Casing Transmission Crossover for Interwell Tomography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrocarbon extraction techniques face challenges in accurately tracking the fluid front position due to the lack of effective monitoring systems, leading to suboptimal operations and premature breakthrough, which affects the efficiency of hydrocarbon recovery.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a guided drilling method and system utilizing casing segments with transmission crossover arrangements, which enable electromagnetic communication and power transfer between downhole tools and the surface, facilitating interwell tomography and multi-lateral production control to accurately monitor and manage fluid fronts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional monitoring systems are used, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision of fluid front position is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to track the fluid front position. Instead of direct physical contact sensors, the system uses electromagnetic signals that penetrate the reservoir formation to detect the fluid front location, achieving high measurement precision without complex downhole monitoring equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical monitoring systems (such as downhole sensors and physical measurement devices) with electromagnetic field-based detection. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical structures in harsh downhole environments while achieving accurate fluid front position tracking through electromagnetic signal analysis
2Loss of information
If electromagnetic communication systems are implemented, then the information transfer capability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication functions into a single electromagnetic infrastructure. The same electromagnetic field used for power transfer (through the casing) also carries communication signals, eliminating the need for separate power and communication systems and reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic communication system is designed to perform multiple functions: power transmission, data communication, and fluid front detection. This multi-functionality reduces the total energy requirement compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function, as the electromagnetic infrastructure serves multiple purposes simultaneously
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 allows for precise tracking and management of fluid fronts, reducing the likelihood of premature breakthrough and enhancing the efficiency of hydrocarbon recovery by providing real-time data and control capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A transmission crossover arrangement (22) is provided in a casing segment (21A). The transmission crossover arrangement (22) includes a coil antenna (26A-26D) and an adapter (24). The coil antenna (26A-26D) is arranged to generate an electromagnetic field that penetrates a conductive casing tubular (21A)
Implementation Method 2
A method for interwell tomography, guided drilling, and/or multi-lateral production control involves providing a first borehole and casing it with a casing string including at least one casing segment (21A). A transmission crossover arrangement (22) is provided in the casing segment (21A)... obtaining EM field measurements acquired using a bottomhole assembly and the transmission crossover arrangement (22)
Data Source
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AI summary
An interwell tomography method includes casing a first borehole with a casing tubular having at least one transmission crossover arrangement, each transmission crossover arrangement having an adapter in communication with a coil antenna that encircles an exterior of the casing tubular. The method also includes deploying, inside the casing tubular, a conductive path that extends from a surface interface to the at least one transmission crossover arrangement. The method also includes providing a set of one or more antennas in a second borehole. The method also includes obtaining electromagnetic (EM) measurements for interwell tomography using the at least one transmission crossover arrangement and the set of one or more antennas, where said obtaining involves conveying data or power between the at least one transmission crossover arrangement and the surface interface via the conductive path.