Microwave Resonator Array for Core Saturation Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating saturation levels in hydrocarbon reservoirs during coreflooding experiments are prone to errors, affecting relative permeability data and reservoir performance simulations, due to limitations in accurately measuring the distribution of hydrocarbons and water.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing spatially distributed microwave resonators to transmit and receive signals, determining resonance frequencies and attenuation to calculate the relative amounts of hydrocarbon and water in core segments, providing real-time dynamic saturation profiles and improved permeability curves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement methods are used to estimate saturation levels, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is poor leading to errors in saturation level estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple resonators distributed along the core, with each resonator measuring saturation at a specific location. This segmentation enables precise spatially-resolved saturation measurements while keeping each individual resonator relatively simple in structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses microwave resonators that operate at resonant frequencies to detect saturation levels. The resonant oscillation of microwaves in each resonator provides a sensitive measurement mechanism for determining hydrocarbon and water saturation at each core location
2Measurement precision
If spatially distributed resonators are used to measure saturation profiles, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple resonators are merged into a single measurement system that can be interrogated through a common feedline. The resonators are capacitively coupled to the feedline, allowing their combined response to be measured and processed to extract individual saturation profiles at different core locations
Solution Approach 2:
The common feedline serves multiple functions: it provides excitation signals to all resonators, collects reflected signals from each resonator, and enables measurement of both resonance frequency and quality factor for each resonator through a single access point
3Productivity
If real-time dynamic saturation profiles are obtained, then the productivity of coreflood experiments is improved, but the measurement system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system continuously monitors saturation levels throughout the core during the coreflood experiment. By maintaining continuous measurement capability through the resonator array, the system provides real-time saturation profiles that enable dynamic adjustment of flood parameters without interrupting the experiment
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback on saturation distribution along the core, enabling dynamic adjustment of injection rates and flood parameters. This feedback mechanism allows optimization of hydrocarbon recovery by responding to changing saturation conditions during the experiment
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
The system generates accurate, real-time saturation profiles, enabling precise estimation of hydrocarbon and water distribution, improving reservoir performance simulations and observing flood-front movement, while being applicable to both steady-state and unsteady-state coreflood experiments.
Implementation Method 1
resonators configured for spatial distribution across a dimension of a target. The resonators are each configured to transmit signals into the target and to receive signals through the target... determine a resonance frequency of each of the resonators
Implementation Method 2
The system includes at least one common feedline, comprising one or more common ports, capacitively coupling the resonators
Implementation Method 3
The data processing system may be configured to determine attenuation of the signals transmitted into the target. The saturation profile may be based on the attenuation of the signals in the target
Data Source
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AI summary
A system includes resonators (11, 12, 13, 14) configured for spatial distribution across a dimension of a target (5), with the resonators each being configured to transmit signals into the target and to receive signals through the target; and a data processing system (35) to generate, based on the signals transmitted and received, a saturation profile of the target.