Acoustoelectric Detector for High-Pressure Planar Model Saturation Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional saturation-testing devices for large-scale 3D physical models are limited by low-pressure capabilities, interference with fluid flow, sealing issues, and inability to simultaneously test acoustic waves and electrical resistivity, particularly in high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, making them unsuitable for accurately simulating three-phase saturation of oil, gas, and water in oil-gas reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A high-temperature and high-pressure acoustoelectric scanning device and method using a planar model system with a displacement pump, confining pressure pump, acoustoelectric test positioning control, and data acquisition system, equipped with an acoustoelectric detector that moves in a zigzag pattern to scan the model, allowing for simultaneous ultrasonic and resistivity testing without direct contact, thus overcoming the limitations of existing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional saturation detectors (probes or electrodes) are buried in or attached to the physical model for point-to-point testing, then saturation measurement is achieved, but the detectors interfere with interstitial fluid flow and reduce sealing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based saturation detectors (probes and electrodes) with non-contact acoustic wave detection. The acoustic wave detector transmits and receives acoustic waves through the rock slab without physical penetration, eliminating mechanical interference with fluid flow and sealing while still enabling saturation measurement through acoustic property changes.
2Measurement precision
If multiple saturation probes are arranged to improve test accuracy, then measurement precision increases, but the number of signal leads increases, greatly increasing leakage risk under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through multiple leads with acoustic wave transmission through the rock slab itself. A single acoustic wave detector can scan multiple positions without requiring electrical leads to penetrate the high-temperature and high-pressure boundary, eliminating leakage risks while maintaining measurement precision.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional large-scale 3D physical models are designed to be large in size, then they can represent real reservoir scale, but they cannot bear high pressure (generally less than 25 MPa)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the physical model by using sintered rock slabs with optimized grain size distribution, bonding agents, and sintering conditions. This enables the model to withstand high pressures (up to 70 MPa or higher) while maintaining large dimensions, allowing both reservoir scale representation and high-pressure simulation.
4Ease of manufacture
If existing physical models use simulated oil instead of real formation fluid samples, then experimental conditions can be simplified, but they cannot accurately simulate real oil-gas reservoir conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fluid properties by using real formation oil, gas, and water samples with their native composition, viscosity, and phase behavior. Combined with high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, this enables accurate simulation of real reservoir conditions while the acoustic wave detection method remains effective for saturation measurement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables reliable, high-resolution testing of three-phase saturation in high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, reducing detector interference and improving sealing, allowing for accurate monitoring of well patterns and displacement mechanisms in oil-gas reservoirs, with a maximum pressure of 70 MPa and temperature of 150°C, and supports both depletion and displacement development processes.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustoelectric detector driven by a Y-axis direction stepping motor to linearly slide along the Y-axis direction sliding rail to perform acoustoelectric scanning testing
Implementation Method 2
the detector used in the electrode is limited by its own volume, so too many detectors cannot be arranged, resulting in the test accuracy being limited
Data Source
AI summary
A device for testing the three-phase saturation of oil, gas and water in a high-temperature and high-pressure planar model includes a displacement pump, a confining pressure pump, a back pressure pump, containers, a planar model system, a data acquisition system, a back pressure valve and an oil-gas separator. The planar model system includes a planar model, an autoclave body, a heating temperature-controlling system, a Y-axis direction stepping motor, a X-axis direction stepping motor and an acoustoelectric detector. A method for testing the three-phase saturation of oil, gas and water by using the device includes calibrating three-phase saturation of oil, gas and water to a rock core, preparing a formation water sample and a crude sample, regaining the original formation conditions of the planar model, simulating the depletion or displacement process of oil reservoirs, performing linear ultrasonic-and-resistivity-scanning test on planar model, determining the three-phase saturation distribution of oil, gas and water.