In-situ ESR Scanner for Source Rock Potential

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring source rock potential in hydrocarbon reservoirs are inefficient and require bulky equipment for laboratory analysis, which is costly and time-consuming, and do not allow for real-time assessment of hydrocarbon generation potential during exploration and production processes.

Innovation Solution

The use of an in-situ electron spin resonance (ESR) scanner attached to a wellbore, which generates ESR images and determines spin concentration levels of source rocks to assess their potential, allowing for real-time analysis and reducing operational expenses by minimizing the need for transporting bulky equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional laboratory analysis methods are used to measure source rock potential, then measurement precision can be maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient due to bulky equipment requirements and sample transportation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidanalysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical laboratory analysis equipment with a quantum electronic scanner (ESR scanner) that uses electron spin resonance technology. This scanner is attached directly to the wellbore, eliminating the need for physical sample transportation and bulky laboratory equipment, thereby dramatically improving measurement efficiency and reducing analysis time while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electron spin resonance scanner as an intermediary device between the source rock and the measurement process. The scanner is attached to the wellbore and directly scans the source rock in situ, serving as a mediator that enables rapid measurement without requiring sample removal or transportation, thus resolving the time loss and efficiency issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If in-situ ESR scanning is implemented, then real-time assessment capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the specialized quantum electronic equipment required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time data availabilityVSAvoidscanner system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sample handling and transportation systems with a stationary ESR scanner attached to the wellbore. This quantum electronic device performs all measurements in situ, eliminating the need for complex sample preparation, transportation, and laboratory analysis equipment, thereby achieving real-time data availability while managing device complexity through technological substitution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If traditional sample transportation and laboratory analysis are used, then equipment portability is maintained, but operational costs increase due to the need for bulky equipment and sample handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidoperational expenses

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the wellbore system to perform its own analysis by attaching an ESR scanner directly to it. The scanner measures source rock potential in situ without requiring external laboratory equipment or sample transportation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating operational expenses related to equipment transport, sample handling, and laboratory analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables real-time assessment of source rock potential, improving efficiency and reducing costs by providing immediate data on hydrocarbon generation capabilities, facilitating better planning and operation of drilling and extraction processes.

Implementation Method 1

receiving, an electron spin resonance (ESR) image from an in-situ ESR scanner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron spin resonance: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS10852260B2Measuring source rock potential using a quantum electronic scanner

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

The present disclosure describes methods and systems for determining source rock potential in a subterranean region of a hydrocarbon reservoir. One method includes receiving, an electron spin resonance (ESR) image from an in-situ ESR scanner that is attached to a wellbore at a first subterranean location, wherein the wellbore extends into the subterranean region of the hydrocarbon reservoir; determining, a spin concentration level of a source rock in the first subterranean location based on the ESR image; and determining, the source rock potential at the first subterranean location based on the determined spin concentration level.