Reservoir Fluid Characterization via Excess Pressure and NIR Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining formation fluid properties in pressure compartments are inadequate, as they fail to accurately characterize fluid composition and incorporate fluid characteristics into geophysics and geology cycles, leading to incomplete understanding of reservoir potential and hydrocarbon production.
Innovation Solution
A method involving open hole measurements, pressure measurements, application of excess pressure techniques to identify pressure compartments, and characterization of fluids within these compartments to develop a drilling plan that accounts for fluid variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods (seismic surveys, wireline logs) are used to classify reservoirs by pressure compartments, then reservoir structure can be identified, but fluid composition variations within compartments cannot be accurately characterized
Solution Approach 1:
The method segments the reservoir into discrete pressure compartments based on pressure measurements, then further segments each compartment into fluid composition zones using NIR spectroscopy. This multi-level segmentation allows identification of both pressure boundaries and fluid composition variations within compartments, resolving the contradiction between structural classification and fluid characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces NIR spectroscopy as an intermediary measurement technique that bridges the gap between pressure compartment identification and fluid composition analysis. The NIR tool acts as a mediator that provides direct fluid property measurements without requiring physical sampling, enabling accurate characterization of fluid compositional gradients within pressure compartments.
2Measurement precision
If pressure measurements are taken at multiple points to identify pressure compartments, then compartment boundaries can be detected, but fluid composition variations within compartments remain undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pressure measurement data with NIR spectroscopy fluid composition data into a unified reservoir characterization model. By combining these two measurement systems, the method simultaneously identifies pressure compartment boundaries and characterizes fluid composition variations within each compartment, eliminating the information loss that occurs when using either method alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new dimension of measurement by incorporating NIR spectroscopy data alongside traditional pressure measurements. This creates a multi-dimensional characterization space where both pressure compartment structure and fluid composition properties can be visualized and analyzed together, preventing loss of fluid property information.
3Measurement precision
If fluid samples are obtained using wireline formation tester to measure critical fluid properties, then direct fluid property data can be acquired, but the method does not integrate fluid characteristics into geophysics and geology cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement approach where NIR spectroscopy serves multiple functions: it characterizes fluid composition in real-time, identifies fluid compositional gradients, and integrates with both geophysical and geological analysis cycles. This multi-functional measurement system eliminates the need for separate WFT operations while providing comprehensive fluid characterization that integrates across all reservoir evaluation disciplines.
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 enables precise characterization of fluids in pressure compartments, improving the accuracy of reservoir evaluation and hydrocarbon production potential by identifying fluid gradients and compositional changes, thus optimizing drilling strategies.
Implementation Method 1
applying an excess pressure technique to the pressure measurements to identify a plurality of pressure compartments in the borehole
Implementation Method 2
there is now capability to physically measuring critical fluid properties of formation fluid which may be produced through a wireline formation tester (WFT) tool by using a pump
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining fluids in a formation. The method includes obtaining open hole measurements for a borehole in the formation; identifying points in the borehole from which to obtain pressure measurements using the open hole measurements; obtaining pressure measurements at the identified points in the borehole; applying an excess pressure technique to the pressure measurements to identify a plurality of pressure compartments in the borehole; characterizing fluid in each of the plurality of compartments; and developing a drilling plan based on characterization of fluids in each of the plurality of compartments.