NMR-Based Relative Permeability Curve Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining relative permeability and capillary pressure data are time-consuming and require expensive equipment, with laboratory measurements on small cores being scaled up to reservoir models, leading to inaccuracies and challenges in determining feasible solution spaces for reservoir modeling.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using downhole logging data, particularly nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data, to estimate pore size distribution indices, generate relative permeability and capillary pressure curves, and reduce the feasible solution region by integrating NMR with flow-line NMR, dielectric measurements, and mercury porosimetry data, applying modified Brooks-Corey models and Corey exponents to define bounds and reduce uncertainty.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory measurements on small cores using special core analysis techniques are performed, then relative permeability and capillary pressure data can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and requires expensive special equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical laboratory measurement system with a computational system that uses nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging data and numerical modeling to generate relative permeability and capillary pressure curves, eliminating the need for time-consuming physical core analysis while maintaining data quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of the reservoir using NMR data and numerical simulations that replicate the behavior of actual core measurements, allowing engineers to obtain Kr-Pc curves without performing physical experiments on core samples
2Measurement precision
If laboratory measurements on small cores are performed, then relative permeability and capillary pressure data can be obtained, but scaling up to reservoir model is challenging and may introduce inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal numerical modeling approach that directly generates reservoir-scale relative permeability and capillary pressure curves from NMR logging data, eliminating the need for separate laboratory measurement and scaling-up processes while maintaining consistency across different reservoir conditions
3Measurement precision
If multiple drainage/imbibition cycles are performed to obtain fluid saturation changes, then relative permeability and capillary pressure data can be obtained, but the process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the iterative physical drainage/imbibition process with a computational approach that uses NMR data to directly calculate fluid saturation changes and generate Kr-Pc curves through numerical modeling, achieving the same measurement objectives without repeated physical cycles
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer program product, and computing system for receiving downhole logging data for a porous media. A pore size distribution index may be estimated based upon, at least in part, nuclear magnetic resonance data (NMR) from the downhole logging data of the porous media. A relative permeability and capillary pressure curve may be generated with a feasible region of solutions based upon, at least in part, the pore size distribution index.