EOR Selection Tool Automates Reservoir Recovery Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The selection of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) processes for oilfield reservoirs is currently time-consuming and disintegrated, lacking a specific tool to select reservoir properties, associate them with applicable EOR schemes, and generate an estimation of incremental recovery.

Innovation Solution

A method and system, including the Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Selection and Design Tool software, that selects reservoir properties, identifies technically and economically applicable EOR schemes, and generates an estimation of incremental recovery by integrating an Input, Screening, and Estimator process, utilizing a Smart Guide System with collective knowledge on EOR, reservoir engineering, and modeling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional manual methods are used to select EOR processes, then flexibility in evaluation can be maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and disintegrated

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEOR process selection efficiencyVSAvoidTime required for EOR process selection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical evaluation processes with a computerized automated system that uses software to select reservoir properties, evaluate EOR processes, and generate incremental recovery estimates, thereby dramatically improving efficiency while reducing time consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing users to independently input reservoir data and automatically generate EOR process selections and recovery estimates without requiring external consulting services, making the evaluation process both faster and more accessible

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a comprehensive integrated tool is developed to automate EOR process selection, then selection efficiency and integration are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEOR process selection integrationVSAvoidSoftware system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The software system performs multiple functions within a single integrated platform: selecting reservoir properties, evaluating various EOR processes, calculating incremental recovery estimates, and generating reports, thereby improving ease of operation through consolidation while managing complexity through unified architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The complex evaluation process is segmented into distinct functional modules including reservoir property selection, EOR process evaluation, incremental recovery calculation, and report generation, allowing the system to manage complexity through modular design while maintaining integrated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8311743B2Method for generating an estimation of incremental recovery from a selected enhanced oil recovery (EOR) process

Publication Date: 2012.11.13 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A method is disclosed for generating an estimation of an incremental recovery that can be expected from an Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Process, comprising: selecting a set of reservoir properties; selecting an EOR process that is associated with the selected set of reservoir properties; and generating the estimation of the incremental recovery that can be expected from the selected EOR process.