Surface Fiber Optic EM Sensors for Subsurface Formation Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring drilling operations and subsurface formation properties in oil fields using electromagnetic field sensors are limited by the need for downhole placement of fiber optic cables, which complicates access and repair, and do not efficiently utilize surface-based sensors to measure electromagnetic fields and gradients.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fiber optic electromagnetic field monitoring system that uses electric and magnetic field sensors coupled with a transducer, where the sensors are located on the surface and connected via a fiber optic cable to a transducer, allowing for fully optical measurement of EM fields and gradients, and includes a computing system for data processing and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fiber optic cables are placed downhole for sensor-based data acquisition, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of repair deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by placing electromagnetic field sensors at the surface rather than downhole, while still achieving measurement of subsurface formation properties through electromagnetic field detection. This reversal eliminates the need for complex downhole fiber optic cable placement while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electromagnetic fields as an intermediary to transmit information from the subsurface environment to surface-based sensors. This mediator allows surface sensors to detect subsurface properties without requiring physical contact or downhole cable placement.
2Measurement precision
If fiber optic cables are placed downhole for sensor-based data acquisition, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the sensor placement location from downhole to surface, making the measurement system accessible and easy to repair while still capable of measuring subsurface formation properties through electromagnetic field detection.
3Ease of operation
If surface-based sensors are used to measure electromagnetic fields, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electromagnetic fields as a mediator that allows surface-based sensors to accurately detect subsurface formation properties. The electromagnetic fields carry information from the subsurface environment to the surface sensors, maintaining measurement precision despite the increased operational ease of surface placement.
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 system enables efficient and accessible measurement of subsurface formation properties by transferring data through optical fibers, improving signal-to-noise ratio and allowing for real-time monitoring and analysis of drilling parameters without the need for additional wellbores, enhancing data accessibility and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic transmitter located downhole in a well bore and configured to radiate electromagnetic radiation into a subsurface formation
Implementation Method 2
a fiber optic cable coupled with a transducer, the fiber optic cable and the transducer located at the surface
Data Source
AI summary
Electromagnetic field monitoring methods and systems for obtaining data corresponding to subsurface rock formations. An electromagnetic field monitoring system includes an electromagnetic transmitter located downhole in a well bore and configured to radiate electromagnetic radiation into a subsurface formation; a fiber optic cable coupled with a fiber optic interrogator, the at least one fiber optic cable and the interrogator located at the surface; and an array of electromagnetic sensors integrally formed in the fiber optic cable and configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation radiated through the subsurface formation. A method of detecting electromagnetic radiation at the surface of an oil well includes transmitting, from an electromagnetic transmitter, electromagnetic radiation into a subsurface formation; and sensing, from the subsurface formation, electromagnetic radiation at the surface of the oil well.