Systems and methods for monitoring groundwater, rock, and casing for production flow and leakage of hydrocarbon fluids
US8215164B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 2, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jul 10, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 2, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B47/10
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
One embodiment of the present invention is a system comprising one or more subsystems, which can be practiced alone or in combination, which together allow for monitoring of groundwater, rock, and casing for production flow and leakage of hydrocarbon fluids. A flow measurement subsystem measures flow of hydrocarbons in the horizontal casing string. A well mechanical integrity monitoring subsystem monitors the mechanical integrity of the natural gas production well, including the junctures of a completed well. An aquifer monitoring subsystem directly monitors water aquifer(s) underneath and surrounding a natural gas production well or pad, including monitoring wells or existing water wells. A communication subsystem is used to communicate measurements taken downhole to the surface. The present invention may be used to enhance the production from a gas bearing shale formation, mitigate liability associated with hydrocarbon migration, and monitor for a loss of mechanical integrity of a well.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.