Wettability Estimation Using Magnetic Resonance T2 Distributions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate estimation of wettability characteristics in rock and fluid systems is challenging due to complex factors influencing wetting behavior, such as rock composition and fluid properties, which affects hydrocarbon recovery and production efficiency in hydrocarbon exploration and production.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements to estimate wettability by performing NMR measurements under full and partial water saturation conditions, separating hydrocarbon and water components, and applying a fluid substitution model to calculate a wettability index based on the differences in T2 distributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional wettability measurement methods (Amott-Harvey, USBM) are used, then wettability characteristics can be estimated, but the process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/chemical wettability measurement methods (Amott-Harvey, USBM) with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. NMR measurements provide rapid acquisition of T2 distributions that reflect fluid distribution in pore spaces, enabling wettability index calculation without time-consuming sequential fluid displacement operations. The NMR-based method achieves comparable or superior measurement precision while dramatically reducing measurement time.
2Measurement precision
If conventional wettability measurement methods are used, then wettability characteristics can be obtained, but the procedure and equipment requirements are complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universality of NMR technology, which is already widely deployed in petroleum industry for porosity and permeability measurements. The same NMR equipment used for routine formation evaluation can be applied to wettability characterization by analyzing T2 distribution patterns under different saturation conditions. This eliminates the need for specialized wettability measurement equipment and complex procedural setups required by conventional methods.
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 approach provides a fast and reliable method to quantify wettability characteristics, improving hydrocarbon recovery and production efficiency by accurately assessing rock-fluid interactions and reservoir properties, outperforming conventional techniques like Amott-Harvey and USBM methods.
Implementation Method 1
performing a first nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurement of the sample when the sample is in a full water saturation condition, and measuring a first T2 distribution, performing a second NMR measurement of the sample when the sample is in a second partial saturation condition, and measuring a second T2 distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A method of estimating a wettability characteristic of a rock and fluid system includes acquiring a sample of the rock material, performing a first nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurement of the sample when the sample is in a full water saturation condition, and measuring a first T2 distribution, performing a second NMR measurement of the sample when the sample is in a second partial saturation condition, and measuring a second T2 distribution. The method also includes separating a hydrocarbon component of the second T2 distribution from a water component of the second T2 distribution, applying a fluid substitution model to the water component of the second T2 distribution to generate a computed T2 distribution, and calculating a wettability index (WI) based on a difference between the first T2 distribution and the computed T2 distribution.