MX2010012634A - Methods for magnetic imaging of geological structures. - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods for imaging geological structures include injecting magnetic materials into the geological structures, placing at least one magnetic probe in a proximity to the geological structures, generating a magnetic field in the geological structures and detecting a magnetic signal. The at least one magnetic probe may be on the surface of the geological structures or reside within the geological structures. The methods also include injecting magnetic materials into the geological structures, placing at least one magnetic detector in the geological structures and measuring a resonant frequency in the at least one magnetic detector. Methods for using magnetic materials in dipole-dipole, dipole-loop and loop-loop transmitter-receiver configurations for geological structure electromagnetic imaging techniques are also disclosed.

Description

ALL FOR THE FORMATION OF MAGNETIC IMAGES GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURES CROSS EFFECT ON RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the priority of the application of United States Pat. No. 12 / 350,914, filed on January 8, 2009, that the nature of the provisional patent applications of the States, 765, presented on January 8, 2008 and 61 / 054,362, presented 19 of 2008. This application also claims the priority of the Provisional Statutory System of the United States 61 / 054,362, filed 19 of 2008. Each of these patent applications is referred to as if it were written in the present in its entirety.

LENGTH WITH RESPECT TO THE PATROC INVESTIGATION original hydrocarbon assemblages after the prow powered by the release of the natural pressure from the reservoir. Hydraulic fracturing is often used to increase the reservoir and increase the product speeds of the fracturing process, they are typically added to the pumped fracture towards the geological structure, with the fractures closing on themselves when the pressure It is a technique commonly used in secondary production ation by displacement, of which the flood with water is n. In flooding techniques, a displacement fluid flows from an injection well and the oil and / or gas is extracted from nearby production. The displacement fluid releases the non-released pet during primary production, and drives the oil into the production well. The displacement fluids included air, carbon dioxide, foams, surfactants and agrción by means of a "microseismic" technique. The micro technique is the sonic signatures of rocks that crack during fracture. The assembly of this technique is prohibitive and the data that is generated tend to be relatively inaccurate background noise. In addition, the procedure can be performed only the fracturing procedure and can not be repeated after water flooding can be verified by four-dimensional seismic inspections. The difference in density between water and oil is small, but is not sharply distinguished, and resolution of images tends to be of the order of tens of microseismic technique to verify fracture floods can be measured periodically to verify the flood.

None of the above techniques has the production capabilities, identifying the rhophic power events before their occurrence. For example, fractures will break the strata that seal potentially geological structures with water bodies of water from the vertical fracture situation that would allow the sequestration to be sealed, thus preventing the loss of oil and aquifer. .

In view of the above, improved methods of image imaging of geological structures are needed. Such were the ability to obtain high-resolution images of the injected materials, as well as the ability to repeat the measurements. By using such imaging methods alone or in combination with existing ones, production engineers could take more waste oil from a geological structure, if it is magnetic de aterial in a fluid; inject the dispersion of the ethicist into the geological structure; place at least one maximum probe with the geological structure; generate a geological magnetic field with at least one magnetic probe and detect an ethics.

In other various modalities of methods for geological testing, methods include: a) providing a magnetic dispersion in a fluid; b) inject the ethical dispersion into the geological structure; c) place at least one ethical d in the geological structure; and d) measuring a resonant frequency of a magnetic detector. The resonant frequency is determined partly by a quantity of the geologic injected magnetic material and a location of the magnetic material relative to a magnetic detector.

