition when exposed to a variety of fluids present in a well bore. Examples of such fluids include in-situ fluids, including gases (e.g., methane, propane, butane, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, helium, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, etc.), liquids (e.g., octane, nonane, and longer chained hydrocarbons), and water, which may have a substantially salt and mineral content. Other fluids include those that are added to the well bore as part of the process of producing the well, including completion fluids, well bore treatments, hydraulic fracturing fluids, acids, inhibitors, and secondary recovery fluids, such as water, natural gas, steam, and carbon dioxide, and the like. Further, the dielectric material 420 should exhibit substantial resistance to degradation when exposed to any solid particles present in any of the aforementioned fluids, including sands, salt, minerals, barite, proppants (e.g., silicates, glass, etc.), and the like. Substantial resistance in each example includes exhibiting a substantially constant dielectric constant as well as exhibiting a substantial resistance to erosion and wear while exposed to these fluids.
An example of a sensor 400 that functions in such environments as those described above include those having a dielectric material 420 made from ceramic, PTFE (Teflon™ or nylon), polypropylene, glass, polycarbonate, and others known in the art. For example, ceramic dielectrics of the C0G or NP0 type are useful because they typically exhibit very low dielectric losses and have a dielectric constant that remains substantially constant over a wide range of temperatures. Of course, as noted above, the specific dielectric used is selected for the expected well conditions and intended use and, therefore, may be of a different, suitable material known in the art.
Referring again to
As will be discussed in greater detail below, the fluid present in the volume 440 acts as a dielectric material (in addition to the dielectric material 420) if the fluid is electrically non-conductive. Thus, the volume 440 is configured so that the dielectric effect of the fluid on the capacitance measured by the sensor 400 is optimized. In other words, the size and shape of the outer conductive element 450 is configured so that the dielectric effect of the fluid has an impact on the capacitance measured by the sensor 400 relatively greater than that of the dielectric material 420. Such an arrangement makes it easier to distinguish the type of fluid filling the volume 440.
The electrical conductor, or control line, 460 provides a means for communicating with the sensor 400, including a means for transmitting electrical power as well as data (digital and analog). The control line 460 includes an electrical connection to the sensor 400 that is configured to supply power with a separate connection to the sensor 400 configured to transmit data. For example, one connection to the sensor 40 provides electrical power from a power source and a frequency modulator device while another connection provides communication with a computer and data storage device. Optionally, the electrical conductor, or control line, 460 combines the power connection and the data connection into a single line. In an alternate configuration, each sensor 400 uses its own dedicated control line 460.
An equivalent wiring diagram of an embodiment of a sensor 400 used in the process is illustrated in
The capacitor 586 a through 586 i includes the electrical insulator 405, inner electrode 410, dielectric material 420, and outer electrode 450 as set forth in greater detail vis-à-vis
The plurality of sensing elements 580 a through 580 i form a network of band stop filters, or “notch filters,” with each sensing element 580 a through 580 i acting as an individual band stop or notch filter. A band stop filter allows most frequencies to pass unaltered but attenuates those frequencies within a given frequency range of the band or “notch” of the filter to a relatively low level. The number of band stops within a sensor 400 is equal to the number of sensing elements 580 a through 580 i. Optionally, an electronic monitoring device (not shown), such as an impedance bridge, is connected to the sensor 400.
An idealized sensor 400, comprising each of the sensing elements 580 a, 580 b, 580 c, through 580 i is illustrated in
The sensor 400, frequency modulator 691, and power supply 693 are electrically coupled to an analog-to-digital converter 692 capable of converting analog signals, or data, that are representative of an electrical characteristic of the fluid in which the sensor 400 is disposed to a digital signal capable of being processed by a processor 694. The analog-to-digital converter 692 can stand alone or be integrated with the processor 694. The processor 694 sends commands to each of the sensor 400, the frequency modulator 691, and the power supply 693 in accordance with a program stored within a memory storage device 695. The program is a software program that automates the measurement process and can use the signals or data representative of an electrical characteristic of a fluid to determine and generate a signal, or data, representative of the location of an interface or boundary between fluids. In addition, the processor may determine and generate data, or signals, representative of the electrical and physical characteristics of the fluid, including the dielectric constant of the fluid, the identity (or type) of fluid present, the phase shift or frequency shift in the electrical current transmitted from the sensor and other data. For example, a specified measurement program for the processor 694 instructs the sensor 400 to run, e.g., commanding the sensor 600 to take measurements at specified time and/or depth intervals.
The processor 694 is coupled to a memory storage device 695 that is configured to store an operating program and instructions as well as data (digital and analog signals, that include data transmitted therein, converted to digital data by the analog-to-digital converter 692) as measured by the sensor 400. The signals or data stored includes any combination of time, depth, frequency spectrums, operating conditions, and other parameters of interest. Embodiments of the memory storage device 695 include flash memory, externally erasable programmable Read-Only-Memory (EEPROM), nonvolatile memory, removable memory cards or memory sticks, hard drives, and the like.
