NMR Detection of Subsurface Fluid Viscosity and Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for extracting heavy oils and removing hydrocarbon contaminants from subsurface formations face challenges due to high viscosity and unique properties, which hinder accurate measurement and efficient extraction, particularly in heavy oil reservoirs and contaminated sites.
Innovation Solution
The use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) measurement technologies, including surface and borehole NMR devices, to monitor changes in subsurface fluids and formations during induced alteration processes, such as thermal and chemical stimulation, allowing for improved characterization and optimization of extraction processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional extraction methods are used on heavy oils at ambient temperatures, then the extraction process is simple and low-cost, but the viscosity of heavy oils is too high to enable fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical extraction methods with NMR measurement technology to detect and characterize heavy oils and contaminants. Instead of relying on physical sampling and laboratory analysis, the system uses electromagnetic fields to non-invasively measure fluid properties in-situ, achieving high detection precision without complex mechanical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces NMR measurement technology as an intermediary between the heavy oil reservoir and the observer/extractor. The NMR system acts as a mediator that translates complex subsurface conditions into measurable signals, enabling accurate detection of fluid composition, viscosity, and saturation without direct contact or complex well interventions.
2Productivity
If thermal stimulation is applied to reduce hydrocarbon viscosity, then fluid flow is improved, but the measurement of changes in fluid properties becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous NMR monitoring throughout the thermal stimulation process, capturing real-time changes in fluid properties. Instead of taking discrete snapshots before and after stimulation, the system continuously measures viscosity, composition, and saturation changes, maintaining measurement precision throughout the dynamic heating process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adapts the NMR measurement system to dynamically track changing fluid properties during thermal stimulation. The system adjusts measurement parameters and timing to capture transient states as temperatures rise and viscosity changes, enabling accurate characterization of the stimulation process itself rather than just initial and final states.
3Loss of information
If multiple NMR measurements are performed at different times during the alteration process, then the characterization of fluid changes is improved, but the time required for measurement and analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic NMR measurements at strategically selected intervals during the alteration process. Rather than continuous measurement which would be time-consuming, the system takes periodic snapshots that capture key stages of fluid transformation, efficiently tracking changes in composition, viscosity, and saturation without excessive time investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary NMR measurements to establish baseline fluid properties before alteration begins. This preliminary characterization enables the system to focus subsequent measurements on detecting deviations from the baseline, reducing the need for exhaustive continuous monitoring and accelerating the overall measurement and analysis process.
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
NMR technologies enable accurate detection and characterization of heavy oils and contaminants, optimizing extraction strategies by determining changes in viscosity, porosity, and fluid composition, thereby enhancing the efficiency and efficacy of heavy oil recovery and contaminant remediation.
Implementation Method 1
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) systems have been in use for many years and can be used to provide imaging and/or analysis of a sample being tested
Implementation Method 2
NMR measurement involves utilizing or generating a static magnetic field within a sample volume
Implementation Method 3
NMR measurement involves emitting one or more electromagnetic pulses into the sample volume, and detecting NMR responses from the sample volume
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies applicable to NMR detection of water and hydrocarbons during induced alteration processes are disclosed. NMR measurements may be used to monitor properties of subsurface fluids within a subsurface formation. NMR measurement devices may be deployed proximal to or within a subsurface formation that contains hydrocarbons. Multiple NMR measurements may be performed during an induced alteration process applied to the subsurface formation to determine properties of the subsurface formation or fluid as the induced alteration process progresses. Changes in properties of the subsurface formation or fluid may be determined and may be used to determine efficacy of, optimize, or otherwise modify the induced alteration process.