Pressure-Transient Modeling for Early Water Encroachment Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current models for monitoring the movement of fluid interfaces in composite reservoirs, particularly in radial and linear systems with moving fluid fronts, face challenges in accurately predicting water encroachment and breakthrough, leading to inefficiencies in production operations.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method utilizing the Laplace Transform Finite-Difference numerical technique combined with the Buckley-Leverett frontal-advance equation to develop pressure-transient models for vertical, vertically-fractured, and horizontal wells, allowing for the monitoring of fluid front movement and velocity, and enabling proactive adjustments in production operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If empirical models and numerical techniques are used to evaluate pressure-transient behavior, then the ability to analyze composite reservoir systems is improved, but the complexity of the evaluation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where pressure-transient data from the composite reservoir is continuously monitored and fed back into the Laplace Transform Finite-Difference model. This allows the system to iteratively refine its evaluation of fluid front position and reservoir parameters, improving measurement precision through adaptive refinement while managing complexity through structured feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that translates complex numerical calculations into interpretable fluid front position estimates. The Laplace Transform Finite-Difference method acts as an intermediary between raw pressure-transient data and meaningful reservoir characterization, simplifying the interpretation process while maintaining evaluation accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the fluid interface movement is monitored using traditional models, then the monitoring capability is limited, but the detection time for water encroachment is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the Laplace Transform Finite-Difference model to predict fluid front position before water actually encroaches into the production zone. By continuously evaluating pressure-transient behavior and estimating fluid front position in advance, the system provides early warning of water encroachment, allowing proactive operational adjustments before significant water production occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical monitoring methods with a computational approach using Laplace Transform Finite-Difference numerical techniques. This substitution enables continuous, real-time estimation of fluid front position based on pressure-transient analysis, significantly improving detection timing and precision compared to conventional mechanical or periodic sampling methods.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for monitoring movement of a fluid interface in a composite reservoir includes receiving data related to a composite reservoir. The composite reservoir includes an uninvaded oil zone, a water-invaded transition zone, and an aquifer. A model is generated using the data. The model is updated in response to movement of a fluid interface between the water-invaded transition zone and the uninvaded oil zone in the composite reservoir is identified. The model is also updated in response to movement of water from the aquifer toward the wellbore is also identified, before the fluid interface reaches a wellbore formed in the composite reservoir. A remedial action is determined to take in the wellbore in response to the movement of the fluid interface, the movement of the water, or both.