Optionally, the processor 694 is also coupled with a communication device 696 that is configured to transmit data stored in the memory storage device 695 to a remote computer or server 697, for example, or a monitor, printer, or other output device. Examples of the communication device 696 include a wireless networking card, Ethernet connection, satellite connection, cable modem, and other similar connections. In addition to sending data, the communication device 696 is configured to receive instructions, software upgrades, and other information to be sent to the processor 694 from a remote server or computer 697.
The output device is positioned and configured to provide information and data so that a user can perceive the information, typically visually on either a monitor or printer. The output device is configured to receive the digital data from the processor 694, memory storage device 695, the communication device 696, including information and data such as the location of an interface between two fluids, the phase shift in the current applied to the sensor, as described in more detail below, the dielectric coefficient of the fluids, and other information.
The sensor 400 and the surface systems 690 are installed at a well site, with the sensor 400 disposed in a well bore. For example, the sensor 400 is disposed in a well bore that has a gas-oil contact location 123 and an oil-water contact location 125 a that defines the location of an interface or boundary between each of the fluids present. Of course, the sensor can be used in well bores of differing types, as discussed above.
Another embodiment of the invention includes a sensor 355, as seen in cross-section in
The sensor 355 is disposed in a well bore as described with respect to sensor 400 above and illustrated in
In practice, and with reference to
In a method of the invention, the frequency modulator 691 alters the frequency of the current supplied by the power supply 692. The frequency applied is selected from a desired frequency range, which may be in any range from the kilohertz range up through the gigahertz range. For example, an embodiment includes a software program that instructs the processor 694 to command the frequency modulator 691 to change the frequency of the current supplied to the sensor 400 in accordance with the program, such as a discrete step-change in the frequency, a short pulse or burst over a range of frequencies, or a continuous sweep of frequencies up and down a selected range of frequencies. By altering the frequency of the current applied to the sensor 400 it is possible to distinguish the location of a boundary or interface between two or more different fluids as will be explained below in further detail below. At very high frequencies, such as those in the radio frequency range, some metals begin to act as a dielectric. Thus, the probability of this effect occurring in the guard electrode 450 is a factor to be considered in selecting the range of frequencies to be applied by the frequency modulator 691 as well in selecting the type of metal to be used in the guard electrode 650, e.g., selecting a metal that is less likely to behave as a dielectric at high frequencies.
For each filter 580 a to 580 i, as seen in
Additionally, as discussed above, the behavior of the dielectric 420 is dependent upon the physical environment, including the temperature and the pressure, to which the dielectric 420 is exposed in the well bore. By knowing the manner in which the dielectric material 420 responds to the physical environment, including the pressure and temperature, such as the effect a given change in temperature or a given change in pressure has on the capacitance as measured by the sensor, the temperature and pressure in the well bore at a given sensing element is calculated. The processor 694 can analyze the data and run the data through an algorithm, with the temperature and pressure data being stored in the memory storage device 695 and sent via the communications means 696 to a remote server location 697.
Optionally, the measurement program analyzes the data measured by the sensor 400 that is transmitted to the surface in real-time or near real-time to make adjustments to optimize the production of the well. In such an instance, the processor 694 is configured to communicate with a smart completion system to adjust drawn-down pressures to optimize production. For example, the measurement program takes measurements from the sensor 400 at a first time with the processor 694 storing that data in the memory storage device 695. The measurement program takes subsequent measurements from the sensor 400 at a second time interval, which typically is between one-quarter to one hour later, although other time intervals are within the scope of the invention. The program compares the measurements taken at the two times and observes whether the location of the oil-water contact location 125 a changing in such a way that more water is likely to be produced. As a result, the processor 694 communicates with a pumping system, such as a smart completion system, 698 used to pump fluid from the well, and commands the pumping system 698 to slow the rate at which it is pumping fluids, reduce the drawdown pressure, and other parameters, thereby reducing the likelihood of water production. Additionally, the commands that the processor 694 sends to the sensor 400 and any smart completion system 698 as well as any data gathered by the processor 694 is transmitted via the communication device 696 to an offsite location, such as a remoter server or computer, 697 to inform a user of the status of the system and the well. Optionally, the processor 694 receives commands, software updates, etc., from the remote server 697 that override or supplements the measurement program stored in the memory storage device 695. Besides the rate at which a pumping unit produces a well, other parameters that the processor 694 can adjust include parameters associated with completion fluid or fluids that are used in the well, such as the type of completion fluid, its density, and other parameters known in the art. Furthermore, the data measured from the sensors in accordance with the measurement program is usable for designing and optimizing well interventions, which are treatments designed to improve well production. Optimizing production of a well includes maximizing the flow rate of fluids produced for short term value, maximizing the total amount of recoverable hydrocarbons over the life of the well, return on investment, minimizing formation damage, a combination of these considerations, and others known in the art.
