Micro-logging System for Continuous Well Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logging systems in the oilfield industry face challenges such as disruption of production, complexity in deployment, high capital investment, and operational costs due to the weight and complexity of logging tools, as well as the need for multiple operators and permanent sensor installations.
Innovation Solution
A micro-logging system comprising a conveying tubing embedded in the annulus of a cased borehole, a deployable micro-logging tool string, and a control and data acquisition unit that allows for automated deployment and data transfer, enabling logging without removing well completion and allowing for real-time, time-lapse monitoring of geological formation properties during production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireline logging is performed in a cased borehole, then geological formation properties can be investigated, but production is disrupted and multiple operators are required
Solution Approach 1:
The logging system is divided into modular components: a compact micro-logging tool string that can be deployed independently through the conveying tubing, eliminating the need for heavy conventional logging equipment and multiple operators while maintaining measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-logging tool string is deployed inside the conveying tubing which is permanently embedded in the annulus, creating a nested configuration that allows logging operations without removing well completion and without disrupting production
2Measurement precision
If conventional logging tools are deployed, then formation properties can be measured, but the weight and complexity require multiple operators and increase operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The essential logging measurement functions are extracted from heavy conventional tool strings and implemented in a lightweight micro-logging tool string, removing unnecessary complexity while retaining measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces heavy mechanical logging tools with a lightweight micro-logging tool string deployed through fluid circulation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical handling equipment and multiple operators
3Duration of action of stationary object
If permanent sensor systems are installed, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but capital investment is high and the system is irretrievable
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static permanent sensors to dynamic reusable micro-logging tools that can be repeatedly deployed and retrieved, providing continuous monitoring capability without permanent installation and reducing capital investment
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-logging tool string is designed to be retrieved and reused after each logging operation, eliminating the need for permanent sensor installation and reducing capital investment while maintaining continuous monitoring capability through repeated deployments
4Measurement precision
If logging operations are performed with conventional equipment, then formation data can be collected, but deployment is difficult due to completion geometry and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-logging tool string is deployed using hydraulic circulation of fluid through the conveying tubing, eliminating the need for complex mechanical deployment equipment and making deployment easier regardless of completion geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the deployment parameter from mechanical force to hydraulic flow, allowing the micro-logging tool string to be easily circulated through the conveying tubing regardless of well completion geometry or complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A micro-logging system of a geological formation GF surrounding a cased borehole WB comprising a casing CS and an annulus CA, the micro-logging system comprising: - a tubing comprising a conveying tubing 1A permanently embedded in at least a section of the annulus CA and extending substantially parallel to the casing CS at least over a distance corresponding to a zone of interest ZI, - a micro-logging tool string 2 deployable in the conveying tubing 1A, - means for deploying the micro-logging tool string 2 in the conveying tubing 1A at desired depths along the cased borehole WB, and - a control and data acquisition unit 4 coupled to the deploying means such as to automatically control operations of the deploying means.