Methods and apparatus for long term monitoring of a hydrocarbon reservoir
US6230800A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 15, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B47/017
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The methods and apparatus of the invention include installing sensors in one or more of the many hole sections which are abandoned before the holes are sealed with cement. According to the invention, a sensor array is attached to the cement delivery device which is used to seal a hole which would otherwise be abandoned. The preferred apparatus for cement delivery is a "coiled tubing". Preferably, the sensor array is passed through the center of the tubing so that it is protected from damage or snagging while being delivered to its deployment position. The coiled tubing may be withdrawn or left in place after the cement is delivered into the hole. When the cement cures, the sensor array is centered in the cement plug which seals the reservoir. According to the invention, the sensor array may be placed in any well which is to be abandoned. Such wells include exploration wells, appraisal wells, delineation wells, collapsed wells, oil wells which develop high levels of gas or water production, and gas wells which develop high levels of water production. In addition, the sensor array may be deployed in an unused portion of a production or injection well. For example, the sensor array ma…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.