Nanostructured Fluid Sampling Device for In-Situ Reservoir Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for in-situ sampling of hydrocarbon reservoirs are inadequate, requiring fluids to be produced from a borehole for analysis, and lack the ability to accurately characterize reservoir fluids' composition and properties, such as pH, salinity, and hydrocarbon concentration, especially at subsurface locations far from the borehole.
Innovation Solution
A nanostructured sampling device using a porous anodic alumina substrate with an erodible coating is deployed in a carrier fluid, which erodes in hot water to expose pores, allowing fluid sampling and subsequent analysis, enabling in-situ capture and trapping of reservoir fluids, including connate water and hydrocarbons, using a carrier fluid like water or brine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current fluid production methods are used to sample reservoir fluids, then fluids can be analyzed for composition and properties, but the method requires producing fluids from the borehole which is complex, time-consuming, and does not provide in-situ sampling capability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a porous particle substrate with controlled pore sizes (e.g., 1-10 micrometers) that allows reservoir fluids to enter and be trapped within the pore structures. This porous material enables direct in-situ sampling without requiring complex fluid production processes, as the particles themselves capture the fluids through their porous structure when injected into the reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes changes in physical parameters (temperature, pressure, fluid composition) within the reservoir environment to trigger the release or analysis of trapped fluids. By monitoring these parameter changes, the system can characterize reservoir fluids in-situ without requiring production to the surface, simplifying the overall process while maintaining measurement precision.
2Loss of information
If in-situ sampling is attempted without proper trapping mechanisms, then sampling location information is preserved, but the captured fluids cannot be retained for subsequent analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The invention nests the trapped reservoir fluids within the porous structure of the particle substrate, creating a hierarchical containment system. The fluids are captured within the pores (inner level) while the porous particle itself is contained within the injection/production well system (outer level). This nested structure ensures both location information is preserved and fluids are reliably retained for subsequent analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous particle substrate acts as a flexible containment structure that can adapt to the reservoir environment while maintaining fluid retention. The porous structure allows fluid entry and trapping while preventing escape, providing reliable containment without requiring rigid or complex sealing mechanisms that would compromise in-situ sampling capability.
3Ease of operation
If nanostructured particles are injected into the reservoir for sampling, then in-situ sampling capability is achieved, but the particles must withstand high pressures and temperatures of subsurface formations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite material structures for the porous particles, combining materials with complementary properties. The substrate may incorporate ceramic or glass matrices with embedded porous structures, or composite polymer-ceramic systems that provide both the necessary porosity for fluid capture and the mechanical strength to withstand reservoir pressures and temperatures. This composite approach enables in-situ sampling operation while maintaining particle integrity in harsh subsurface environments.
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 accurate in-situ sampling and analysis of hydrocarbon reservoir fluids, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by providing detailed composition and property data without the need for fluid production, suitable for high-pressure and temperature subsurface environments.
Implementation Method 1
the erodible coating is operable to erode in the presence of hot water, thereby exposing the pores of openings the substrate
Implementation Method 2
trapping the reservoir fluid samples within the devices by allowing the pore aperture to swell upon prolonged contact with hot water or brine within the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a nanostructured device for the in-situ capture of fluid samples at selectable times. The device includes a porous anodic alumina substrate having a plurality of elongated pores and an erodible capping material covering the pores. The device is transported into and through a geological reservoir while suspended in an injected carrier fluid. The device can optionally include a polymeric coating to improve minimize flocculation and sedimentation and prevent adhesion to surfaces in the reservoir. Upon erosion of the capping material, the fluids can diffuse into and fill each exposed pore. After a period of time, the hot water of the medium causes swelling and closure of the pore, effectively locking the fluid sample inside the pore. The device may be retrieved and analyzed to determine the composition and properties of the captured fluids.