Integrated NMR Logging and Fluid Sampling Tool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current formation evaluation methods require multiple specialized tools for fluid sampling and NMR logging, necessitating multiple runs in hole operations or complex wireline tools, which is inefficient and operationally challenging.

Innovation Solution

An integrated NMR logging and fluid sampling system that combines a downhole logging tool with surface equipment and a computing subsystem, enabling simultaneous NMR measurements and fluid sampling using a single tool, with communication and telemetry systems for data transmission, and a modular design including an NMR module, probe, flow control, and sample collection capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple specialized tools are used for fluid sampling and NMR logging, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines fluid sampling capabilities and NMR logging capabilities into a single integrated downhole tool. The tool includes both a fluid sampling module with seals and flow control mechanisms, and an NMR module with radio frequency coils and magnets, allowing both functions to be performed by one device rather than requiring separate specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The downhole tool is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform both fluid sampling and NMR logging operations. The tool includes interchangeable or complementary modules that enable it to execute different evaluation functions, making a single tool universal for multiple formation evaluation tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple specialized tools are used for fluid sampling and NMR logging, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines fluid sampling capabilities and NMR logging capabilities into a single integrated downhole tool. The tool includes both a fluid sampling module with seals and flow control mechanisms, and an NMR module with radio frequency coils and magnets, allowing both functions to be performed by one device rather than requiring separate specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If multiple run in hole operations are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated tool allows fluid sampling and NMR logging to be performed continuously during a single run-in-hole operation. The tool can sample formation fluids and perform NMR measurements on the sampled fluids without requiring the tool to be retrieved and replaced, maintaining continuous evaluation operations and eliminating idle time between separate operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Measurement precision

If a wireline tool has multiple sections and parts, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines fluid sampling capabilities and NMR logging capabilities into a single integrated downhole tool. The tool includes both a fluid sampling module with seals and flow control mechanisms, and an NMR module with radio frequency coils and magnets, allowing both functions to be performed by one device rather than requiring separate specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated system allows for efficient and concurrent NMR logging and fluid sampling operations, reducing the need for multiple tools and operations, enhancing data collection and analysis, and improving the accuracy of subsurface property detection and fluid characterization.

Implementation Method 1

nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging. NMR logging, a subcategory of electromagnetic logging, measures the induced magnet moment of hydrogen nuclei (protons) contained within the fluid-filled pore space of a formation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNuclear magnetic resonance: Nuclear Fusion

Data Source

PatentEP3464819B1Nuclear magnetic resonance sensing and fluid sampling device for subterranean characterization
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC
  • EP3464819B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3464819B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3464819B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A subterranean characterization and fluid sampling device for analyzing a fluid from a subterranean formation includes a controller, a tool body, and a probing module. The tool body includes a fluid testing module configured to receive a sample of the fluid from the subterranean formation and a permanent magnet configured to induce a static magnetic field (B0). The probing module is coupled to the tool body and separate from the permanent magnet, and configured to withdraw the fluid from the formation and deliver the fluid to the testing module. The probing module comprises an antenna that generates a radio frequency magnetic field (B1) in response to a signal from the controller.