Well Core Permeability Analysis via Fluid Invasion Tracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing the permeability of well core samples are limited in their ability to accurately determine local permeability variations, which are crucial for optimizing well inflow and reservoir management.
Innovation Solution
A method involving flowing a test fluid into a core sample, splitting it along a plane perpendicular to the bedding planes, and using a tracer to visualize the fluid invasion depth, allowing for the identification of local permeability variations by measuring the depth of fluid penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional permeability analysis methods are used on core samples, then the analysis process is simple, but the ability to accurately determine local permeability variations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The core sample is divided into multiple segments along its length, with each segment representing a different zone for permeability analysis. This segmentation allows local permeability variations to be measured independently in different zones, improving measurement precision without requiring complex equipment - just a systematic division of the sample into analyzable sections
Solution Approach 2:
A tracer substance is introduced as an intermediary to visualize and measure fluid flow paths through the core sample. The tracer acts as a mediator between the test fluid and the measurement process, allowing permeability variations to be detected by tracking tracer distribution and concentration, thereby improving measurement accuracy while keeping the overall method relatively simple
2Loss of information
If core sample analysis is performed to evaluate reservoir properties, then reservoir storage capacity and flow potential can be determined, but detailed local permeability variations cannot be accurately identified
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis method focuses on determining local permeability properties at different zones within the core sample rather than providing a single average value. By applying segmentation and tracer techniques to specific local regions, the method recovers lost information about permeability distribution while maintaining reasonable analysis efficiency through targeted rather than exhaustive measurement approaches
3Measurement precision
If a tracer is used to visualize fluid invasion depth, then local permeability variations can be precisely analyzed, but the complexity of the analysis procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracer substance is selected or designed to produce visible color changes or fluorescent properties when present in the fluid. This allows invasion depth to be measured by simple visual inspection or basic imaging techniques rather than complex analytical equipment, thereby improving measurement precision while minimizing the increase in procedural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining local permeability variations in a well core sample includes flowing a test fluid from an inflow surface of a core sample toward an exit surface of the core sample for a period of time, splitting the core sample along a splitting plane revealing an invasion depth of the test fluid and determining local permeability variations in the core sample using the invasion depth.