In other various modalities, methods are described so that the following can be better understood. The characteristics and routes of the description, which form the subject of the claims hereinafter BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present advantages of it, reference is now made to the particulars to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the specific embodiments of the description, where: Figures 1A-1B present a modeling with response element to the amplitude of the radio frequency of a dipole d on a rock source filled with brine (Figure 1A) of rock filled with brine loaded with 50 μ0 of material ma to 1 B ); Figure 4 presents a schematic model at simulated agnostic scale 1 generated in a geological structure through magnetic in the presence of 50 μ? of a mated material; Y Figures 5A-5B present the modeling with simulated total magnetization element in a horizontal bore in the presence of an injected magnetic material, determined by the detector with a resonant frequency with configurations of the detector with des 5A) and without deviation (Figure 5B).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the following description, certain details are set forth, the quantities, specific sizes, etc., for complete proportion of the various modalities described in the description, and are not intended to limit the same. The drawings are not to scale.

Although most terms used in the pr recognizable by those with ordinary skill in the art, the following definitions are set forth to aid the present description. It will be understood, however, not explicitly defined, the terms must interpr that adopt a meaning currently accepted by that in the art.

"COMSOL®" refers to a finite element program package (FEM) available for various physical applications (http://www.comsol.com). Modeling with COMSOL® pres present includes three-dimensional electromagnetic modeling over time.

"Ferrite" as defined herein, refers to the magnetic material placed in the carrier fluid may be a nanop against.

"Hematite", as defined herein, refers to a common eral of iron (III) oxide.

"Magnetite", as defined herein, refers to the ferrimagnetic that has the chemical formula Fe30.

"RLC circuit", as defined herein, is an electrical circuit that includes a resistor (R), an inductor (L), and a capacitor in series or in parallel.

The most economically interesting geological structures, such as petroleum deposits, have magnetic capacities, essentially the same as those of the various modalities. The present description describes the injection of ethical principles into geological structures, followed by magnetic detec- tions within structures. geological The detection of magnetic images are advantageous with respect to those currently in use to verify the production of high resolution images and repeatable production processes.

In several modalities, the methods for geological structure are described. The methods include providing a magnetic device in a fluid; inject the dispersion of the ethicist into the geological structure; place at least one probe closer to the geological structure; generate a geological magnetic field with at least one magnetic probe; and detect an ethics. In some modalities, the geological structure is at least one vertical well. In some modalities, the esthetics is penetrated by at least one horizontal well. In the art, you will recognize that the vertical well Dntal terms should not be considered limiting, and that various angles of bristling geological structures have typically been based on oil conductivity and permissiveness in comparison., which is usually found concurrently in the geological structures. An electromagnetic method to characterize geological structures is the controlled source insomagnetic (CSEM). In this method, in the conductivity of the geological structure, an electrical field of an applied electromagnetic field is detected. The flow in the conductivity results in changes in the amplitude of the a, indicating thus a possible geologic structure that contains CSEM pección has been used typically to map deposits in deep marine media using antennas of dipole trans. The thick layer of sea water is highly cond e to the antennas of the electric dipole receiver of the air interferences. ena with brine Figure 1B presents a modeling with the e response of the radiofrequency amplitude of a dipole d the same rock source filled with brine loaded with 50 ial magnetic. In the illustrative models presented in B, the target measurement zone is located on the coast with dimensions that are long by 200 meters wide and placed 1000 meters of a rock / air interface inside a sphere that has a radius. The target measurement zone was modeled as a rock that had a conductivity s = 1.5 S (Figure 1A) and a charge with the magnetic material at μ = 50 μ? (Figure 1B). Comparison of the lines of the magnetic flux in the Figu the magnetic material in the target measurement zone dispe to significant the response of the amplitude of the radiofrecuenci air / rock.

The amount of the injected magnetic material influences below the surface of a geological formation, above ré. The magnetic permeability of the target plane varies through 500 μ? to illustrate the change in the observed magnetization e o o is evident from Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D, the gradation of the y-axis is highly influenced by the magnetic quantity present. Similar changes can be visualized along other axes.

Various different magnetic materials can be used as described herein. The magnetic materials of the pri- tion are typically characterized by high permea- tics to low applied magnetic fields. Low mag fields typically include, for example, tico forces, less than about 0.1 Tesla. Some technical experts will, however, recognize that they can have greater magnetic strengths in the methods described in the present and be used during fracturing to verify the gravity. fracture. In the same way, they can also use magnetic signals during flood operations, to verify of the flood front through the geological structure.

