NMR-Based Selective Inflow Control for Water Intrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrocarbon extraction from subsurface formations is hindered by water intrusion into production tubulars, leading to increased costs due to the need for surface separation of hydrocarbons from water.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) front-end component assemblies with sensitive volumes near inflow control devices (ICDs) in production tubulars to differentiate between hydrocarbons and water based on NMR measurements, remotely controlling ICDs to prevent water contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If production tubular is located in a water region, then hydrocarbon production can continue, but water enters the production tubular increasing separation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The production tubular is divided into multiple zones with individual inflow control devices (ICDs) that can be independently controlled. Each ICD segment can be selectively opened or closed based on NMR-detected fluid conditions, allowing hydrocarbons to be produced from zones without water while preventing water entry from water-containing zones.
Solution Approach 2:
NMR sensing acts as an intermediary between the production tubular and the control system. The NMR sensor detects fluid composition (hydrocarbon vs. water) in real-time and provides this information to the controller, which then adjusts ICD positions accordingly, enabling selective inflow control based on fluid type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If NMR measurements are used to detect fluid composition, then selective inflow control is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NMR front-end component assembly serves multiple functions: it detects fluid composition (hydrocarbon vs. water), provides real-time monitoring capability, and enables selective ICD control. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive fluid identification and control capabilities in one integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing magnetic field environment (either Earth's magnetic field or a simple magnet) and the natural NMR properties of fluids to perform detection without requiring complex external infrastructure. The NMR method leverages inherent fluid properties rather than requiring additional complex measurement systems.
3Reliability
If surface separation of hydrocarbons from water is performed, then both fluids can be handled, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The NMR detection and selective ICD control system performs preliminary separation at the reservoir level by preventing water from entering the production tubular in the first place. By controlling inflow at the source based on real-time NMR fluid identification, the system avoids the need for extensive surface separation operations, thereby reducing energy consumption and production costs.
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
Effectively extracts hydrocarbons while minimizing water intrusion, reducing the need for surface separation and associated costs, and enabling early detection of water flooding during enhanced oil recovery processes.
Implementation Method 1
By interrogating the sensitive volume, the presence of hydrocarbons or water that is being introduced or can be introduced into the corresponding ICD can be identified.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for extracting a fluid from a formation includes an inflow control device (ICD) coupled to a production tubular disposed in a borehole penetrating the formation and configured to control flow into the production tubular and a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) front-end component assembly disposed in the borehole, the NMR front-end component assembly having a sensitive volume in a flow path leading to and/or coming through the ICD. The apparatus also includes a controller receiving input from an NMR electronics module coupled to the NMR front-end component assembly and providing output to the ICD based on the input from the NMR electronics module.