In-situ Spectroscopy for Real-time Oil Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for allocating commingled oil production are delayed and prone to errors due to reliance on laboratory-based gas chromatography, which is complex and susceptible to sample contamination during transportation, and lacks real-time capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing in-situ spectroscopic measurements at the wellsite using techniques such as UV-Vis-NIR, X-ray fluorescence, Raman, NMR, and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy to estimate fluid allocations in real-time, allowing for quick response to production issues and reducing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory-based gas chromatography is used for allocating commingled oil production, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and reliability deteriorates due to sample contamination during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an in-situ spectroscopic measurement system as an intermediary between sample collection and laboratory analysis. This system performs preliminary analysis at the wellsite using UV-Vis-NIR, XRF, Raman, or NMR spectroscopy, eliminating the need to transport samples to remote laboratories and enabling real-time allocation decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sample transportation process with optical and electromagnetic field-based spectroscopic measurements. By substituting physical sample movement with remote sensing techniques, the system eliminates contamination risks and reduces analysis time while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If gas chromatography is used for fluid analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simpler, more portable spectroscopic instruments (UV-Vis-NIR, XRF, Raman, NMR) that can be deployed at wellsites without requiring complex laboratory infrastructure. These instruments provide sufficient measurement precision for allocation purposes while being easier to operate and maintain than gas chromatography systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses spectroscopic methods that can analyze multiple fluid components simultaneously with a single measurement system. The spectroscopic instruments can identify and quantify various hydrocarbon components, water, and other fluids in commingled production, replacing the multi-step process required by gas chromatography
3Measurement precision
If samples are transported to remote laboratories for analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces in-situ spectroscopic measurement as an intermediary that eliminates the harmful transportation process. By performing analysis at the wellsite using optical and electromagnetic fields, the system prevents contamination while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates spectral copies of the fluid samples through non-contact or minimal-contact spectroscopic measurements. These spectral fingerprints are then analyzed to determine fluid composition and allocation, eliminating the need to physically handle and transport actual samples
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 rapid and accurate real-time allocation of commingled oil production, enhancing the ability to respond quickly to production problems and eliminating contamination issues associated with transporting samples to remote laboratories.
Implementation Method 1
making spectroscopic in-situ measurements in the vicinity of a wellsite of a produced fluid
Implementation Method 2
X-ray fluorescence
Implementation Method 3
Raman
Implementation Method 4
NMR
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and related systems are described for real-time wellsite production allocation analysis. Spectroscopic in-situ measurements are made in the vicinity of a wellsite of a produced fluid from one or more boreholes. The produced fluid includes in a co-mingled state, at least a first fluid component from a first production zone and a second fluid component from a second production zone. An allocation is estimated in real-time for at least the first fluid component in the produced fluid based at least in part on the spectroscopic in-situ measurements. The in-situ measurements can be several types, for example: (1) absorption of electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths in the range of ultraviolet, visible and/or infrared light, (2) X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy measurements, (3) electromagnetic scattering spectroscopic measurements such as Raman spectroscopy measurements, (4) NMR spectroscopy measurements, and (5) terahertz time-domain spectroscopy measurements.