For example, a sensor 355, 400 comprising a single sensing element as described above is at least partially disposed in a fluid such as saline water or brine; the water occupies the volume 440 in the sensor as shown in
In this equation, Cwater is the capacitance as measured by the sensor 400 disposed in the brine.
Gins is the geometric factor of the sensor 355, 400 and is a function of the sensor geometry and is dependent, in part, upon the thickness of the dielectric 420.
Lwater is the length of the capacitor exposed to the water.
∈0, as mentioned, is the permittivity of free space.
∈ins is the dielectric strength of the dielectric 420. Typically, the dielectric constant of the fluid that occupies the space 440 is used. However, in this instance the fluid that occupies the volume 440 is brine; because brine is a conductive medium it does not act as a dielectric. Therefore, the dielectric constant of the dielectric 420 is used in lieu of the dielectric constant of the brine. More typically, in the situation in which non-conductive well fluids occupy the volume 440, the dielectric constant of the dielectric 420 is otherwise ignored because the contribution of the dielectric 420 to the capacitance as measured by the sensor 355, 400 is small relative to the contribution of the dielectric of the non-conductive well fluids. The fact that the conductance as measured by sensor 355, 400 changes depending on the fluid into which it is disposed allows for the determination of a location of a boundary between types of fluids as described in the next example.
In this example, the location of a boundary between a first fluid, brine, and a second fluid, natural gas (methane) is determined with a sensor 355, 400 having a plurality of sensing elements 580 a to 580 b, respectively (equivalent sensing elements with respect to sensor 355).
Both sensing elements 580 a and 580 b are calibrated using the sensing elements 580 a and 580 b to measure the capacitance of actual fluid samples taken from a well bore that already have had their capacitance measured in a laboratory. For example, wireline tools typically take fluid samples prior to the well being completed. Such fluid samples have their respective dielectric constants measured at well bore pressures and temperatures and that information is used to help calibrate the sensor 355, 400, which allows for a more accurate measurement of the capacitance to be made by the sensor 355, 400 when in use.
The measured capacitance of a plurality of sensing elements in parallel (or their equivalent circuits for sensor 355) is represented by the following equation.
where Ci is defined above. Thus, the total capacitance as measured by two sensing elements, one (580 a) disposed within the gas and the other (580 b) within the water is:
C measured =C gas +C water. (6)
The capacitances measured by a single sensing element 580 a fully disposed in natural gas another sensing element 580 b fully disposed in water are given below in equations (5) and (6), respectively.
As mentioned above, the geometric factor for the sensor is known, as the sensor is selected before hand, as noted in the discussion of equation (1). Further, the dielectric constant of the dielectric 420 is known, also as noted in the discussion of equation (1). Finally, the length of the sensor, known from the pre-selected geometry, is also known. Thus, for a sensing element disposed fully in brine, the capacitance measured by the sensing element disposed fully in the water, CtotW is known, as described with respect to equation (4).
Likewise, Ctotg is known for the same reasons, given the same geometric factors, when an electrical current is applied to the sensor 355, 400. Additionally, the dielectric constant of the fluid, natural gas in this instance, that occupies the space 440 in
In this example, the total combined level of the brine and natural gas is known, but the location or level of the individual constituents and, hence, the location of the interface or boundary between the two fluids, is unknown. Written in equation form, the total combined level of the brine and the natural gas is:
L tot =L gas +L water, (9)
in which Lwater is the length or height of the water column and Lgas is the length or height of the natural gas column. Equation (9) may be rearranged as such:
L gas =L tot −L water. (10)
Substituting the individual equations of the measured capacitance of a sensor disposed within the water and the gas, equation (7) and (8), respectively, into equation (10) gives the formula:
C measured =G∈ 0∈gas L gas + ins∈0∈ins L water. (11)
Equation (10) may be substituted into equation (11) to provide:
C measured =G∈ 0∈gas(L tot −L water)+G ins∈0∈ins L water. (12)
Multiplying through equation (12) provides the following:
C measured=(G∈ 0∈gas L tot −G∈ 0∈gas L water)+G ins∈0∈ins L water. (13)
Rearranging equation (13) provides the following:
C measured −G∈ 0∈gas L tot =L water∈0(G ins∈ins −G∈ gas). (14)
Note, however, that the value of Ctotg is given above in equation (8) for the situation in which a sensor is disposed fully within the gas. As such, equation (8) is substituted into equation (14) to provide:
C measured −C totg =L water∈0(G ins∈ins −G∈ gas). (15)
Equation (15) is rearranged to solve for Lwater, thus providing the height of the water column.
Once the level of the water is known, that value is substituted back into equation (10) and the level for the gas is solved and, consequently, the location of the interface or boundary between the water and the gas is determined.
