Patent Description:
Water front monitoring and formation saturation measurements are fundamental aspects of subterranean formation logging practices. As an example, formation saturation measurements can be used to understand the water front movement in the formation, in particular behind the wellbore. In a case where the well is worked over or shut-in, high concentration brine can be used as a kill fluid in the wellbore, such as brine with a salinity greater than <NUM>,<NUM> parts per million (ppm) total dissolved solids. This kill fluid invades the near wellbore region a number of feet away from the wellbore walls. In order to measure the saturation of the fluid in the near wellbore region, the presence of the kill fluid in the invaded near wellbore region can interfere with conventional monitoring methods, such as resistivity measurements, radioactive measurements, and acoustic measurements.

Further, in a situation where formation water is mixed with injection water, such as water injection for reservoir pressure maintenance, there is a gradient in the salinity of the water phase as a result of such mixing. The gradient becomes difficult to discern using conventional monitoring tools such as resistivity or pulsed neutron sensing techniques. The injected water can have a salinity that is less than the salinity of the formation water.

<CIT> describes a method and apparatus for measuring dielectric properties over a broad range of frequencies. <CIT> describes a method and system for mapping fracture features in hydraulically fractured strata using functional proppant properties.

The present invention provides a method and a system that are able to identify a salinity gradient in a formation surrounding a bore of a subterranean well respectively according to claim <NUM> and claim <NUM>.

In alternate embodiments, the emitting antenna and the receiving antenna can be printed on the outer surface of the antenna body. The receiving antenna can be spaced circumferentially apart from the emitting antenna in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The length of each antenna can be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> meters. The emitting antenna can have a power in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> volts. The emitting antenna can have a peak to peak load of <NUM> Ohms and a power range of <NUM> to <NUM> Watts.

In other alternate embodiments, producing an electromagnetic interrogation wave into the formation with the emitting antenna can include producing the electromagnetic interrogation wave with a frequency in a range of <NUM> megahertz to <NUM> gigahertz. The method can further include rotating the antenna assembly around a central axis of the antenna body within the bore of the subterranean well.

In alternate embodiments, the emitting antenna and the receiving antenna can be printed on the outer surface of the antenna body. The receiving antenna can be spaced circumferentially apart from the emitting antenna in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The length of each antenna can be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> meters. The emitting antenna can have a power in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> volts. The emitting antenna can have a peak to peak load of <NUM> Ohms and a power range of <NUM> to <NUM> Watts. The electromagnetic interrogation wave can have a frequency in a range of <NUM> megahertz to <NUM> gigahertz. A motor can be operable to rotate the antenna assembly around a central axis of the antenna body within the bore of the subterranean well.

So that the manner in which the recited features, aspects and advantages of the disclosure, as well as others that will become apparent, are attained and can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the embodiments of the disclosure previously briefly summarized may be had by reference to the embodiments that are illustrated in the drawings that form a part of this specification. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only certain embodiments of the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of the disclosure's scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

The disclosure refers to particular features, including process or method steps. Those of skill in the art understand that the disclosure is not limited to or by the description of embodiments given in the specification. The invention is defined by the appended Claims.

Those of skill in the art also understand that the terminology used for describing particular embodiments does not limit the scope or breadth of the embodiments of the disclosure. In interpreting the specification and appended Claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context of each term. All technical and scientific terms used in the specification and appended Claims have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs unless defined otherwise.

As used in the Specification and appended Claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used, the words "comprise," "has," "includes", and all other grammatical variations are each intended to have an open, non-limiting meaning that does not exclude additional elements, components or steps. Embodiments of the present disclosure may suitably "comprise", "consist" or "consist essentially of" the limiting features disclosed, and may be practiced in the absence of a limiting feature not disclosed. For example, it can be recognized by those skilled in the art that certain steps can be combined into a single step.

Where a range of values is provided in the Specification or in the appended Claims, it is understood that the interval encompasses each intervening value between the upper limit and the lower limit as well as the upper limit and the lower limit. The disclosure encompasses and bounds smaller ranges of the interval subject to any specific exclusion provided.

