Wellbore Transceiver Array for Resistivity Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electromagnetic survey methods for monitoring formation fluids in reservoirs face limitations in achieving real-time, continuous measurements with high spatial resolution and wide survey radius, especially during well production, due to attenuation and spatial resolution issues with different types of detection systems.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring and mapping system comprising transceiver devices with coils and electrodes integrated into a completion and production plant, allowing for continuous, real-time measurements of electromagnetic fields along a primary conveyor pipe, using a central electronic control unit to power and control the transceiver devices, which can operate as both magnetic and electric field sources and receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If surface-to-borehole electromagnetic detection systems are used to transmit high intensity electromagnetic fields in depth, then the ability to propagate electromagnetic fields at depth is improved, but measurement accuracy for deep areas far from the receiver deteriorates due to high attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the electromagnetic detection function into multiple segments by placing transmitters and receivers at different depths along the wellbore. This allows high-intensity fields to be generated at each segment location while maintaining measurement accuracy through localized detection, overcoming the attenuation problem of single-point deep transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point surface-to-borehole approach to a distributed three-dimensional array of transmitters and receivers along the wellbore. This dimensional expansion allows electromagnetic fields to be transmitted and received at multiple depths simultaneously, improving both field intensity at depth and measurement accuracy through multiple measurement points.
2Measurement precision
If borehole-to-surface electromagnetic detection systems are used to generate electromagnetic fields in the subsoil, then the ability to detect signals at the surface is improved, but spatial resolution of conductivity measurements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the wellbore into multiple zones with transmitters and receivers positioned at different depths. This segmentation allows electromagnetic fields to be generated and detected at multiple locations, providing high spatial resolution conductivity measurements while maintaining surface detection capability through the distributed array.
3Manufacturing precision
If single well borehole detection systems are used to perform conductivity measurements, then high spatial resolution is achieved for formations close to the well, but the survey radius is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system extends the measurement capability from a single-point close-well approach to a distributed three-dimensional array along the wellbore. This allows high spatial resolution conductivity measurements to be performed at multiple depths and distances from the well, significantly increasing the survey radius while maintaining resolution through the distributed measurement points.
4Productivity
If traditional electromagnetic survey methods are used during well production, then continuous monitoring is enabled, but real-time measurements with high spatial resolution and wide survey radius cannot be achieved simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes the wellbore infrastructure multi-functional by integrating transmitters and receivers into the completion and production plant. This allows the same infrastructure to serve both production operations and continuous electromagnetic monitoring functions, enabling real-time measurements with high spatial resolution and wide survey radius during well production without requiring separate dedicated monitoring equipment.
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 continuous, real-time monitoring of electromagnetic fields with high spatial resolution and wide survey radius, allowing for accurate determination of electrical resistivity distribution in the reservoir, even at distances of hundreds of meters from the well, with high sensitivity and redundancy.
Implementation Method 1
an alternating electric current with predetermined frequency and intensity is made to pass through the transmitters, thereby creating a primary electromagnetic field that propagates in the formation. Said primary field, in turn, induces, within conductive formations, secondary currents that generate a secondary electromagnetic field that is detected by the receiver
Implementation Method 2
The electrical resistivity (inverse of conductivity) of the rock formation depends on various factors such as the degree of saturation, the salinity of the water present in the geological formations, the mineralogical composition and so on
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
A monitoring and mapping system of the space-time distribution of formation fluids in a reservoir (30) comprising: at least four transceiver devices (40) arranged to be applied at a predefined mutual distance along a casing pipe (12), each of the transceiver devices (40) comprising: a tubular body (41) arranged to be fit on the casing pipe (12), the tubular body (41) having at a first end a first longitudinal portion (42), at a second end a second longitudinal portion (43) and a third longitudinal portion (44) interposed between the first (42) and second (43) longitudinal portions; a coil (45) wound on the first longitudinal portion; a layer of elastomeric material (46) which winds the third longitudinal portion (43); an electrode (47) wound on the layer of elastomeric material (46); a peripheral electronic control unit (48) associated with the tubular body (41); the monitoring and mapping system comprising a central electronic control and data acquisition unit (60) configured to drive the peripheral electronic control units (60) so as to selectively power the electrodes (47) and the coils (45).