In some situations, three or more fluids are present in a well bore. In such cases, the previously described approach is inadequate to determine the interface between each of the fluids because three unknowns exist while only two equations exist to solve for the unknowns.
To identify a location of three or more interfaces between fluids of different types, a frequency modulator is used to apply an alternating electrical current at a first frequency to a sensor 355, 400 as seen in
The capacitance and the dielectric constant of each of the different fluids is measured at the first frequency by the sensing element or elements disposed in the fluids, using the process described above in Example 1 and in equations (5-16). Once the capacitance of a sensing element disposed in each of the fluids is measured at the first frequency, the frequency modulator applies an electrical current at a second frequency and the capacitance of the sensing element disposed in each of the fluids is measured again. In the example and the equations that follow, three fluids are present, saline water, gas, and oil, respectively, and are represented by a modification of equation (9).
L tot =L water +L gas +L oil. (17)
Presuming that the total level, Ltot, of the combined fluid column is known, equation (17) has three unknowns, Lwater, Lgas, and Loil. To solve for each of the unknowns, the method may begin with equation (11), which is modified to include a capacitance measured by a sensing element at least partially disposed within oil.
C f1 =G ins∈0∈ins L water +G∈ 0∈gas L gas +G∈ 0∈oilf1 L oil. (18)
The subscript f1 denotes that the measurement is taken with an electrical current at a first frequency applied by the frequency modulator. The term ∈oilf1 accounts for the observation that the dielectric constant of the oil typically varies with the frequency of the electrical current applied to the sensing element by the frequency modulator. The dielectric constant for the sensing element disposed at least partially in the water typically remains ∈ins because, as noted above in the discussion of equation (4), the saline water is a conductive medium.
For the capacitance measured by the sensing element at least partially disposed in the gas, the ∈gas typically remains substantially constant at both the first frequency and the second frequency of electrical current applied by the frequency modulator. This is so because the gases present in a well bore are typically either monatomic or short-chained hydrocarbon gases, such as helium, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, methane, butane, and propane, each with a dielectric constant that typically varies relatively little across a selected range of frequencies. This latter point can be confirmed with empirical tests conducted at the selected frequency, temperature, and pressure ranges on fluid samples from the well bore, calculated numerically, and determined from tables of physical constants.
The measurement is conducted again with the frequency modulator supplying a current at a second frequency, f2.
C f2 =G ins∈0∈ins L water +G∈ 0∈gas L gas +G∈ 0∈oilf2 L oil. (19)
As discussed above, the response of the dielectric constant of the oil at the various frequencies is known from empirical tests conducted on fluid samples retrieved earlier, calculated numerically, retrieved from tables of physical constants, or assumed from knowledge and experience gained in nearby offset wells. Thus, the level of the oil is calculated by combining and rearranging equations (18) and (19) to solve for the level of the oil. The capacitance of the water and of the gas drops out from the equation, leaving only the two values of the capacitance measured at the two frequencies by the sensing element or elements at least partially disposed in the oil.
C f1 −C f2 =G∈ 0(∈oilf1−∈oilf2)L oil. (20)
Solving for the level of the oil provides:
The level of the oil as calculated from equation (21) is substituted into equation (17), resulting in an equation with only two unknowns, that of the level of the water and the level of the gas. These levels are solved by applying the method described in equations (5-16) in Example 2.
The output of sensor 400 that includes six (6) element sensors 580 a to 580 f, as discussed above with respect to
The peak 780 a is the response of the sensing elements 580 a from
The frequency that is permitted to pass through each band filter (sensing elements 580 a to 580 f) is seen in
The sensor 400 includes six sensing elements, 580 a to 580 f and labeled F0 to F5. Thus, the response of each individual sensing element 480 a to 480 f may be seen for the modeled fluid column. For example, when the fluid column is entirely gas (6 m), corresponding to 0 m of water on the horizontal axis, sensing element 580 a (F0) permits a frequency of approximately 229 kHz to pass, 580 b (F1) 177 kHz, 580 c (F3) 134 kHz, 580 e (F4) 84 kHz, and 580 f (F5) 29 kHz. As the composition of the fluid column changes to include more water and less gas, the frequencies permitted to pass through each filter decreases. For example, if the composition of the fluid column changes to 1 m of water and 5 m of gas, the frequency permitted to pass through the filter formed by each of the sensing elements decreases. In this case, the sensing element 580 f (F5) permits a frequency of approximately 9 kHz to pass. Finally, when the entire fluid column is entirely water, represented at the 6 m of water mark on the horizontal axis, the respective frequency permitted to pass through each sensing element is approximately 44 kHz for sensing element 580 a (F0), 40 kHz for 580 b (F1), 34 kHz for 580 c (F2), 26 kHz for 580 d (F3), 16 kHz for 580 e (F4), and 5 kHz for 580 f (F5). As seen in the responses of the sensing elements, as the water content of the fluid column increases the frequencies permitted to pass through each filter decrease toward an asymptote.
