SBIR-STTR Award

Current pressure/temperature tools are expensive and require a protective heat shield, which is effective for only a short time. These tools can only be used for logging and not as permanent installations. PhotoSonic would modify its current, marketed multiparameter logging tool that uses low-temperature electronics to measure and log pressure, temperature, steam quality and steam flow in geothermal wells and steam injection wells. We would replace the low-temperature components with available high temperature electronics to permit direct wireline data logging without the need for the thermal flask. During Phase I, modifications of the tool design to incorporate high temperature electronics will lead to a significant reduction in tool cost and to more efficient geothermal well logging operations due to extended logging times. PhotoSonic will work with a manufacturer of high temperature electronic components to design the onboard optoelectronic package, and with geothermal and other well logging companies, to test the prototype pressure and temperature tool in the field.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:
Low-cost, high-temperature pressure and temperature logging tools for geothermal wells would have an immediate widespread market and replace conventional tools that require expensive flasking systems to allow operation downhole. Such tools would lead to more efficient geothermal well exploration and production, and related products would be competitive for use in steam injection and lower temperature oil wells.

Current geothermal logging tools for temperature, pressure, and total dissolved solids measurement are expensive and require a heat shield. They can only survive a limited number of hours in high temperature environments. This project will design and fabricate a high temperature logging tool for measurement of temperature, pressure and total dissolved solids for geothermal and other energy industries. By eliminating the thermal flask, the tool will permit direct wireline data logging and permanent installations. In Phase I, current downhole steam injection loggings tools were modified to incorporate high temperature components. Onboard electronics were designed, along with supporting software, and the mechanics of assembling the unflasked logging tool for geothermal wells was determined. Phase II will develop and commercialize a high temperature logging tool for the measurement of temperature, pressure, and total dissolved solids for geothermal and other energy industries.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:
The high temperature logging tool for simultaneous measurements of temperature, pressure, and total dissolved solids would produce more efficient and accurate geothermal well exploration and products, and related products would be competitive for use in other energy industries.