Real-Time Fluid Composition Analysis for Dynamic Well Trajectory Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for drilling and completing hydrocarbon reservoir wells lack efficient real-time data for optimizing well trajectory adjustments based on formation fluid properties, leading to suboptimal reservoir characterization and production.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system that uses real-time downhole measurements and a processor-based system to determine fluid composition data, compare it with existing reservoir maps, and adjust well trajectories dynamically, incorporating sensors and data processing to optimize well placement and reservoir drainage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If real-time downhole measurements and fluid composition analysis are implemented, then well trajectory optimization and reservoir characterization improve, but system complexity and measurement requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell trajectory precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the complex measurement and analysis process into distinct functional modules: downhole sensors for fluid sampling, real-time composition analysis devices, data processing systems, and trajectory control mechanisms. Each module handles a specific aspect of fluid characterization, making the overall complex system manageable and implementable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary fluid composition measurements and analysis during the drilling process itself, before well completion. This advance characterization allows trajectory adjustments to be made proactively based on measured fluid properties, rather than reactively after drilling issues arise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If continuous fluid composition measurements are performed during drilling, then reservoir characterization improves, but measurement time and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereservoir characterization accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous fluid composition measurements throughout the drilling process rather than discrete spot checks. This continuous monitoring provides comprehensive reservoir characterization data without requiring separate measurement campaigns, thereby reducing total measurement time while improving information quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex, time-consuming laboratory analysis methods with downhole real-time measurement devices that provide immediate fluid composition data. This substitution eliminates the time delay between sampling and analysis, enabling continuous measurement without significant time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8061444B2Methods and apparatus to form a well

Publication Date: 2011.11.22 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Methods and apparatus to form a well are disclosed. An example method involves determining a reservoir fluid map associated with at least a portion of a reservoir. The first fluid map has first fluid composition data associated therewith. The example method also involves measuring a formation fluid and determining a second fluid composition data based on the measurement. The second fluid composition data is compared with the first fluid composition data associated with the reservoir fluid map, and a well trajectory is adjusted based on the comparison.