By measuring the center frequency of each band stop filter in
The output of sensor 400 that includes six (6) element sensors 580 a to 580 f, has been numerically modeled, as in Example 4, but in this instance the fluid column of 6 m combined height includes three different fluids. The fluids include a fixed 2 m column of water and a hydrocarbon column with a variable amount of oil and gas. The height of the oil column in meters is plotted on the horizontal axis of
The response of each individual sensing element 580 a to 580 f, labeled F0 to F5, is seen for the modeled fluid column in
The total capacitance as measured by the sensor 400 for each of the hydrocarbon columns is seen in
As discussed in Example 4, by measuring the center frequency of each band stop filter in
As seen in the previous examples, the type of fluid in which a sensor is disposed affects the frequency that passes through each filter. Thus, if the order of the fluids in the fluid column is altered, the frequencies that pass through each filter changes, which would be apparent in a plot of the frequency spectrum.
In this example, the frequency spectrum of sensor 400 that includes six (6) sensing elements 580 a to 580 f has been numerically modeled for two conditions in
The peak 1080 a is the response of the sensing elements 580 a from
The second condition models the sensor 600 with the first two sensing elements, 580 a and 580 b, and the last two sensing elements, 580 e and 580 f, disposed in gas, while the middle two sensing elements 580 c and 580 d are disposed in saline water. Such a situation typically results when a water begins flowing, sometimes referred to as break through, in the middle of a producing zone. Curve 1197 is the magnitude response of the sensor 400 having the sensing elements 580 c and 580 d disposed in water. Curve 1199 indicates the phase shift in the frequency applied to the sensor and the frequency of the return signal.
The peak 1180 a is the response of the sensing elements 580 a of the sensor 400 disposed in a gas. Likewise, peak 1180 b is the response of the sensing element 580 b, also disposed in gas. The peaks 1180 c and 1180 d are the response of the sensing elements 580 c and 580 d, both of which are disposed in saline water. Notably, having the sensing elements 580 c and 580 d disposed in water, as seen in peaks 1180 c and 1180 d respectively, effectively eliminates the visible response of the sensing elements 580 e and 580 f from the frequency spectrum. Thus, it is inferred that the water break through occurred below the sensing element 580 d and above the sensing element 580 e. Since the vertical location of each sensing element placed in a well bore is known, typically because the location of each sensing element along the length of the control line is known and the total length of the control line disposed in the well bore is measured as it is placed in the well, the approximate location of the water break through in the well can be determined. Once the location of a water break is determined, appropriate remedial steps, such as employing a packer to seal off the zone, can be employed.
As example 6 demonstrates, the order of the fluids that each sensing element encounters determines the frequency spectrum of the sensor 400. Thus, the sensor 400 is not only sensitive to the amount of each type of fluid or gas in the column, as seen in examples 4 and 5, the sensor 400 is also sensitive to the order in which the sensor contacts the fluids. Stated differently, the sensor may be used to calculate the relative heights of each type of fluid in a column, as well as the location along the sensor 400 where each fluid contacts the sensor.
Plotting the frequency spectrum provides an additional benefit in that a failing or failed sensing element is detectable. In both instances, the frequency spectrum changes suddenly as a sensing element fails. A change in the location of the fluid contacts is typically expected to occur relatively gradually, leading to a more gradual change in the spectrum than would be expected to occur in the case of a sensor failing. Further, the change in the frequency spectrum allows the exact sensing element that is failing or that has failed to be determined. With this knowledge, the sensor may be replaced in its entirety, in part (i.e., only the failed sensing element replaced), or the measurements compensated to account for the failed sensing element.
