Fractured Rock Flow Quantification via Tracer Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for studying fluid flow through fractured rocks in pre-salt reservoirs lack effective means to accurately represent the influence of natural fractures on fluid flow, particularly in multi-fractured wells, which hinders precise reservoir modeling and production optimization.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a device that artificially fractures a porous plug, wraps it with a liner containing holes, and subjects it to single-phase flow with a tracer fluid, allowing for microtomographic imaging and quantification of fluid flow parameters, thereby simulating the behavior of fluid flow in fractured reservoirs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory tests are performed on fractured rock samples to obtain permeability and transfer function parameters, then the representation of fractures in reservoir models is improved, but the complexity of the testing system and equipment requirements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is segmented into modular components: a microtomograph for imaging, a flow testing apparatus for fluid injection, and a data processing system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier setup and operation while maintaining measurement precision for fracture parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
A tracer fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance to enhance the visibility of fluid flow paths within the fractured rock sample during microtomographic imaging. This intermediary allows precise tracking and measurement of fluid distribution without requiring complex external monitoring equipment, thus improving measurement accuracy while managing system complexity.
2Loss of information
If microtomographic imaging is performed to visualize fluid distribution in fractured media, then the understanding of fluid flow paths is improved, but the requirement for transparent equipment and specialized imaging equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracer fluid is designed with distinct optical properties that create visible contrast against the rock matrix and equipment materials. This color/optical contrast enables clear visualization of fluid flow paths and distribution patterns in the fractured media during microtomographic imaging, preserving critical flow information without requiring entirely transparent equipment components.
Solution Approach 2:
The microtomograph creates a detailed digital copy or image of the fluid distribution within the fractured rock sample. This digital representation preserves all essential information about fluid paths and distribution, allowing analysis without requiring physical manipulation or complete transparency of the entire testing apparatus, thus reducing equipment transparency requirements while maintaining information integrity.
3Measurement precision
If tracer fluid is used to enhance visibility in microtomograph, then the imaging quality is improved, but the fluid flow system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tracer fluid is formulated by changing specific parameters of the base fluid, such as adding contrast agents or dyes that modify optical properties without significantly altering flow characteristics. This parameter change enhances imaging precision by making the fluid more visible to the microtomograph while introducing minimal additional complexity to the fluid flow system itself.
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
This approach enables the precise quantification of parameters representing fluid flow in fractured media and provides detailed images of fluid distribution, enhancing the accuracy of reservoir simulation models and optimizing production strategies.
Implementation Method 1
The pump flows the tracer fluid through the receptacle, forcing the fluid through the porous plug
Implementation Method 2
an image will be obtained that will highlight the distribution of the fluids
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes the development of a laboratory system for testing rock samples with fractures subjected to single-phase flow, using visible fluid and equipment made of material not sensitive to a microtomograph, allowing (i) the quantification of parameters that represent the flow in a fractured medium in the flow simulator and (ii) images that portray the distribution of fluids in the medium, in different injection steps.