Where reference is made in the specification and appended Claims to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously except where the context excludes that possibility. Looking at <FIG>, an embodiment of a system and method for identifying a salinity gradient in a formation surrounding a bore of a subterranean well is shown. Subterranean well <NUM> can extend from surface <NUM> through subterranean formation <NUM>. Bore <NUM> of subterranean well <NUM> can be lined with casing <NUM> that extends from surface <NUM> a distance into subterranean well <NUM>. A downhole portion of subterranean well <NUM> can be open, without casing <NUM>. Subterranean formation <NUM> is located along a portion of subterranean well <NUM> that open and free of casing <NUM>.

Antenna assembly <NUM> can be used to identify a salinity gradient in subterranean formation <NUM> surrounding bore <NUM> of subterranean well <NUM>. Antenna assembly <NUM> can be sized to be introduced into bore <NUM> of subterranean well <NUM>. Antenna assembly <NUM> can be introduced into bore <NUM> with introducing string <NUM>. Introducing string <NUM> can transmit electrical energy to antenna assembly <NUM>. Introducing string <NUM> can additionally transmit data from antenna assembly <NUM> to control system <NUM>. Control system <NUM> can control the pulses emitted by antenna assembly <NUM> and can process data received by antenna assembly <NUM>.

Introducing string <NUM> can support antenna assembly <NUM> within bore <NUM> of subterranean well <NUM>. Introducing string <NUM> can be, for example, e-coiled tubing or a wireline. In an embodiment, e-coil tubing can be a coiled tubing that has the capability to transmit power, data, or both power and data. Antenna assembly <NUM> can be rotated by motor <NUM> around central axis <NUM> of antenna body <NUM> within bore <NUM> of subterranean well <NUM>.

Looking at <FIG>, antenna assembly <NUM> includes antenna body <NUM>. Antenna body <NUM> is an elongated generally cylindrical member. Emitting antenna <NUM> extends axially along an outer surface of antenna body <NUM>. Emitting antenna <NUM> has a shape that is non-linear. In the example of <FIG>, emitting antenna <NUM> has a square shaped pattern. In the example of <FIG> and according to the invention, emitting antenna <NUM> is a dipole antenna. Emitting antenna <NUM> can have an axial length in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> meters. In the example of <FIG> uphole emitting antenna element <NUM> could have an axial length in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> meters and downhole emitting antenna element <NUM> could have an axial length in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> meters.

Emitting antenna <NUM> is printed on the outer surface of antenna body <NUM>. Emitting antenna <NUM> can produce an electromagnetic interrogation wave directed through bore <NUM> and into subterranean formation <NUM>. Emitting antenna <NUM> can produce an electromagnetic interrogation wave with a pulse duration of no greater than <NUM> seconds. According to the invention, emitting antenna <NUM> can produce an electromagnetic interrogation wave with a pulse duration of no greater than <NUM> seconds, such as an electromagnetic interrogation wave with a pulse duration in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> seconds, to allow for a variation in interrogation modes. Emitting antenna <NUM> can further produce an electromagnetic interrogation wave that has a frequency in a range of <NUM> megahertz to <NUM> gigahertz. Emitting antenna <NUM> can have a power in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> volts at a peak to peak load of <NUM> Ohms and a power range of <NUM> to <NUM> Watts. Such characteristics of emitting antenna <NUM> provide an antenna assembly <NUM> that is particularly capable of detecting changes in the chlorine ion concentration. In example embodiments, antenna assembly <NUM> can detect chlorine ion concentrations in a range of <NUM>,<NUM> ppm to <NUM>,<NUM> ppm.

Receiving antenna <NUM> extends axially along an outer surface of antenna body <NUM>. Receiving antenna <NUM> has a shape that is non-linear. In the example of <FIG>, receiving antenna <NUM> has a square shaped pattern. In the example of <FIG> and according to the invention, receiving antenna <NUM> is a dipole antenna. Receiving antenna <NUM> can have an axial length in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> meters. In the example of <FIG> uphole receiving antenna element <NUM> could have an axial length in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> meters and downhole receiving antenna element <NUM> could have an axial length in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> meters.

