In-situ Reservoir Wettability Logging Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining reservoir wettability are limited by laboratory experiments that do not accurately account for in-situ variations in temperature, pressure, and fluid chemistry, leading to inadequate characterization for oil production strategies.
Innovation Solution
In-situ monitoring of fluid displacement using a reservoir wettability logging tool that includes a fluid injection tool and a monitoring tool to assess wettability by injecting a displacement fluid and tracking its movement within the reservoir, allowing for real-time characterization of wettability and recovery rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory experiments on core samples are used to determine reservoir wettability, then wettability can be measured under controlled conditions, but the measurements do not accurately reflect in-situ variations in temperature, pressure, and fluid chemistry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary in-situ testing system that acts as a bridge between laboratory measurements and actual reservoir conditions. The system includes a downhole tool with a porous plug and fluid injection apparatus that replicates reservoir environment (temperature, pressure, salinity) directly in the wellbore, allowing wettability measurements to be taken under authentic in-situ conditions rather than relying on core samples brought to the surface.
2Productivity
If conventional wettability measurement methods are used, then the process is simpler and faster, but the spatial- and production-dependent variations in reservoir properties are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reservoir into multiple discrete intervals or zones along the wellbore, with each zone tested independently using the downhole tool. This segmentation allows wettability to be measured at different depths and locations, capturing spatial variations in reservoir properties. Each interval can be tested separately by positioning the tool at different depths and performing imbibition tests, thereby characterizing heterogeneity throughout the reservoir rather than providing a single averaged value.
3Measurement precision
If in-situ monitoring of fluid displacement is implemented, then accurate real-time wettability assessment is achieved, but the device complexity and measurement cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The downhole tool is designed as a multi-functional device that combines several capabilities: sealing the interval (packer), injecting displacement fluid (pump), monitoring fluid movement (NMR or resistivity tools), and measuring wettability parameters. This universal tool performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate equipment, reducing overall system complexity. The same tool can be used for different testing intervals and potentially other reservoir characterization functions.
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 method provides accurate, real-time assessment of reservoir wettability, enabling more effective hydrocarbon recovery processes by accounting for spatial and production-dependent variations, thereby improving oil recovery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the rate of spontaneous imbibition of water into an oil-saturated core plug
Implementation Method 2
injecting a displacement fluid into the interval, wherein the displacement fluid displaces a reservoir fluid stored in the reservoir rock
Data Source
AI summary
One methods for in-situ characterization of a reservoir rock includes: (a) sealing an interval corresponding to a selected depth or depths within the subterranean formation; (b) injecting a displacement fluid into the interval, wherein the displacement fluid displaces a reservoir fluid stored in the reservoir rock; (c) monitoring movement of the displacement fluid or the reservoir fluid in the reservoir rock; and (d) assessing wettability of the reservoir rock based on (c) or determining recovery rate of the reservoir fluid.