Dual Core Flooding Apparatus for Reservoir Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current core analysis systems are limited in their ability to accurately evaluate the flow characteristics and behaviors of fluids in rock samples from hydrocarbon reservoirs, as they typically only support single fluid injections and orientations, failing to reproduce the range of conditions found in reservoirs, including specific temperatures and pressures.
Innovation Solution
A dual core flooding apparatus is developed, featuring two core holders with independent pressure regulation and fluid delivery systems, allowing for simultaneous injection of multiple fluids and varying orientations, enabling precise simulation of reservoir conditions and measurement of fluid properties such as density and viscosity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single stationary core holder is used, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to perform multiple flooding tests with different fluids and orientations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent core holders (first core holder and second core holder), each capable of holding and testing core plugs independently. This segmentation allows simultaneous or sequential performance of multiple flooding tests with different fluids and orientations without interfering with each other, thereby increasing adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Each core holder is designed as a universal unit that can accommodate different core plugs and support multiple flooding test configurations. The core holders are equipped with inlet ports and outlet ports that can handle various fluids (water, oil, gas, chemical solutions), and can be oriented in different positions (vertical, horizontal, inclined), making them multi-functional and adaptable to diverse testing requirements
2Reliability
If independent pressure regulation systems are implemented for each core holder, then accurate simulation of reservoir conditions is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Independent pressure regulation systems are implemented for each core holder, with separate back pressure regulation systems (first back pressure regulation system and second back pressure regulation system) that can maintain pore pressure in each core holder independently of the other. This segmentation ensures accurate simulation of different reservoir conditions for each test while maintaining manageable complexity through modular, independent control units
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure regulation systems incorporate feedback mechanisms through pressure sensors and control valves that continuously monitor and adjust the pore pressure and confining pressure in each core holder. This feedback control ensures accurate maintenance of reservoir conditions (temperature, pressure, stress state) by automatically compensating for deviations, thereby improving reliability while keeping the control system manageable through automated regulation
3Measurement precision
If multiple separators are used for hydrocarbon separation, then measurement precision of fluid properties is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple separators (first separator and second separator), with each separator dedicated to processing effluent from a specific core holder. This segmentation allows simultaneous separation and measurement of hydrocarbon fluids from different flooding tests, improving measurement precision through dedicated processing paths while maintaining manageable complexity through modular, independent separator units
Solution Approach 2:
Separators are introduced as intermediary devices between the core holders and the measurement systems. These separators act as mediators that isolate and separate hydrocarbon fluids from the effluent streams before measurement, ensuring accurate measurement of fluid properties (density, viscosity, composition) without interference from other phases or contaminants, thereby improving measurement precision while adding only necessary intermediary components
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
The apparatus provides a comprehensive evaluation of fluid behavior in core plugs, enabling accurate simulation of secondary and tertiary oil recovery processes, including water and gas flooding, at specific reservoir conditions, enhancing the understanding of fluid displacement and recovery efficiencies.
Implementation Method 1
a first back pressure regulation system operable to maintain pore pressure within a core plug contained in the first core holder independent of a pore pressure associated with the second core holder
Implementation Method 2
a pressure confining system operable to maintain a first confining pressure in the first core holder and a second confining pressure in the second core holder
Implementation Method 3
a first separator operable to separate hydrocarbon fluid from the at least one fluid and in fluid communication with the outlet port of the first core holder
Data Source
AI summary
A dual core flooding apparatus and process are disclosed that provide for testing of two core plugs using different orientations and multiple fluids. The dual core flooding apparatus includes at least two core holders each configured to contain a core plug. The dual core flooding apparatus includes a fluids delivery system configured to inject one or more fluids into the core holders and core plugs. The dual core flooding apparatus includes an image capture system, a density and viscosity measurement system, and at least two oil/water separators. The dual core flooding apparatus also includes at least two back pressure regulators and an automated confining pressure system. A dual core flooding process may include introducing at least one fluid into the core holders, maintaining confining pressure and back pressure, and measuring density and viscosity of existing fluids.