In several modalities of the methods, the dispersion of | The invention comprises a ferrofluid. Ferrofluid can include nion of magnetic nanoparticles that form the ferrofluid. uids can be injected directly into the geological structures e in another fluid for injection in geological structures modalities of the methods, the magnetic material magnetic articles. In various modalities of the methods to the magnetic one includes, for example, iron, cobalt, iron oxide tita, hematite, ferrites and combinations thereof. How I know In the past, an illustrative ferrite has a chemical formula 4, wherein A and M are metal atoms and at least one of A and M lities described herein. A ferrofluid of permeability is formed of ferrite adulterated with manganese, and a permeability of the low field of about 0.2 g of this barrel is added. The adulteration of a barrel of brine will approximate approximately 160 grams of this ferrite adducted at the current prices of iron, manganese and manganese. the brine ration could be achieved at most, some s per barrel, by making the methods described in the technically feasible for the testing of the geological structures of iron nanoparticles and the suspensions to simple iron powders that have Similar sand grain sizes are also commercially available for use in the methods described herein.

In several modalities, the magnetic materials are m injected into the geological structures. Modifications The sizes of the injected magnetic materials are more compatible with the selected imaging application. Typical consolidators used for hydraulic fracturing are nominally similar to gr that have diameters between approximately 300 mm and 1 mm. Hydraulic fractures, in comparison, are approximately one centimeter wide or greater. The ales in the geological structures cover a wide range of, depending on the types of local rocks and granations. The pores in the typical sandstones are in the interim at 10 pm to about 50 pm. The carbonate menté a wide distribution of the pore size, that varies imadamente 100 nm and approximately 10 mm. The majority of the pore in common petroleum-producing rocks includes menté greater than approximately 100 nm in diameter. By the methods described herein, the magnetic materials are between about 10 nm and about 50 nm. evident to someone skilled in the art, the size of the magnetic material is chosen as long as factors are taken into account other than the size of the pore and the size of the geological fracture. For example, the particle size of the ethicist can influence the observed magnetic properties of cells, the hydrodynamic radius, the tendency to aggregate stability.

Magnetic fields can be generated within geological fields through various means, using ethics. For example, magnetic fields can supply is permanent, electromagnets, solenoids, antennas and combinad isms. The magnetic probe produces a magnetic field that has a DC field, an AC field, a driven field or a field that was drill holes that penetrate the geological structures. In these, the geological structures are penetrated by the me that comprises a ferromagnetic material, and the ferromagnetic material to channel a magnetic field in the geol zeros structures commonly used in the drill rods imperatives of the borehole are typically very ferromagnetic field strength At up to about 5,000 a magnetization source of the magnetic probe, such as a permanent magnet or a solenoid at the end of the supercoat of the auger, allows a component of the ethical, B, to be transmitted along the Coating of the hole has geological tures. The borehole coating provides, by magnetic wire distal to the magnetization source. When used, the borehole coatings work annently to transmit a signal from the magnetic probe to the magnetic material. For this illustrative model, the barre ió to be 100 meters deep, and the injection zone to be 5 meters thick. The lines of the magnetic flux were using a mobile detector 305, which was transported along length 306 of the pristine geological structure 300. The dictive lines 304 are illustrative of those obtained in the magnetic field injected.

