NMR Well Logging for Formation Productivity Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating subsurface rock formation productivity require invasive and resource-intensive fluid sample extraction and production testing, necessitating a need for non-invasive, quick, and convenient well logging techniques.
Innovation Solution
Measuring nuclear magnetic resonance properties at multiple lateral depths within a wellbore using a well logging instrument that induces a static magnetic field and pulsed radio frequency magnetic fields to estimate fluid productivity, allowing for the determination of permeability, fluid mobility, and production rates without extensive equipment installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluid sample extraction and production testing are used to estimate productivity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fluid extraction systems and production testing equipment with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) well logging technology. The NMR instrument measures formation properties directly through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical fluid sampling apparatus, piping, and extensive equipment installation while providing accurate productivity estimation through non-invasive formation characterization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces NMR measurements as an intermediary method to estimate productivity without direct fluid extraction. The NMR instrument serves as a mediator that indirectly assesses formation productivity by measuring nuclear magnetic resonance properties of formation fluids, avoiding the need for direct fluid sampling and complex production testing equipment
2Measurement precision
If fluid sample extraction and production testing are used to estimate productivity, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary NMR formation evaluation measurements during the well logging process itself, before production testing is required. By obtaining formation permeability, porosity, and fluid saturation data through NMR measurements during the logging operation, the method enables early productivity estimation without waiting for time-consuming production tests to complete
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical fluid extraction and production testing processes with rapid NMR measurements that can be performed continuously during well logging operations, dramatically reducing the time required for productivity estimation while maintaining measurement accuracy
3Ease of operation
If NMR measurements are used to estimate productivity, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in NMR measurement parameters (such as echo time, repetition time, and pulse sequence variations) to optimize both the ease of operation and measurement precision. By adjusting these parameters, the NMR instrument can accurately distinguish between different fluid types and saturation levels while maintaining simple automated operation during well logging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where NMR measurement results are continuously processed and used to refine productivity estimates. The measured formation properties (permeability, porosity, saturation) are fed into productivity calculation models, allowing the system to automatically adjust and improve estimation accuracy while maintaining ease of operation through automated data processing
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 and efficient estimation of fluid productivity in subsurface rock formations using non-invasive NMR measurements, reducing time and expense associated with traditional testing methods while providing detailed insights into fluid mobility and production rates.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a nuclear magnetic resonance property of the formation at a plurality of lateral depths therein
Implementation Method 2
inducing a static magnetic field in the formations, inducing a pulsed radio frequency magnetic field in the formations
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating fluid productivity of a subsurface rock formation from within a wellbore drilled therethrough includes measuring a nuclear magnetic resonance property of the formation at a plurality of lateral depths therein. The measured nuclear magnetic resonance property is used to estimate the fluid productivity.