Currently, the real-time analysis of fluids at the rock face during drilling operations is not an option for the rig operator. Periodic fluid analyses require stopping the drilling operation, withdrawing the drill string, and introducing well-logging apparatus, a time-consuming, expensive process that elevates safety concerns. This project will determine the feasibility of reconfiguring and refining a visible wavelength chemical/spectrometric instrument to operate in the extreme pressure, temperature, and vibration conditions encountered in downhole drilling environments. The instrument would transmit both quantitative and qualitative data, consisting of a spectral "fingerprint", on contacted fluids in real-time. Phase I will redesign, reconfigure, and test the present "Alpha" instrument to determine the effects of temperature and pressure on the kinetics and products of the chemical reaction intrinsic to this methodology. Vibration effects will be determined by varying light path angles and focal points at the sample analyte. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The hydrocarbon analytical technology should provide immediate analytical information currently requiring far more time-consuming, interruptive, and expensive techniques in many process, manufacturing, and testing operations
