Transient Electromagnetic Generator for Cased Well Oil Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil recovery methods in cased wells face inefficiencies due to the casing's conductive properties, which hinder the penetration of electric, magnetic, and ultrasonic energy into the oil formation, resulting in reduced current and vibration energy transfer, limiting oil recovery effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An oil-displacing system utilizing a transient electromagnetic generator, controlled by a power supply and controller, generates a transient electromagnetic field that effectively bypasses the casing's shielding effects, increasing electromagnetic energy penetration and fluidity within the oil formation by converting electrical energy into Joule heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a steady-state electric field or magnetic field is applied through the casing, then the casing provides a conductive path, but the current flows along the casing and cannot enter the oil formation effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a transient (dynamic) electromagnetic field instead of a steady-state field. The electromagnetic generator creates a time-varying magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the formation, which then generate a transient electric field that can effectively penetrate the formation rather than flowing along the casing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of the electromagnetic field from steady-state to transient. By using a transient field with specific rise and fall times, the system achieves effective formation penetration while minimizing energy loss in the casing.
2Productivity
If ultrasound is emitted in the cased well, then mechanical vibration can be applied to the formation, but most energy is reflected by the casing inner wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ultrasonic vibration system with an electromagnetic system. Instead of using mechanical waves that are reflected by the casing, the system uses electromagnetic fields that can penetrate the casing and induce currents in the formation, achieving the desired mechanical effect through electromagnetic-mechanical coupling.
3Temperature
If high pressure or strong current is applied to heat the formation, then oil viscosity is reduced, but the casing shields the electromagnetic energy from reaching the formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a transient electromagnetic field that creates a time-varying induced current distribution. The dynamic nature of the field allows it to penetrate the casing and deposit energy in the formation, overcoming the shielding effect that blocks steady-state fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic generator operates in periodic cycles, creating transient fields at specific intervals. This periodic action allows energy to be delivered to the formation in controlled pulses, heating the oil to reduce viscosity while the transient nature overcomes the casing shielding.
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
The system enhances oil recovery efficiency by increasing fluidity and reducing surface tension binding within the pore throats, thereby improving the overall oil displacement and extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
the transient electromagnetic generator is disposed in an oil well casing at a position in an oil formation, for generating a transient electromagnetic field according to the connection and closing of the connection path between the power supply and the transient electromagnetic generator
Implementation Method 2
increasing electromagnetic energy penetration and fluidity within the oil formation by converting electrical energy into Joule heat
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an oil-displacing system and method. The system includes a power supply, a control switch, a controller and a transient electromagnetic generator. The power supply is connected to the transient electromagnetic generator, the control switch is disposed in a connection path between the power supply and the transient electromagnetic generator, and a control end of the control switch is connected to the controller. The controller is configured for controlling the closing and opening of the control switch, thereby controlling the connection and closing of the connection path between the power supply and the transient electromagnetic generator. The transient electromagnetic generator is disposed in an oil well casing at a position in an oil formation, for generating a transient electromagnetic field according to the connection and closing of the connection path between the power supply and the transient electromagnetic generator. The oil-displacing system and method provided by the present invention can dredge a pore throat and improve recovery efficiency.