Torsionally vibrating viscosity and density sensor for downhole applications

Abstract

An apparatus and method for estimating a parameter of interest in a downhole fluid using a fluid analyzer. The fluid analyzer may include: a member configured to vibrate in response to an energy source, a housing to enclose the member and receive a fluid, and a sensor configured to respond to shear waves induced in the fluid by the vibration of the member. The member may be formed at least in part of a material responsive to a magnetic field or a piezoelectric material. Also disclosed is a method of use for the apparatus.

1 . An apparatus for estimating at least one parameter of interest relating to a fluid, comprising:
 a member in the fluid, the member being responsive to an applied energy field, wherein the response includes at least one mode of vibration.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a sensor configured to generate information representative of a damping of a response of the member.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the damping is substantially caused by a liquid. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the sensor is responsive to one of: (i) a mechanical force, (ii) a magnetic flux, (iii) electromagnetic radiation, (iv) differential heating, and (v) electrostatic force. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising an energy source configured to generate the applied energy field, wherein the information relates to an amount of energy consumed by the generator. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one mode of vibration includes at least one of: (i) torsional vibration and (ii) lateral vibration. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an electromagnet configured to supply the applied energy field. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a catcher positioned along a flow path of the fluid, the catcher configured to reduce an amount of magnetic particles in the fluid.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the member is formed at least in part of a material that generates a magnetic field. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a sensor configured to generate information representative of the magnetic field generated by the member.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the applied energy field and the generated magnetic field interact to induce a motion of the member. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the member is configured to generate eddy currents in response to the applied energy field. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the member is formed at least in part of at least one of: (i) a piezoelectric material and (ii) a metal. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an energy source, wherein the energy source is configured to generate the applied energy field. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the energy source includes an electric field generator in electrical communication with the member. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the member is configured to cause shear waves in the fluid in response to the applied energy field. 
     
     
         17 . A method for estimating at least one parameter of interest relating to a fluid, comprising:
 estimating the at least one parameter of interest using information representative of a damping of at least one mode of vibration of a member in the fluid, the motion being caused by an applied energy field.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 applying the energy field to the member.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 generating shear waves in the fluid using the member.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 generating the information using a sensor.