Although the foregoing description contains many specifics and examples, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, but merely as providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention may be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The scope of this invention is, therefore, indicated and limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description. All additions, deletions and modifications to the invention as disclosed herein and which fall within the meaning of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
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|4||Suzanne Griston and Dan Hutchinson, Field Testing of Dielectric Steam Quality Sensor, SPE International, May 1998, SPE 46236.|
|Citing Patent||Filing date||Publication date||Applicant||Title|
|US7938180||Apr 13, 2010||May 10, 2011||Warren Michael Levy||Fluid level sensor|
|US8662168||Apr 13, 2010||Mar 4, 2014||Warren Michael Levy||Method of determining a level of a fluid in a well|
|US8843319 *||Oct 14, 2011||Sep 23, 2014||Core Laboratories Lp||Systems and methods for the determination of formation water resistivity and conductivity|
|US9541442 *||Aug 14, 2012||Jan 10, 2017||Beko Technologies Gmbh||Fill level monitoring|
|US20100193177 *||Apr 13, 2010||Aug 5, 2010||Warren Michael Levy||Fluid level sensor|
|US20100259416 *||Apr 13, 2010||Oct 14, 2010||Warren Michael Levy||Method of determining a level of a fluid in a well|
|US20130096833 *||Oct 14, 2011||Apr 18, 2013||Core Laboratories Lp||Systems and methods for the determination of formation water resistivity and conductivity|
|US20140202559 *||Aug 14, 2012||Jul 24, 2014||Beko Technologies Gmbh||Fill level monitoring|
|U.S. Classification||166/250.03, 324/324, 73/152.42, 73/64.55|
|International Classification||G01V3/18, E21B47/04|
|Cooperative Classification||G01F23/268, E21B47/042, G01F23/266, G01F23/263, G01F23/26|
|European Classification||G01F23/26, G01F23/26B6, G01F23/26B, G01F23/26B4, E21B47/04B|


Instagram video is so cool, we're already over it: Rumor Has It
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By M. Rahman, C. A. Brebbia
Initially provided on the 6th overseas convention on Advances in Fluid Mechanics, this publication includes paintings on the leading edge of fluid mechanics. the elemental formulations of fluid mechanics and their machine modelling are mentioned, in addition to the connection among experimental and analytical effects. This booklet may be a seminal textual content to scientists, engineers and different execs drawn to the most recent advancements in theoretical and computational fluid mechanics. issues of curiosity contain: Convection, warmth and Mass move; Experimental as opposed to Simulation equipment; Computational tools in Fluid Mechanics; Multiphase movement and purposes; Boundary Layer move; Non-Newtonian Fluids; fabric Characterisation in Fluids; Fluid constitution interplay; Hydrodynamics and hydrodynamics; Wave experiences; business purposes; Turbulence circulation; Biofluids and Permeability difficulties.
Read or Download Advances in Fluid Mechanics VI PDF
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Extra resources for Advances in Fluid Mechanics VI
Available as both blocking and nonblocking. Mandatory method. Comparison between data generated between serial and p=2,4 and 6 parallel algorithm. 1 Data convergence Here to verify the convergence of the local and global solutions and to yield a satisfactory result that satisfies both advantages of time and space complexity, the authors have considered the computation of drag and lift (along with pressure) distribution on a NACA-0012 aerofoil at a given angle of attack, freestream conditions etc.
The hid parameter must be correct to ensure data transfer. Available as both blocking and non-blocking. int JPE_Bcast(datatype This method can be data,int size) used to send data to all another processors in the connection. Returns 1 if ok else 07 except 1 in case of errors. Comes in two formats – blocking and non-blocking. Available as both blocking and non-blocking. com, ISSN 1743-3533 (on-line) Advances in Fluid Mechanics VI 25 Table 1: Continued. int JPE_iAllReduce(int data,int operation int JPE_iReduce(int data,int operation,int hid) int JPE_Finalise() Figure 2: This method can be used to accumulate the results obtained as a result of certain computations in each processor by the operation parameter and saved in each processor.
Marrero, An object-oriented programming approach for heat and mass transfer related analyses, Computers & Chemical Engineering, Vol. 22, 1998, pp. 1381-1385. D. S. Kershaw, M. K. Prasad, M. J. Shaw and J. L. Milovich, 3D element Unstructured mesh ALE hydrodynamics, Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, Vol. 158, 1998, pp. 81-116. P. Krysl and T. Belytschko, Object-oriented parallelization of explicit structural dynamics with PVM, Computers & Structures, Vol. 66,1998, pp. 259-273.
Advances in Fluid Mechanics VI by M. Rahman, C. A. Brebbia


text:
KAUAI MOUNTAIN TUBING
Shortly after you check in for your tour, climb aboard an open-air tram to enjoy a guided tour that heads up towards the heart of the island ~Mt. Waialeale Crater. Along the way your guides will share with you the history of the sugar plantation era (Kauai’s original industry). Your first stop will be a scenic view point in which you can catch a glimpse of the Crater. The next stop is the tubing canals which are actually old sugar irrigation ditches hand dug by immigrants 150 years ago.
Cruising down the mountain side in the canals is a really neat way to sightsee. We like to refer to this experience as a lazy river in the jungle. It’s not a rapids, but you will definitely give out some big smiles and maybe a few hoots as you catch speed in a few areas. There are 5 different rock tunnels to pass through which adds to the excitement. After the tubing portion of the tour, a picnic lunch will be provided at a waterfall picnic area.
- $149 per person (5+yrs)
Hanamalu – East Side
Cancellation policy: 72 hours
4.7% Hawaii State sales tax applies to tour rates
- Pregnancies require a doctor's note
- Maximum body weight is 300 lb
- Healthy hips, knees and feet
- No serious medical conditions


text:
In addition to baking sourdough bread and tie-dying every white garment in sight, tackling a home project was basically a quarantine rite of passage. From backyard patio refreshes and home office makeovers to painting DIYs and beyond, lockdown really did give us a collective chance to sharpen our DIY skills for the long haul.
