Downhole Tool Assembly Azimuthal Sensor Orientation for Reservoir Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensors used in hydrocarbon well systems can only collect reservoir data in a limited azimuthal directional arc, which restricts the accuracy of permeability and porosity characterization, hindering optimal well system operation and production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool assembly equipped with multiple sensors oriented at different azimuthal angles, allowing for comprehensive data collection and computation of permeability tensors and porosity anisotropy, enabling more accurate characterization of reservoir properties and drainage directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensors with limited azimuthal directional arc are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of reservoir permeability and porosity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The downhole tool assembly is segmented into multiple sensor tools, each oriented at different azimuthal angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°). Each sensor tool independently measures reservoir characteristics in its specific directional arc, and the results are integrated to achieve comprehensive 3D permeability tensor characterization, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-directional (1D) or limited arc measurements to multi-azimuthal (3D) measurements by adding spatial dimensionality through multiple sensors oriented at different angles. This enables computation of the full permeability tensor (Kxx, Kyy, Kzz, Kxy, Kxz, Kyz), dramatically improving permeability and porosity characterization accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors at different azimuthal angles are deployed, then measurement precision of reservoir characteristics improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor tool in the downhole assembly is designed with multi-functionality, capable of measuring multiple reservoir parameters (permeability, porosity, fluid saturation) simultaneously at its specific azimuthal orientation. This universal design reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate specialized sensors for each parameter and orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through continuous communication between downhole sensors and surface equipment. The computed permeability tensor and porosity anisotropy are fed back to modify well operation parameters dynamically, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes reservoir characterization and production efficiency.
3Productivity
If comprehensive multi-angle sensor data is collected, then productivity of reservoir characterization improves, but loss of time in data collection and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The downhole tool assembly performs preliminary actions by collecting all necessary multi-azimuthal sensor data and computing the permeability tensor and porosity anisotropy while the tools are still in the borehole. This eliminates the need for subsequent separate measurement campaigns or complex post-hoc data integration, significantly improving reservoir characterization productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple measurement functions (permeability measurement, porosity measurement, orientation sensing) and multiple azimuthal angle measurements into a single integrated downhole tool assembly operation. By combining these functions, the system achieves comprehensive reservoir characterization in one deployment, reducing total time loss compared to multiple separate operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure presents an apparatus and system to allow for multiple downhole sensors to be oriented at varying azimuthal angles to collect reservoir data across varying azimuthal directional arcs. In one aspect, two sensors can be attached to a downhole tool system, one being oriented azimuthally 90° different than the other sensor. In other aspects, a method and system are presented to utilize the collected reservoir data to compute a porosity anisotropy and permeability parameters. These parameters can be utilized to further derive reservoir characteristic parameters, such as a permeability ellipsoid that can identify the primary axis of drainage of the reservoir and the minimum axis of drainage of the reservoir. The derived reservoir characteristic parameters can be utilized to modify a well system operation plan, such as to improve the well system production over a time period.