Flowpath identification and characterization
US9010421B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 15, 2012 |
| Grant date | Apr 21, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/162
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Systems and methods for analyzing produced fluids in a mature water flood (or EOR scheme) and determining whether the introduction of an EOR agent, such as a chemical or a gas additive, or some other alteration in treatment, is enhancing the recovery of hydrocarbon from parts of the reservoir otherwise untouched by injected fluids. The monitoring can be used to identify subtle changes in the produced fluid caused by their flow through different pore structures. In a carbonate formation for example, ions and salts from the rock fabric are dissolved into the reservoir fluids, whether they are water or oil. These can be detected by various fluid analysis and particularly water analysis methods. The changes in reservoir fluid paths associated with the injection of an EOR agent are detected in the observation well.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.