But as any seasoned YouTube contractor knows, not all DIY home decor ideas are created equal. Some end up requiring far more time, energy, and money than expected, while others straight-up pale in comparison to the inspiration photo you found on Pinterest.
In the interest of saving you time and effort, we’re spotlighting a few of our favorite high-impact, low-lift DIY projects that you can accomplish in a single weekend. From a chic DIY plaster lamp to a hardware-free bookcase, there’s a little something for every skill level and design aesthetic.
Ahead, find eight designer-approved DIY home decor ideas that are well worth your time and effort.
1. DIY Fireplace Mantle
Love fireplaces but not the smoke, maintenance, and mess? Or is your living room simply lacking one? Pick up a freestanding piece mantle for an elevated DIY fireplace scene. There are some really great affordable options online in a variety of styles, whether you’re into the carved, ornate Parisian Modern vibe, or a simple, Scandinavian-inspired wood frame. Best of all, this DIY couldn’t be easier -— all you have to do is mount the mantle on the wall. Add a fireplace grate and a few wooden logs for an authentic touch, and voila! You’ll be amazed how this detail can completely transform a space and create (faux) architectural drama.
2. Plaster an Old Lamp (or Anything Else)
Think twice before you donate an old lamp or decorative vase that no longer fits your design aesthetic. A little DIY plaster can modernize an outdated finish or simplify a color palette while lending a fresh, organic feel to your old favorites. Take the above lamp reimagined by our VP of Creative and Design Shelby Girard, for example. Using plaster wrap cloths and a neutral paint color, she gave a once-beloved brass lamp a second lease on life in her bedroom. You can do the same with any bowl, frame, vase, light fixture, lamp, or knick knack that’s in need of a refresh — just follow the steps below:
- Cut the plaster wrap cloth into strips.
- Dip a single strip into a bowl of water.
- Run your fingers over the strip to remove excess water.
- Smooth the strip carefully over your object.
- Continue to place strips of plaster wrap cloth until you’ve covered the form with at least two layers.
- Allow the plaster to dry overnight.
- Finish with a coat of paint in a neutral hue, like an ivory or beige.
3. Create a Cinder Block Bookcase
Bookcases are just as versatile as they are practical — they serve as an aesthetically-pleasing home for artwork, greenery, and decorative artifacts as well as your favorite tomes. But a brand-new shelving unit doesn’t always come cheap. To save money and flex your DIY skills, build your own bookcase using cinder blocks and wood planks. Simply stack the pieces to create shelves, and adjust the height to suit your unique space. We suggest stacking books both horizontally and vertically to fill the shelves and add visual interest. Pro tip: If the book covers are too vibrant and you’re looking for a more homogeneous color palette, turn the spines to the back wall and let the tonal pages shine!
4. Personalize Your Artwork
The right piece of art can add a personal touch to a room and tie the whole design together. But sourcing art can get expensive, especially if you’re going the custom route. If you enjoy painting or drawing and want to stay on-budget, consider letting your inner artist shine with a homemade masterpiece. Not only will you feel a connection to this piece for the long haul, you’ll get a chance to indulge in some art therapy at home. Once again, our VP Design, Shelby, shows us how it’s done with the hand painted abstract piece on the left in the image above. What can’t she do?
Here are a few simple techniques that anyone can master: go abstract by painting brush strokes over a stretched canvas, draw straight lines or patterns for a more graphic style, experiment with watercolor paints, or integrate beautiful photography from a magazine. Simply frame and voila!
5. Turn Books Into a Moment
Decorating with books is nothing new, but displaying them open-faced lends an unexpected touch to any shelf or vignette. Simply bookmark your favorite chapter, poem, or photograph and put the pages on display, similar to a piece of wall art. Be sure to include a range of heights, background colors, and themes to create a balanced visual. To really let the pages shine, take notes from Havenly designer Autumn Williams’ chic style and consider modern acrylic shelving!
6. Build Your Own Built-Ins
To optimize a small space (or even add more storage and organization to a larger area), consider installing your own built-ins. We know that built-ins can look and feel intimidating, but they’re easier and more cost-effective than you think — especially with a little help from Ikea. For a minimal frame that maximizes precious square footage, you can’t beat Ikea’s cult-classic Billy Bookcases. At just 11 inches deep, they’re uniquely narrow, making them a great choice for small spaces. To take them from “basic showroom” to “classic and custom,” add trim to the top of the bookcases and fill in the pre-drilled holes on the sides. You can even add extension units on top to take your bookcases all the way up to the ceiling for a true “built in” aesthetic. Once you’ve nailed down your configuration, paint the entire arrangement with a sprayer for a clean finish (in the above example, Havenly designer Vivian Torres went with Super White by Benjamin Moore).
