Multi-Component Gravimeter Fluid Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and measuring hydrocarbon fluid movement in earth formations are limited by the availability and cost of suitable tools, such as gravimeters, which restrict the acquisition of accurate multi-component gravity information necessary for estimating producible hydrocarbon content and reservoir depletion.
Innovation Solution
The use of multi-component gravimeters configured to generate detailed gravity information, deployed either at the surface or within boreholes, to measure and analyze changes in gravity vectors, allowing for the estimation of fluid movement and density changes within the earth formation, thereby improving hydrocarbon recovery strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional gravimeters are used to measure gravity, then gravity measurements can be obtained, but the cost and availability of suitable tools are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gravity measurement system into multiple independent gravimeters distributed throughout the reservoir, each measuring local gravity changes. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through multiple simple units rather than requiring a single complex expensive system, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and device complexity/cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple copies of the same gravimeter type distributed at different locations within the reservoir. Instead of relying on a single expensive high-precision instrument, the system employs multiple identical affordable units that collectively provide the necessary measurement precision through spatial distribution, addressing both the cost and accuracy requirements
2Productivity
If single-component gravity measurements are used, then simpler tools can be employed, but the ability to estimate fluid movement and reservoir depletion is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-component to multi-component gravity measurements by adding spatial dimensions to the measurements. Each gravimeter measures gravity in multiple directions (vertical and horizontal components), transforming a one-dimensional measurement approach into a multi-dimensional system that provides sufficient information to estimate fluid movement and reservoir depletion, thereby resolving the contradiction between estimation capability and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the gravimeter system to serve multiple functions simultaneously: measuring gravity changes, detecting fluid movement, estimating reservoir depletion, and mapping hydrocarbon distribution. This multi-functionality allows a single system architecture to address various production challenges, resolving the contradiction between enhanced productivity capabilities and device complexity
3Measurement precision
If more gravimeters are deployed to improve measurement accuracy, then fluid movement can be measured more precisely, but the number of required instruments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data from multiple gravimeters into a unified three-dimensional gravity field model. By combining measurements from distributed sensors and using computational methods to integrate the data, the system achieves high measurement precision for fluid movement detection without requiring an excessive number of individual instruments, resolving the contradiction between precision and quantity
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 enhances the sensitivity and resolution of gravity measurements, reducing the number of required gravimeters and providing more accurate fluid movement estimates, leading to improved hydrocarbon recovery decisions.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring the gravity information for the earth formation using at least one gravimeter
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for acquiring multi-component gravity information for an earth formation. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to estimating the movement of fluid in an earth formation using at least one gravimeter configured to generate multi-component gravity information. The method may include estimating density changes in the earth formation. The method may include estimating a position of the at least one gravimeter. The apparatus may include a multi-component gravimeter configured to estimate gravity vectors for each vector component.