NMR Wettability Measurement via Temperature Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring rock wettability in hydrocarbon reservoirs are inadequate, particularly in determining wettability at different saturation levels, which affects hydrocarbon production and extraction processes like water flooding and enhanced oil recovery (EOR).
Innovation Solution
The method involves using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) surface relaxation times to measure rock wettability by obtaining and analyzing NMR relaxation times at various temperatures, both for saturated and unsaturated rock samples, to determine temperature sensitivity, which is used to calculate the wettability index, allowing for non-destructive and non-invasive assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to measure rock wettability, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures wettability by obtaining NMR surface relaxation times at multiple different temperatures and analyzing the temperature sensitivity of these relaxation times. By changing the temperature parameter and measuring its effect on NMR relaxation, the method achieves more precise wettability characterization compared to conventional single-point measurement methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses NMR relaxation time as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure wettability. Instead of directly measuring wettability, the method measures the NMR surface relaxation time at different temperatures, which serves as a mediator that reflects the wettability characteristics of the rock sample.
2Measurement precision
If NMR relaxation times are measured at multiple temperatures, then the wettability measurement accuracy is improved, but the measurement time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures NMR surface relaxation times at a selected plurality of temperatures, which is more than a single measurement but potentially fewer than all possible temperature points. This partial measurement approach provides sufficient accuracy for wettability determination while limiting the total measurement time and energy consumption.
3Reliability
If NMR surface relaxation times are used to measure wettability, then the measurement is non-destructive and non-invasive, but the device complexity and measurement cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces potential mechanical or chemical measurement methods with NMR-based measurement. NMR is a non-destructive, non-invasive technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to measure relaxation times, avoiding the need for physical alteration or chemical treatment of the rock sample.
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 approach provides accurate and reliable wettability measurements, enhancing the prediction of hydrocarbon production and optimizing extraction processes by quantifying wettability at different saturation levels, thus improving the efficiency of EOR and IOR processes.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a first Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) surface relaxation time for the rock sample
Implementation Method 2
determining a first temperature sensitivity based on the first NMR surface relaxation times and corresponding temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes methods and systems, including computer-implemented methods, computer program products, and computer systems, for measuring wettability of a rock sample. One method includes: at each temperature of a plurality of temperatures, obtaining a first Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) surface relaxation time for a rock sample having a saturation level; determining a first temperature sensitivity based on the first NMR surface relaxation times and corresponding temperatures; at each temperature of the plurality of temperatures, obtaining a second NMR surface relaxation time for the rock sample that is saturated with oil; determining a second temperature sensitivity based on the second NMR surface relaxation times and corresponding temperature; and determining a wettability of the rock sample based on the first temperature sensitivity and the second temperature sensitivity.