Casing Transmission Crossovers for Precise Interwell Fluid-Front Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrocarbon recovery techniques face challenges in tracking the fluid front position due to the lack of effective monitoring systems, leading to suboptimal operations and premature breakthrough, which reduces the efficiency of reservoir utilization.
Innovation Solution
Employing casing segments with transmission crossover arrangements that include coil antennas and adapters for electromagnetic signal transmission and reception, enabling interwell tomography and multi-lateral control, allowing for precise monitoring of fluid fronts and optimizing production operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional monitoring systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision of fluid front position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electromagnetic signal transmission system through the casing structure. The casing acts as a mediator that guides electromagnetic signals from transmitters in one well to receivers in another well, enabling precise fluid front position tracking without requiring complex direct monitoring equipment in the reservoir. This intermediary approach achieves high measurement precision while keeping the overall system manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical monitoring systems with an electromagnetic field-based measurement system. By using electromagnetic signals transmitted through the casing and formation, the system achieves precise fluid front position tracking without the mechanical complexity of physical sensors in the reservoir, thus improving measurement precision while controlling device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If seismic surveys and monitoring wells are used, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing casing structure multi-functional by using it as both a structural component and an electromagnetic signal transmission medium. This eliminates the need for separate monitoring wells and complex seismic survey equipment, achieving fluid front position measurement precision while reducing device complexity and cost. The casing serves multiple purposes: structural support and signal guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the casing structure to serve itself by utilizing its inherent electromagnetic properties for signal transmission. The casing naturally guides electromagnetic signals without requiring additional complex infrastructure, allowing the system to achieve precise measurement capabilities using existing infrastructure, thereby reducing both device complexity and cost compared to conventional seismic surveys.
3Measurement precision
If computer simulations are used to estimate fluid front position, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces computer simulation-based estimation with actual electromagnetic field measurements. By using electromagnetic signals transmitted through the casing and formation, the system directly measures fluid front position rather than relying on simulations, significantly improving measurement precision and reliability while maintaining manageable device complexity through the use of existing casing infrastructure.
4Measurement precision
If transmission crossover arrangements are installed in casing, then measurement precision and monitoring capability improve, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the casing into segments, with transmission crossover arrangements installed at specific locations rather than throughout the entire casing. This segmentation approach allows for standardized manufacturing of casing sections and facilitates easier assembly. The transmission components are concentrated at discrete points, making manufacturing and installation more manageable while still achieving comprehensive fluid front monitoring capability.
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
Enhances the ability to track fluid fronts accurately, reducing premature breakthrough and optimizing hydrocarbon recovery by providing real-time data for adjusting injection and production rates, thereby improving reservoir utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission crossover arrangement having an adapter in communication with a coil antenna that encircles an exterior of the casing tubular
Implementation Method 2
deploying, inside the casing tubular, a conductive path that extends from a surface interface to the at least one transmission crossover arrangement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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.