Figure 4 presents the same schematic model a of the simulated magnetic flux, generated in the ge-structure 400, after injecting enough magnetic material into the flooded zone 401 to produce an approximate permeability. As in Figure 3, the flow lines 404 is a mobile detector 405, which is transported along its infiltrated geological structure 400. The comparison of the agnatic line 404 in Figure 4 to the lines of magnetic flux 30 tion with water of the production process of the oil. All are easily repeatable to verify real production, factoring in the consideration of the length of the ation for the acquisition and processing of the data. In lities, the detected magnetic signal correlates with a state of the geological structure. For example, changes in agnostic lines are indicative of internal structural alterations in geological conditions. The verification of the changes to the structures and geological structure allows the verification of the production. In these areas, the methods include detecting a geological magnetic signal before injecting the magnetic material dispersion with a magnetic signal in the geological structure before it provides a baseline to evaluate the changes in structure resulting from the operations of the geological structure. fracturing or inun gua. For example, the comparison via subtraction may be a magnetic signal may be induced on the surface or surface of the geological structure. In several modalities at least one magnetic probe is above geological. For example, as discussed above, magnetic can be projected into the geological structure in magnetic traffic. In other various modalities, the proximity of a magnetic probe is within the geological structure. a magnetic field can be generated within the esthetic with a solenoid located within the geologic structure generated within the structure geologically useful to practice the methods described in the pr o there is no magnetic drill that penetrates the geological structure.

The detection of the magnetic flux lines may have more or more detection points away from the magnetic probe applied to the magnetic field. The detection can occur magnetic signals at several points simultaneously. U r can be, for example, a SQUID detector or a solar detector, each of which can be fixed or mobile only from the geological structure. In several embodiments, the ion is made with at least one SQUID detector. The detectors ntajosos to maximize the sensitivity of the methods described te. In other various embodiments, the detection step is performed by a solenoid. For detector arrays, low-cost solenoids or other magnetic sensors known to be interlocking. In still other various embodiments, the step of measuring a resonant frequency in at least one mag sensor of a resonant frequency in at least one mag sensor provides a particularly sensitive means of detecting magnetic capability and is considered in more detail here after Not all drilling applications involve an agnetic b. In such cases and in others, at least one detector should be placed in the borehole to measure the magnetic flow lines. A magnetic detector can also be placed in a borehole or the external magnetic field is not channeled in a geological superstructure from above, using a magnetic probe several modalities of the methods to test a estica, methods include: a) provide a dispersion of the tico in a fluid; b) inject the dispersion of the geological magnetic material; c) place at least one geological magnetic detector; and d) measuring a resonant frequency in the magnetic field. The resonant frequency is determined at the same time by a quantity of the geologic injected magnetic material and a location of the magnetic material relative to a magnetic detector. In several embodiments, at least one device is connected to an RLC circuit. In various modalities, the m ad of the magnetic material that is injected into the geological structure of the magnetic material relative to the solenoid coil.

Figures 5A-5B present a modeling with simulated total magnetization element in a lateral borehole, determined magnetic tor of the resonant frequency with a configuration with deviation (Figure 5A) and without deviation (Figure 5B) with flow rate regression. high or a fracture canal here later as a "slide"), away from the pal. The effects of the slides in the production of p in, for example, early penetration of water, which impi eción efficient oil. Therefore, spot detection was clearly desirable. In the models with elements in Figures 5A and 5B, the geological structure is injected with magnetic material, and the magnetization is determined at a distance of 25 meters from the slide in Figure 5A and at zero mea- sures typically within approximately one part. e using electronic detectors such as, for example, cont recidence. Thus, in geological structures injected with matting, the location of a flood front, including the pro sliding and full fractures, can be detected using magnetic resonance of the mobile resonant frequency. In the double system, the magnetic detector of the mobile resonant frequency rse in the injection hole, the production hole or in. In the same way, the magnetic detector of the res frequency can be located on the surface of the geological structure.

The dipole-dipole, dipole-antinode and andal configurations for the techniques of electromagnetic imaging of the well or of the hole to the surface have been under development, to detect and for the formation of conductive underground erotic images. Generally, these have not yet been applied in these inspections of more advanced geological formations. In various embodiments, it is intended to use magnetic materials in electromagnetic form techniques using ante-isor-receiver configurations such as, for example, dipole-antinode and antinode-antinode configurations. The most common detectors, for example, flow gates and SQUID detectors, can be coupled to magnetic imaging techniques.

