Electromagnetic Permeability Enhancement in Geological Formations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oil recovery techniques, such as hydraulic fracturing, achieve limited recovery rates due to low permeability of geological formations, which restricts the extraction of hydrocarbon fuels, and are often environmentally harmful and costly.
Innovation Solution
The use of a time-varying electromagnetic field or pressure waves to induce micro fractures in rock formations at the micrometer or nanometer level, increasing permeability without the need for water, by employing electromagnetic tools or pressure wave generating devices that apply magnetic or compressive forces to susceptible materials within the formations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydraulic fracturing is used to extract hydrocarbon fuels, then recovery rate is improved, but environmental harm and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hydraulic fracturing system with an electromagnetic system. Electromagnetic tools generate time-varying magnetic fields that apply magnetic forces to susceptible materials in the formation, inducing micro-fractures without requiring hydraulic fluids. This substitution eliminates the environmental contamination associated with fracking fluids while maintaining the ability to enhance permeability and improve recovery rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces susceptible magnetic materials as intermediaries between the electromagnetic field and the rock formation. These materials (such as magnetite or other magnetically responsive substances) are either naturally present or introduced into the formation. The time-varying magnetic field acts on these intermediaries, which then transmit magnetic forces to the surrounding rock matrix, causing micro-fractures and permeability enhancement without direct mechanical contact or fluid injection.
2Reliability
If hydraulic fracturing is used to extract hydrocarbon fuels, then permeability is increased, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive mechanical hydraulic fracturing system with an electromagnetic system. The electromagnetic tools can be deployed in existing wells without requiring expensive surface equipment, fluid handling infrastructure, or environmental mitigation systems. The magnetic field generation and susceptible material interaction provide a more cost-effective method to achieve permeability enhancement while eliminating costs associated with fracking fluid disposal and environmental compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes susceptible materials that are either naturally present in the formation or can be easily introduced. These materials self-generate the necessary mechanical response when exposed to the time-varying magnetic field, eliminating the need for expensive proppants, hydraulic fluids, and complex fracturing chemistry. The system leverages the inherent magnetic properties of the formation materials to achieve the fracturing effect.
3Productivity
If conventional EOR techniques are used, then recovery rate is improved, but unpredictability of effectiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates real-time monitoring and feedback mechanisms to assess the response of susceptible materials to the applied magnetic field. By measuring changes in magnetic properties, permeability, and production rates, the system can adjust the frequency, amplitude, and duration of magnetic field application to optimize effectiveness. This feedback control reduces the unpredictability associated with conventional EOR techniques by allowing dynamic adaptation to formation conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables precise control and adjustment of multiple parameters including magnetic field frequency, amplitude, pulse duration, and susceptible material concentration. These parameters can be optimized based on formation characteristics and production response, providing a degree of control and predictability that exceeds conventional EOR methods. The ability to systematically vary and optimize parameters reduces effectiveness variability across different formations and well conditions.
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 enhances oil and gas recovery rates by increasing permeability, making previously uneconomical formations viable, extending the life of existing wells, and reducing environmental impact by eliminating the need for fracking fluids.
Implementation Method 1
a time-varying electromagnetic field is generated by an electromagnetic tool positioned near or within the oil bearing strata. The time-varying electromagnetic field penetrates the strata around the electromagnetic tool, and applies a time-varying magnetic force to susceptible magnetic materials of the strata
Implementation Method 2
The time-varying magnetic force fractures the oil bearing strata at the micrometer or nanometer level and increases the permeability of the strata
Data Source
AI summary
A method of increasing a permeability of a strata includes positioning an electromagnetic tool at a first location of the strata, generating a first time-varying magnetic field using the electromagnetic tool, and applying a first time-varying magnetic force to a first magnetic material of the strata using the first time-varying magnetic field, where the strata includes a first plurality of pores. The method further includes fracturing the strata to increase the permeability of the strata proximate the first location using the first time-varying magnetic force.