Sidewall Coring Tool for In-Situ IOR EOR Experimentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sidewall coring methods lack the capability to perform in-situ flooding experiments and effectively assess Improved Oil Recovery (IOR) and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) effects within subterranean formations, limiting the ability to directly infer changes in fluid saturations and optimize reservoir management.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for sidewall coring that integrates a coring tool with a rotating coring bit, an injection assembly for selective fluid injection, and an array of sensors to collect data on core samples, allowing for real-time monitoring of IOR and EOR agents' interactions with the formation, thereby enabling in-situ experimentation during or between logging operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sidewall coring methods are used, then core samples can be obtained for basic analysis, but the capability to perform in-situ flooding experiments and assess IOR/EOR effects is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single sidewall coring system: the coring bit collects core samples, the injection assembly delivers IOR/EOR agents directly into the core, and sensors monitor fluid saturation changes in real-time. This integration enables in-situ flooding experiments without requiring separate surface-based testing facilities, thereby improving versatility while managing device complexity through functional consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sidewall coring system is designed as a multi-functional tool that can perform basic core sampling, conduct in-situ flooding experiments with multiple IOR/EOR agents, and provide real-time measurement of fluid saturation changes. This universal design allows the same device to serve multiple purposes ranging from routine core collection to advanced reservoir characterization, enhancing adaptability across different operational needs.
2Measurement precision
If in-situ flooding experiments are performed with multiple IOR and EOR agents, then direct inference of fluid saturation changes is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sampling and surface-based analysis systems with an integrated in-situ measurement approach. Instead of retrieving core samples for laboratory analysis, the system uses sensors embedded in the sidewall coring tool to directly measure fluid saturation changes within the formation. This substitution of mechanical retrieval with in-situ sensing reduces the need for complex post-sampling handling equipment while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces sensors as intermediary elements between the IOR/EOR agents and the measurement system. These sensors act as mediators that directly detect fluid saturation changes caused by the injected agents, providing precise real-time data without requiring complex surface-based analysis equipment. The sensors serve as the intermediary link that translates chemical interactions into measurable signals.
3Productivity
If real-time monitoring of IOR and EOR agents' interactions with the formation is enabled, then reservoir management is improved, but the system requires integration of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coring tool, injection assembly, and sensor array into a single integrated sidewall coring system. The coring bit and housing form the structural base, the injection assembly is mounted on the housing to deliver agents, and sensors are positioned to monitor interactions. This merging of components into one deployable unit enables real-time data collection during a single operation, improving productivity by eliminating the need for separate sampling, injection, and measurement operations.
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 direct and pinpoint inference of IOR and EOR effects, providing real-time data on fluid saturations and formation characteristics, facilitating improved reservoir management and oil recovery strategies.
Implementation Method 1
a coring bit capable of collecting a core sample by rotating with respect to a housing of the sidewall coring tool
Implementation Method 2
an injection assembly for injecting a plurality of fluids into a sidewall core and configured to selectively inject a plurality of fluids into the core sample
Implementation Method 3
an array of sensors embedded within a sidewall cutter enclosure for recording measurements during an injection process, the array of sensors producing information relating to the core sample
Data Source
AI summary
A system for sidewall coring includes a sidewall coring tool lowered into a wellbore for positioning a coring bit inside a subterranean formation, an injection assembly, and an array of sensors. The coring bit is capable of collecting a core sample by rotating with respect to a housing of the sidewall coring tool. The injection assembly injects a plurality of fluids into a sidewall core and is configured to selectively inject a plurality of fluids into the core sample. The array of sensors is embedded within a sidewall cutter enclosure for recording measurements during an injection process. The array of sensors produces information relating to the core sample.