Receiving antenna <NUM> is printed on the outer surface of antenna body <NUM>. Receiving antenna <NUM> is spaced circumferentially apart from emitting antenna <NUM>. In certain embodiments, receiving antenna <NUM> is spaced circumferentially apart from emitting antenna <NUM> in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. Receiving antenna <NUM> has the same shape as emitting antenna <NUM>, such shape being a matching non-linear shape.

Receiving antenna <NUM> can receive a reflected wave. The reflective wave is an electromagnetic wave that is the result of interrogation wave that is passing through bore <NUM> and into subterranean formation <NUM> and is reflected in a direction back towards receiving antenna <NUM>.

In the Example of <FIG>, the interrogation wave passes through invaded zone <NUM>. Invaded zone <NUM> is a zone surrounding bore <NUM> where kill fluid has entered subterranean formation <NUM>. Invaded zone <NUM> can be absent at certain locations along bore <NUM>, and can alternately extend up to about <NUM> inches (<NUM> inch = <NUM> meters) radially outward from bore <NUM>. In alternate embodiments, invaded zone <NUM> can extend two inches (<NUM> inch = <NUM> meters) to <NUM> inches (<NUM> inch = <NUM> meters) radially outward from bore <NUM>. After passing through invaded zone <NUM>, the interrogation wave can enter uninvaded zone <NUM>. Uninvaded zone <NUM> is a portion of subterranean formation <NUM> that has not been invaded by the kill fluid. Systems and methods of this disclosure can be used to detect a chlorine ion concentration in both invaded zone <NUM> and uninvaded zone <NUM>. The chlorine ion concentration gradient can be used to identify the border between invaded zone <NUM> and uninvaded zone <NUM>. The chlorine ion concentration can also be used to determine the level of saturation in uninvaded zone <NUM> behind invaded zone <NUM>. As an example, systems and methods of this disclosure can detect chlorine ion concentrations at a radial distance of at least <NUM> feet (<NUM> foot = <NUM> meters) from an outer surface of antenna assembly <NUM>.

Looking at <FIG>, emitting antenna <NUM> can alternately have a sinusoidal shaped pattern. In the example of <FIG>, emitting antenna <NUM> is a dipole antenna. Emitting antenna <NUM> can have an axial length in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> meters. In the example of <FIG> uphole emitting antenna element <NUM> could have an axial length in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> meters and downhole emitting antenna element <NUM> could have an axial length in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> meters.

Receiving antenna <NUM> has the same shape as emitting antenna <NUM>, such shape being a matching non-linear shape. In the example of <FIG>, receiving antenna <NUM> has a sinusoidal shaped pattern. In alternate embodiments, emitting antenna <NUM> and receiving antenna <NUM> can have a triangular or saw tooth pattern. The shape of the antenna will affect the electromagnetic wavelength and the area interrogated.

In the example of <FIG>, receiving antenna <NUM> is a dipole antenna. Receiving antenna <NUM> can have an axial length in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> meters. In the example of <FIG> uphole receiving antenna element <NUM> could have an axial length in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> meters and downhole receiving antenna element <NUM> could have an axial length in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> meters.

In the Example of <FIG>, the interrogation wave passes through bore <NUM> and into subterranean formation <NUM>. In the Example of <FIG>, an injection fluid <NUM> is approaching bore <NUM>. Systems and methods of this disclosure can be used to detect a chlorine ion concentration both in the injection fluid <NUM> and the regions of subterranean formation <NUM> outside of injection fluid <NUM>. As an example, systems and methods of this disclosure can detect chlorine ion concentrations in the injection fluid <NUM> and the regions of subterranean formation <NUM> outside of injection fluid <NUM> adjacent to bore <NUM> and at a radial distance of more than <NUM> feet (<NUM> foot = <NUM> meters) from an outer surface of antenna assembly <NUM>. The chlorine ion concentration gradient can be used to identify the border between the injection fluid <NUM> and the regions of subterranean formation <NUM> outside of injection fluid <NUM>. The chlorine ion concentration can also be used to determine the level of saturation of subterranean formation <NUM> outside of injection fluid <NUM>.

