Multi-well Fiber Optic EM Sensors for Reservoir Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reservoir monitoring techniques face challenges in accurately tracking formation properties during drilling and reservoir management operations, particularly in multi-well systems, due to limitations in measuring electrical properties over time and space, which affects fluid saturation and other property assessments.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of fiber optic electromagnetic (EM) sensors in multiple wells to continuously collect time-lapse EM measurements without interruption, allowing for intelligent management of operations by informing flow control and optimizing production strategies, including the use of EM sensors deployed behind casing or as part of well tools, and integrating with other fiber optic sensors for comprehensive data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional reservoir monitoring techniques are used, then measurement coverage is limited, but measurement precision and continuity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring function across multiple fiber optic cables deployed in different wells, with distributed EM sensors segmented along each cable. This segmentation enables simultaneous measurements at multiple locations and times, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and information coverage by distributing the measurement function across many discrete sensing points throughout the reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-based or discrete sensor measurements to continuous distributed measurements along the length of fiber optic cables. This dimensional change from 0D/1D discrete points to 1D continuous distribution enables simultaneous temporal and spatial coverage, achieving both high measurement precision and comprehensive information coverage across the reservoir volume.
2Productivity
If well tools are used for monitoring, then measurements can be obtained, but drilling and reservoir operations are interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the EM sensing function from traditional well tools that require deployment and retrieval operations. By deploying fiber optic cables with distributed EM sensors that remain permanently installed in the wells, the monitoring function is separated from the drilling and production equipment, enabling continuous measurements without interrupting reservoir management operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic EM sensor system enables continuous electromagnetic measurements to be taken throughout the reservoir during all phases of reservoir management operations. The distributed sensors along the fiber optic cables continuously monitor formation properties without requiring operational interruptions, achieving uninterrupted productivity while maintaining measurement capability.
3Loss of information
If multiple wells are monitored, then comprehensive reservoir information is obtained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic cable system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the structural support and the sensing medium for EM measurements. The same fiber optic infrastructure used for other well operations can be leveraged for electromagnetic monitoring, reducing overall system complexity while enabling comprehensive multi-well surveillance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple discrete sensors into a single distributed fiber optic EM sensing system. By combining the sensing functions across multiple wells into a unified fiber optic network, the system reduces operational complexity while achieving comprehensive reservoir-wide information coverage through integrated data acquisition.
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 continuous, accurate monitoring of formation properties and fluid saturation, facilitating optimized reservoir management, early production forecasting, and improved decision-making for hydrocarbon production and injection operations, reducing the risk of water breakthrough and enhancing reservoir modeling.
Implementation Method 1
A fiber optic electromagnetic sensor measures an electromagnetic signal generated by an electromagnetic source
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes activating a first electromagnetic source at a first frequency, acquiring a first set of electromagnetic measurements from a first fiber optic electromagnetic sensor in a first well, wherein the first fiber optic electromagnetic sensor is in electromagnetic communication with the first electromagnetic source. The method also includes acquiring a second set of electromagnetic measurements from a second fiber optic sensor in a second well, wherein the second fiber optic sensor is in electromagnetic communication with the first electromagnetic source. The method also includes determining a formation property based on the first set of electromagnetic measurements and the second set of electromagnetic measurements.