In-situ Side-wall Core Analysis Tool for Real-time Reservoir Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oilfield coring tools face challenges in accurately monitoring and analyzing side-wall cores in real-time, leading to delays and inefficiencies in decision-making due to incomplete or late core analysis, especially in deep wells where retrieving and redeploying tools is costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A wireline-conveyed side-wall core coring tool equipped with a core analysis unit that performs in-situ measurements of geophysical properties using gamma-ray sources, nuclear magnetic resonance, and other sensors, allowing for real-time analysis and transmission of data to the surface, enabling timely decision-making and reservoir model updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If side-wall cores are acquired using conventional coring tools, then core samples are obtained at specified depths, but core analysis is delayed until laboratory processing after tool retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The core analysis unit performs geophysical measurements on the core sample immediately after acquisition, before the tool is retrieved to the surface. This preliminary action eliminates the waiting time for laboratory analysis and enables real-time decision-making about well evaluation and development plans.
Solution Approach 2:
A core analysis unit with gamma-ray sources and detectors is introduced as an intermediary component between the core acquisition system and the surface laboratory. This intermediary performs in-situ measurements and transmits data to the surface, bridging the gap between field acquisition and laboratory analysis.
2Quantity of substance
If wireline tools are retrieved and redeployed for additional core acquisition, then more core samples can be obtained, but operation time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The core analysis unit provides real-time feedback on core sample quality and characteristics during the logging operation. This feedback enables operators to identify which depths have been adequately sampled and which require additional cores, eliminating the need to retrieve and redeploy tools for routine additional sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The coring tool performs its own core analysis function through the integrated core analysis unit, eliminating the need for separate tool trips to the surface for analysis. The tool serves multiple functions (core acquisition and in-situ analysis) in a single deployment.
3Measurement precision
If in-situ core analysis is performed using gamma-ray sources and detectors, then real-time core characterization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core analysis unit is designed to perform multiple geophysical measurements (density, photoelectric factor, porosity) using a single integrated system with gamma-ray sources and detectors. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for multiple separate measurement systems and simplifies the overall device architecture.
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 real-time monitoring and analysis of side-wall core acquisition success, reducing delays and costs by providing immediate feedback for re-attempts and improving reservoir model updates, ensuring all planned cores are acquired at specified depths.
Implementation Method 1
a gamma-ray source for emitting gamma rays and a gamma-ray detector operable to measure a change in gamma-ray count rate when the side-wall core traverses a path between the gamma-ray source and the gamma-ray detector
Implementation Method 2
at least one permanent magnet for creating a magnetic field for making a nuclear magnetic resonance measurement when the side-wall core traversing the path of the permanent magnet remains exposed to the magnetic field for a duration of the measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A wireline-conveyed side-wall core coring tool for acquiring side-wall core from a geological formation for performing in-situ side-wall core analysis. The coring tool has a core analysis unit operable to measure geophysical properties of an acquired side-wall core. The measured geophysical properties may be used to determine the success of the acquisition of side-wall cores by the coring tool. The core analysis unit is operable of performing an in-situ interpretation of measured geophysical property of the side-wall core and transmitting in near real-time the measurements or the interpretation results to surface data acquisition and processing apparatus.