Looking at <FIG>, in order to measure the chlorine ion concentration around a circumference of bore <NUM>, motor <NUM> can be used to rotate antenna assembly <NUM> around central axis <NUM> of antenna body <NUM> within bore <NUM> of subterranean well <NUM>.

In order to determine a distribution of chlorine ion concentration in subterranean formation <NUM>, the amplitude of the reflected wave can be analyzed. The ion concentration is related to the amplitude attenuation and spacial distribution. The distribution of the chlorine ion concentration obtained from the electromagnetic wave amplitude variation is estimated by analyzing the various levels of attenuation of the reflected amplitudes of the reflected waves using an impulse interrogation method.

Some currently used measurement techniques cannot evaluate water levels beyond invaded zone <NUM> or identify injection fluid <NUM> because of the shallow depth of investigation of such current techniques. In order to correlate the measured amplitude variation to the concentration of chlorine ions and in turn, the amount of water present an initial baseline, or caliper test can be performed against which the attenuation levels will be determined. Such baseline test can be performed in a pre-defined controlled environment, such as in a laboratory before antenna assembly <NUM> is used in a subterranean well.

The speed of propagation and attenuation of electromagnetic waves in subterranean formation <NUM> depends on electrical characteristics such as conductivity ("σ"), magnetic permeability ("µ") and the dielectric constant ("ε"). Electromagnetic wave attenuation is expressed a "α" which is calculated as follows: <MAT>.

Because the dielectric constant "ε" does not change significantly in fresh water and salty water, the change in the ionic strength is instead linked to the change in the conductivity "σ". Any change of the chlorine ion concentration in the formation will be linked to direct changes in the values of the conductivity "σ".

The ion concentration is related to the amplitude attenuation and spacial distribution. The distribution of the chlorine ion concentration obtained from the electromagnetic wave amplitude variation are estimated from the reflected wave by analyzing the different levels of attenuation on the reflected amplitudes using the impulse interrogation method. The electromagnetic reflected wave after an impulse will have a different level of attenuation, which can be correlated to the chlorine concentration. As example, when using the impulse method a current pulse can be applied at the emitting antenna and the potential change can be measured at the receiving antenna. The analysis of the measured data can be performed using a spectral approach so that frequency response functions are obtained from the excitation and the response signals. The attenuation can then be determined from the frequency response functions.

Embodiments of this disclosure are able to differentiate between the injection water and the formation water and to measure saturation in the near wellbore region behind the kill fluid invaded zone.

Embodiments of this disclosure have been sufficiently described so that a person with ordinary skill in the art may reproduce and obtain the results mentioned in this disclosure. Nonetheless, any skilled person in the field of technique, subject of this disclosure, may carry out modifications not described in this disclosure, to apply these modifications to a determined structure, or in the manufacturing process of the same, and such resulting structures shall be covered within the scope of this disclosure.

Claim 1:
A method for identifying a salinity gradient in a formation surrounding a bore of a subterranean well, the method including:
introducing an antenna assembly (<NUM>) into the bore of the subterranean well, the antenna assembly having:
an elongated antenna body (<NUM>);
an emitting antenna (<NUM>) extending axially along an outer surface of the antenna body; and
a receiving antenna (<NUM>) extending axially along the outer surface of the antenna body, the receiving antenna being spaced circumferentially apart from the emitting antenna;
producing an electromagnetic interrogation wave into the formation by applying a current pulse to the emitting antenna having a pulse duration of no greater than <NUM> seconds;
receiving a reflected wave with the receiving antenna; and
characterized in that,
the emitting antenna and the receiving antenna are each dipole antennas with a matching non-linear shape and wherein the method further includes
identifying an amplitude attenuation of the reflected wave by measuring a potential change in the receiving antenna to determine a distribution of chlorine ion concentration in the formation.