Borehole Salinity Probe with Superhydrophilic Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate monitoring of oil saturation and formation water salinity in mature reservoirs is challenging due to limitations in existing methods, such as shallow depth of investigation and sensitivity to formation water salinity, which complicates reservoir management and production optimization.
Innovation Solution
A tool assembly with a water salinity measuring probe, spinner tool, and temperature probe is used to measure conductivity, flow rate, and temperature, allowing for in-situ calculation of flowing water salinity and mixed salinity, employing electrodes within a superhydrophilic mesh and a water-soluble shell for accurate data collection across multiple layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional resistivity tools are used to measure formation water salinity, then measurement depth is limited, but measurement precision deteriorates due to shallow depth of investigation
Solution Approach 1:
The tool divides the measurement function into multiple independent probes positioned at different depths along the tool string. Each probe measures conductivity at its local position, and the system combines these segmented measurements to achieve both deep investigation and precise salinity characterization at multiple zones simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces conductivity measurement as an intermediary parameter to indirectly determine formation water salinity. By measuring electrical conductivity through the superhydrophilic mesh and applying temperature compensation, the system achieves accurate salinity measurement without direct sampling, resolving the depth-precision tradeoff.
2Measurement precision
If physical samples are collected for laboratory analysis, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases due to sampling and analysis delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sampling and laboratory analysis system with an in-situ electrical measurement system. Conductivity probes measure formation water properties directly in the borehole, and a computer processor automatically calculates salinity from these measurements with temperature compensation, eliminating the need for physical sample collection and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs self-service by automatically acquiring conductivity data, applying temperature corrections, and calculating formation water salinity through computer processing. This autonomous operation eliminates the need for external laboratory analysis, providing immediate results while maintaining measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If conventional electrodes are used in mixed salinity environments, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to sensitivity to formation water salinity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies temperature compensation by measuring conductivity at different temperatures and using a computer processor to correct the conductivity values to a reference temperature. This parameter change approach allows conventional electrodes to maintain measurement precision across varying formation temperatures and salinity conditions without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite measurement approach combining conductivity probes, temperature sensors, and computer-based processing. This composite system integrates multiple simple components to achieve precise salinity measurement in mixed salinity environments, where each component contributes a specific function without requiring complex individual designs.
4Measurement precision
If multiple probes are deployed to measure properties across multiple layers, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool assembly employs universal conductivity probes that can measure formation water properties across multiple geological layers and salinity conditions. Each probe is designed to function in diverse environments, and the computer processor universally applies temperature compensation and salinity calculation algorithms regardless of the specific layer being measured, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining multi-layer measurement precision.
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
This approach enables continuous, deep measurement of formation water salinity, reducing the need for physical samples and laboratory analysis, providing more accurate and real-time data for reservoir management and production optimization.
Implementation Method 1
a water salinity measuring probe that includes a pair of electrodes, wherein the water salinity measuring probe is mounted at a tip of the tool assembly and configured to measure a water conductivity between the pair of electrodes
Implementation Method 2
The pair of electrodes may be enclosed in a mesh coated with a superhydrophilic material capable of allowing water in and out of the water salinity measuring probe
Implementation Method 3
a spinner tool configured to measure a total flow rate at where the tool assembly is immersed inside the borehole
Implementation Method 4
a temperature probe configured to measure a temperature at where the tool assembly is immersed inside the borehole
Implementation Method 5
the computer processor may be configured to: receive, from the tool assembly, data encoding measured water conductivity, measured total flow rate, measured water holdup, measured oil holdup, and measured temperature; and based on the measured water conductivity and the measured temperature, calculate a flowing water salinity
Data Source
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AI summary
Some implementations provide a tool assembly for monitoring reservoir water salinity and reservoir production performance at a borehole, the tool assembly comprising: a water salinity measuring probe that includes a pair of electrodes, wherein the water salinity measuring probe is mounted at a tip of the tool assembly and configured to measure a water conductivity between the pair of electrodes when the tool assembly is immersed inside the borehole; a spinner tool configured to measure a total flow rate at where the tool assembly is immersed inside the borehole, wherein the spinner tool is located above the water salinity measuring probe when the tool assembly is immersed inside the borehole; and a temperature probe configured to measure a temperature at where the tool assembly is immersed inside the borehole, wherein the temperature probe is located above the spinner tool when the tool assembly is immersed inside the borehole.