Quantum Gravimeter Networks for Low-Drift Reservoir Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gravimeters used in hydrocarbon production suffer from calibration errors and drift, leading to inaccuracies in measuring gravity changes in subterranean formations, which affects the efficiency of hydrocarbon extraction and production operations.
Innovation Solution
Employing quantum gravimeters, which utilize matter-wave interferometry with cooled rubidium atoms, to collect and process gravitational data, providing high accuracy and low drift, and combining these with both surface and downhole gravimeters to compensate for depth uncertainties and environmental noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional gravimeters are used to measure gravity changes in subterranean formations, then the measurement system is simple and cost-effective, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to calibration errors and drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical gravimeters with quantum gravimeters that utilize atom interferometry. The quantum gravimeter uses laser-cooled atoms and optical fields to measure gravitational acceleration, substituting mechanical sensing with quantum mechanical effects. This substitution eliminates drift and calibration errors inherent in conventional mechanical systems, achieving superior measurement precision despite increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental measurement parameter from mechanical displacement to quantum phase shift. By measuring the phase difference of matter waves in different gravitational potentials, the system achieves higher precision. The use of laser cooling to reach microkelvin temperatures and the precise control of atomic states represent parameter changes that enable superior measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If quantum gravimeters are deployed to improve measurement accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the quantum gravimeter system into distinct functional modules: laser cooling system, atom release mechanism, optical field generation, and detection system. Each module performs a specific function in the measurement process. This segmentation allows for independent optimization and maintenance of each subsystem, managing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser-cooled atoms as an intermediary between the gravitational field and the detection system. These atoms serve as quantum sensors that interact with gravity and transfer this information to the detection apparatus through matter-wave interferometry. This intermediary enables precise measurement while isolating the complex quantum processes from the classical measurement system.
3Reliability
If multiple gravimeters (surface and downhole) are combined to compensate for depth uncertainties, then the measurement reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges surface quantum gravimeters with downhole gravimeters into an integrated measurement network. Data from multiple locations are combined and processed together to compensate for depth uncertainties and environmental variations. This merging of measurement systems at different depths creates a more reliable and comprehensive understanding of subsurface gravitational changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where data from the gravimeter network is continuously analyzed and used to adjust measurement parameters and compensate for environmental effects. The system uses information from surface and downhole measurements to correct for depth-related uncertainties, improving overall reliability through iterative refinement of the measurement data.
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
Enhances the accuracy of gravitational data collection, allowing for precise detection of fluid movements and reservoir characteristics, enabling better hydrocarbon extraction strategies and minimizing waste water extraction.
Implementation Method 1
employing quantum gravimeters, which utilize matter-wave interferometry with cooled rubidium atoms
Implementation Method 2
measuring gravity changes in subterranean formations
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure presents processes to locate one or more quantum gravimeters at a hydrocarbon well site, with at least one quantum gravimeter at a surface location. Zero or more additional gravimeters, whether quantum gravimeters or non-quantum gravimeters, can be located downhole a wellbore of the well site. Gravitational data collected from various gravimeters can be analyzed to produce analyzed gravitational parameters and subterranean formation parameters. In some aspects, the gravitational data can be processed, such as by an inversion algorithm or a noise reduction algorithm. The generated results can be used to calibrate non-quantum gravimeters located proximate the well site or downhole the wellbore, identify a depth and direction of a water front, identify the fluid flow of hydrocarbons or water in the subterranean formation, to identify orphaned hydrocarbon reservoirs, or other characteristics of fluid flow or subterranean formation parameters, such as subterranean formation damage.