NMR T2-D Maps for Hydrocarbon GOR Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the gas-to-oil ratio (GOR) in hydrocarbon mixtures are limited by their inability to accurately discriminate between single and multi-type hydrocarbon molecules, relying on bulk fluid properties like viscosity and density, which do not provide sufficient information for precise GOR estimation.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing two-dimensional T2-D maps to separate peaks for oil and solution gas, calculating the proton fraction ratio, and converting it to GOR, allowing for precise estimation of GOR in mixtures with high GOR.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If bulk fluid properties (viscosity, density) are measured to characterize hydrocarbon mixtures, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the precision of GOR estimation is insufficient because these properties do not discriminate between single and multi-type hydrocarbon molecules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidGOR estimation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces bulk fluid measurement methods (mechanical/physical properties like viscosity and density) with NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) technology. This substitution enables molecular-level characterization by measuring relaxation times and diffusivities of individual hydrocarbon molecules, thereby achieving precise GOR estimation while maintaining operational efficiency through automated NMR analysis workflows

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If NMR technology is used to perform molecular level characterization of hydrocarbon mixtures, then the precision of component discrimination is improved, but the device complexity and measurement time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent discrimination precisionVSAvoidNMR measurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the hydrocarbon mixture analysis into distinct molecular-level measurements using NMR. By measuring relaxation times and diffusivities separately for different hydrocarbon types (single-type vs. multi-type molecules), the system achieves precise component discrimination. The segmentation of measurement parameters allows complex mixtures to be analyzed through multiple independent NMR measurements that can be processed algorithmically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in NMR measurement parameters (relaxation times and diffusivities) to distinguish between different hydrocarbon molecule types. By monitoring how these parameters vary across the mixture components, the system achieves molecular-level characterization without requiring complex physical separation equipment, thereby managing device complexity through parameter-based analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If optical technology is used to analyze individual fluid components in hydrocarbon mixtures, then component identification capability is improved, but the precision deteriorates when optical responses of various mixture components overlap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent identification capabilityVSAvoidcomponent separation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical detection methods with NMR-based detection. Instead of relying on optical responses that can overlap between different hydrocarbon components, the system uses nuclear magnetic resonance properties (relaxation times and diffusivities) that provide distinct signatures for different molecule types. This substitution eliminates the precision deterioration problem inherent in optical methods when component spectral lines overlap

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables accurate determination of GOR in hydrocarbon mixtures by distinguishing between oil and solution gas components, providing quantitative information on fluid properties and improving the precision of GOR estimation.

Implementation Method 1

use of NMR provides for molecular level characterization of a fluid. That is, NMR may be used to determine information regarding molecular-level interactions among the various molecules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR):

Implementation Method 2

a two-dimensional T2-D map relating diffusion coefficients D to the transverse relaxation times T2 of the mixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP2115486B1NMR-methods for identification and quantification of components in a fluid

Publication Date: 2012.07.25 BAKER HUGHES CO

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Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A method for determining a proportion of a hydrocarbon constituent in a mixture including at least one hydrocarbon, includes determining at least one nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) property for at least one hydrocarbon constituent in the mixture; correlating an NMR response for the property for each hydrocarbon constituent in the mixture; and from the correlating, calculating the proportion of at least the constituent. A computer program product is also provided.