The methods described here to use mathe- matics in the dipole-dipole, dipole-antinode and anod configurations include the development of procedures to reverse the signal and the amplitude in the presence of magnetic materials ation of the computational intensity required for each A detection of the domain of the additional frequency, relevant to higher noise levels, than is possible with the more traditional frequency domain protection. In addition to magnetic materials in the techniques, it allows the sensor to determine the time of arrival of the investment at lower signal-to-noise ratios.

A consideration with respect to the use of mag imaging materials for geological structures is a modi? Cation of the electromagnetic signal. In a fluid, the velocity of the electromagnetic signal decreased by formula (1), where c is the velocity ? =? / (eμ) 1/2 (1) light, e is the relative dielectric constant, and μ is the relative perme ethic. Changes in velocity in omagnetics have been used extensively in well drilling, where the difference in the dielectric constant, such as, for example, through the spectral analysis of? G.

Any of the methods described here above is potentially able to track contaminants within geological space. For example, the leakage of a chemical installation could potentially be verified by adding magnetic material to the source of the storage facility by analyzing for the presence of the nearby geological magnetic material. An abrupt or gradual change in ethics would indicate a leakage condition. In the same way, the m n potentially used to verify the migration of contami es of a geological structure such as, for example, the d la. In a similar manner, the methods described herein are potentially used to verify the transport and conversion of zero-valence iron particles that are used in the rer

Claims (1)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS 1. - A method for testing a geological structure, in d or comprises: a) providing a dispersion of the magnetized material; b) inject the dispersion of the magnetic material in the static; c) placing at least one magnetic probe in a geological proximity; d) generate a magnetic field in the static with at least one magnetic probe and e) detect an ethics. 2. - The method of conformity with the claim also bristled because the geological structure comprises a group member consisting of oil, gas and combinations S. a well comprising a ferromagnetic material; and in do ferromagnetic is used to channel the magnetic field geological htura. 6. - The method of compliance with the claim also raised because of the dispersion of magnetic material com ofluido. 7. - The method according to the claim bristling also because the magnetic material with magnetic articles. 8. - The method of compliance with the claim also bristled because the magnetic material is selected from the onsiste of iron, cobalt, iron oxide (III), magnetite, he and combinations thereof. 9. - The method of compliance with the claim also bristled because the ferrites comprise a material that 12. - The method according to claim 1 also because the magnetic material is covered selected from the group consisting of tensoa agents and combinations thereof. 13. - The method of compliance with the claim also curried because the fluid is selected from the group that cua, brine, drilling mud, fracture fluid aciones thereof. 14. - The method according to the claim is also curled because the fluid also includes a consolidation 15. - The method of compliance with the claim also curved because the detection step is performed with the SQUID me. 16. - The method according to the claim bristling in addition because the detection step is performed with the me 19. - The method according to the claim bristled in addition because the proximity of at least one ethics is above the geological structure. 20. - The method of conformity with the claim also raised because the proximity of at least one ethics is within the geological structure. 21. - The method according to the claim also raised because additionally comprises: moving the metal; and repeat the detection step. 22. - The method of compliance with the claim also bristled because the magnetic signal is correlated internal structure of the geological structure. 23. - The method according to claim 1, further comprising additionally detecting an ethics in the geological structure before injecting the geological dispersion and a location of the magnetic material with respect to a detector. 25. - The method according to claim 10 further characterized in that at least one magnetic detector is with RLC circuit. 26. - The method according to claim 1 further comprising additionally: moving the magnetic machine; and repeat the measurement step. 27. - A method for using magnetic materials for electromagnetic imaging, wherein the electromagnetic image recording comprises the use of transmitter-receiver antenna selected from the group of dipole-dipole, dipole-antinode and anodized configurations.