NMR-Based Archie Cementation Exponent Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the Archie cementation exponent in subsurface formations are costly and inefficient, as they require obtaining core samples from each drilled well for laboratory analysis.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) responses and surface relaxivity measurements to determine the Archie cementation exponent in real-time during drilling operations, eliminating the need for core samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electrical methods are used to measure Archie cementation exponent in the laboratory, then measurement precision can be achieved, but cost and time consumption increase due to requiring core samples from each drilled well
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electrical measurement methods with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology. NMR uses magnetic fields and radio waves to measure cementation exponent directly in the field, eliminating the need for mechanical core sample retrieval and laboratory electrical measurements. This substitution achieves comparable measurement precision while dramatically reducing time loss and operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces NMR as an intermediary measurement technology that bridges the gap between field operations and laboratory analysis. By using NMR logging tools that can measure cementation exponent directly in the subs formation, the technology acts as a mediator that provides accurate measurements without requiring physical core samples to be transported to laboratories for electrical testing.
2Measurement precision
If core samples are obtained from each drilled well for laboratory analysis, then accurate cementation exponent determination is possible, but operational complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical system of core sample collection, transportation, and laboratory handling with a simplified NMR-based field measurement system. The NMR logging tool can be deployed directly in the wellbore to measure cementation exponent in-situ, eliminating the entire core sample logistics chain and its associated operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the core sample analysis process. Instead of requiring physical core samples to be taken out and analyzed in the laboratory, the NMR technology extracts the ability to measure cementation exponent directly from the formation in the field, separating the measurement function from the sample analysis requirement.
3Reliability
If laboratory analysis of core samples is performed, then reliable cementation exponent values can be obtained, but productivity decreases due to the time-consuming process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the cementation exponent measurement as a preliminary action during the drilling operation itself using NMR logging. By measuring the cementation exponent in-situ while the well is still being drilled or shortly after, the process eliminates the subsequent time-consuming steps of core sample retrieval, transportation, and laboratory analysis, thereby maintaining data reliability while significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous measurement of cementation exponent throughout the drilling operation using NMR logging. Instead of interrupting operations to retrieve and analyze discrete core samples, the NMR tool can continuously log cementation exponent data as the drill bit progresses through the formation, maintaining uninterrupted productivity while ensuring reliable data collection.
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 allows for accurate and cost-effective determination of the cementation exponent, enabling more precise formation evaluation and hydrocarbon reserve estimation directly from logging data.
Implementation Method 1
an NMR response signal that traversed through the subsurface formation and that is result of a magnetic field being emitted into the subsurface formation
Implementation Method 2
Nuclear magnetic resonance based Archie parameter determination
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises determining a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) response of a subsurface formation that is based on an NMR response signal that traversed through the subsurface formation and that is result of a magnetic field being emitted into the subsurface formation; determining an Archie cementation exponent for an Archie equation based on the NMR response; and determining a property of the subsurface formation based on the Archie cementation exponent.