Formation Testing Tool Horizontal Permeability Anisotropy Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current formation testing tools lack the capability to effectively detect and quantify permeability anisotropy within the horizontal plane, which is crucial for optimizing reservoir drainage patterns and recovery projects, as they primarily focus on vertical and horizontal permeability without considering directional variations within the horizontal plane.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a formation testing tool with a focused opening and a horizontally displaced observation probe to measure flow responses within a subsurface reservoir, allowing for the determination of horizontal permeability and mobility, and the orthogonal components of horizontal permeability, using numerical simulation models to analyze pressure changes and derivatives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional formation testing tools are used, then vertical and horizontal permeability can be measured, but directional variations within the horizontal plane cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The tool divides the observation function into multiple discrete probes positioned at different azimuthal angles around the borehole. Each probe measures pressure response in a specific directional sector, allowing the system to segment the horizontal plane into measurable angular components that reveal permeability anisotropy patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds the azimuthal angle dimension to traditional formation testing by positioning probes not only at vertical depths but also at different horizontal angles around the borehole. This dimensional expansion transforms conventional 1D vertical measurements into 3D spherical coordinate measurements, enabling detection of directional permeability variations within the horizontal plane.
2Measurement precision
If multi-probe module is deployed, then formation pressure can be monitored at multiple locations, but horizontal permeability anisotropy cannot be quantified
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from pressure responses at multiple azimuthally-displaced probes to iteratively refine permeability estimates. By comparing measured pressure transients against theoretical models that account for directional permeability variations, the system adjusts horizontal permeability component values until the modeled responses match observed data, thereby quantifying anisotropy through iterative feedback optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the interpretation parameters from conventional scalar horizontal permeability to vector components with azimuthal dependence. By transforming the analysis framework to accommodate directional permeability parameters (kh at different angles) rather than single-value horizontal permeability, the system enables quantification of horizontal permeability anisotropy through modified flow response analysis.
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 the detection and quantification of horizontal permeability anisotropy, distinguishing between different directional components, and differentiating between anisotropy and skin effects, thereby improving the design of reservoir drainage and recovery projects.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a flow response of the subsurface reservoir... determining one of horizontal permeability and horizontal mobility of the reservoir based on measuring a flow response
Data Source
AI summary
A method including positioning a formation testing tool within a wellbore formed within a subsurface reservoir, wherein the tool has a focused opening to enable fluid communication with the reservoir, and the tool has a horizontally-displaced observation probe configured to obtain pressure data; determining one of horizontal permeability and horizontal mobility of the reservoir based on measuring a flow response of the subsurface reservoir one of at and adjacent to the observation probe; and determining orthogonal components of one of the horizontal permeability and horizontal mobility based on the measured flow response.