Subterranean Reservoir Imaging via Horizontal Well Sensor Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reservoir imaging and monitoring methods face challenges in providing detailed information about deep and complex geological formations, as they rely on surface or vertical-well sensors that offer limited information due to the distance and expense of drilling multiple vertical wells, and are limited by the lack of top or bottom sensors, which complicates imaging and resistivity mapping.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple arrangements of electromagnetic sensors disposed in non-parallel configurations, both horizontally and vertically, with a processing unit to analyze signals and generate enhanced images of subterranean reservoirs, including the injection of contrast fluids to enhance imaging, and the deployment of sensors in horizontal well branches for deeper sensing and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple vertical wells are drilled for cross-well imaging, then detailed resistivity mapping is achieved, but drilling expense and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical well configurations to horizontal well branches that extend laterally through the reservoir. This dimensional change allows sensors to be positioned at greater distances from the surface while maintaining proximity to the reservoir, enabling detailed imaging without requiring multiple vertical wells. The horizontal configuration provides alternative geometric relationships for sensor placement that reduce drilling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the sensing function across multiple sensor arrangements positioned at different locations along horizontal well branches. Rather than requiring complete cross-well coverage through multiple vertical wells, the patent segments the imaging task across distributed sensor arrays that can be deployed in fewer, horizontally-oriented wells, reducing overall drilling operations.
2Ease of operation
If surface sensors are used for reservoir imaging, then operational simplicity is maintained, but imaging depth and detail are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends sensing capabilities from the surface dimension into the subsurface by deploying sensors along horizontal well branches that traverse through the reservoir at depth. This allows the system to maintain operational simplicity of sensor deployment while achieving deep imaging capability, as sensors are positioned close to the reservoir rather than remaining at the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal well branches serve as intermediaries that bridge the surface and the deep reservoir. Sensors deployed along these branches can be accessed and operated from the surface while being positioned at depth, effectively using the well structure as a mediator to achieve both operational simplicity and deep imaging capability.
3Length of stationary object
If vertical-well sensors are deployed for deep reservoir sensing, then depth coverage is achieved, but top and bottom sensor coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces horizontal dimensionality to the sensor deployment by extending well branches laterally from vertical wells. This allows sensor arrangements to capture reservoir information from multiple geometric perspectives, including top and bottom regions that would be difficult to access with purely vertical sensor arrays. The horizontal extension provides alternative viewing angles and coverage geometries.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional sensor arrangements are used, then existing operational frameworks are maintained, but imaging detail and accuracy for complex reservoirs deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable and reconfigurable sensor arrangements along horizontal well branches, allowing the system to adapt its geometry and sensor positioning based on specific reservoir characteristics. This dynamic capability enables optimization of imaging detail and accuracy for complex reservoirs while maintaining compatibility with existing operational frameworks through flexible deployment strategies.
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 provides more detailed and accurate imaging and monitoring of reservoirs, enabling optimal well placement, enhanced hydrocarbon recovery, and improved production monitoring by offering depth, orientation, length, and resistivity information, overcoming the limitations of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
a first arrangement of electromagnetic sensors disposed along a first direction below earth's surface and a second arrangement of electromagnetic sensors disposed along a second direction below earth's surface
Implementation Method 2
US 2009/179649 A1 discloses methods for imaging geological structures include injecting magnetic materials into the geological structures, placing at least one magnetic probe in a proximity to the geological structures, generating a magnetic field in the geological structures and detecting a magnetic signal
Implementation Method 3
Figure 8 illustrates an example of an arrangement of transmitters and receivers relative to eddy currents in a reservoir
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments include apparatus and methods of sensing and/or mapping a subterranean reservoir. In various embodiments, arrangements of electromagnetic sensors are disposed relative to a subterranean reservoir such that a signal received by electromagnetic sensors of one arrangement, in response to activation of an electromagnetic transmitter, can be analyzed to map the subterranean reservoir. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.