7. Carve Out a Breakfast Nook
Just because you have a small kitchen or dining space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort and style. Just take the above DIY breakfast banquette, for example. The L-shaped nook not only maximizes seating around the small bistro table, it also offers space-saving storage. To get the look, use three horizontal wall cabinets from Ikea’s Sektion collection to create the base. Fill in the remaining corner gaps with MDF, and add a coat of paint and brass handles for a more elevated, custom aesthetic. Lastly, style up your nook! We suggest adding a custom upholstered cushion to the top of the banquette and layering in a mix of pillows and throws to create a cozy gathering space.


Posts with tag "bosnia"
- Posted Oct 14th 2010 at 07:45 AM by PopEater Staff
A Bosnian minister has thrown a wrench in Angelina Jolie's directorial debut by revoking a permit for the actress to shoot in Sarajevo after a paperwork error and heated complaints from women's groups that alleged the film provides a "misleading history" of the conflict that tore the country apart in the early 1990s. The Oscar-winning actress is currently shooting the untitled film in Budapest ...
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It’s a fact of life that someone—and probably several someones—will die as the result of an avalanche in Colorado this year. By the time you read this, someone might have died already.
They could be brothers, mothers, big-line heroes and newbies, but no matter who they are the ‘why?’ of their deaths will haunt their friends and family. Some will have succumbed to the sorcery of swirling snow, throwing caution to the wind in a final exchange for a deep line of untracked powder. Others may be hit by a slide from above, tragically unlucky. While many more may have solely trusted their lives to the seemingly miraculous powers (but no sure bet) of ever-improving snow-safety technology.
There’s a school of thought that suggests the more safety features we have in our lives, the more risks we’ll take, whether it’s on the highway or in the backcountry. I’ll never forget the heartbreaking statement from a snowboarder who lost a friend to a slide on Berthoud Pass a few years ago: “The guy with the transceiver didn’t show up,” he told the papers, as if one product designed for interactive companion rescue could have saved the lives of many all by itself.
Once, while researching a story on the success rate of avy airbags and the superhero kind of smugness they might instill in some users, I interviewed Dale Atkins, a former president of the American Avalanche Association and consultant to RECCO Avalanche Rescue Systems. While discussing the role of human nature in relation to any off-piste innovation, I repeated the cliché, “Your mind’s still the most important piece of safety equipment you have in the backcountry.”
Atkins, who should probably be in the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame for his contributions to avalanche forecasting replied, “I’m not so sure I believe that anymore.”
Mental Errors and Mojo
The fact is humans aren’t the best decision makers. Even when confronted by facts and science, we often sidestep logical reasoning in favor of “gut feelings” and instant gratification. Take our ongoing addiction to fossil fuels in the face of accelerated climate change, or our continually ballooning population growth despite the planet’s diminishing resources, as two current examples of our inability to act rationally.
As far as skiing powder is concerned, the study of heuristics—the mental shortcuts we take in our decision-making processes—puts a spotlight on why people ignore obvious red flags and die in the backcountry.
The blog snowpit.com highlights some excellent case studies of how the lust for powder, slope familiarity, a “we’re-all-experts-here” mentality, evidence of an earlier successful run or the desire to be the hotshot entices experienced off-piste skiers to make fatal mistakes in high-risk conditions. In short: The lure of fresh tracks can make us stupid crazy!
On the other hand, and at the risk of being labeled a heretic by any shear-test supplicant reading this, I would suggest that fate also has a role to play. Science or stupid, sometimes it just is or isn’t your day to die.
I have a friend who survived a 1,000-plus-foot slide over two cliff bands and was buried for more than an hour. After they dug him up, still very much alive and smiling, everybody got to calling him, “Mr. Lucky.” My father and I survived stupidly triggering the separation of a two-foot fracture in Northern New Mexico that never completely released. And yet somehow someone like extreme and speed skiing icon Steve McKinney was killed in a crash while sleeping in his car on the side of a California highway.
Life is rich with irony. But also with joy and glory. And the fact that someone like Steve McKinney ever even existed makes me very happy. Ditto for late great ski heroes like Doug Coombs, Shane McConkey and Fritz Stammberger, whom I was lucky enough to meet twice as a child and whom I just read about again in The Silver Chalice by Jeff Long, easily my favorite climbing narrative.
Cheers and good health as well to still thriving ski legends like Scot Schmidt, Glen Plake, Colorado’s own Lou Dawson (the original ski king of the Fourteeners), and brothers Mike and Steve Marolt, who have made turns on some of the highest slopes on the planet. They are all quite literally living proof that a life of adventure can provide many long, happy years of rewards.
I hope, too, that all of your backcountry adventures provide deep rewards all winter, and that at the end of every day you come back to some place safe and warm to share your story with the rest of us.
—Elevation Outdoors editor-at-large Peter Kray is the author of The God of Skiing. The book has been called “the greatest ski novel of all time.” Don’t believe the hype? You can buy it here: bit.ly/godofskiing