US4907442A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and system for determining fluid saturations within natural or simulated fractures
Assignee: Mobil Oil AS
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Filing: 1989-03-20
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Granted: 1990-03-13
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Expires: 2009-03-20
Abstract
Abstract A method and system for determining fluid saturation within a fracture. The method comprises the steps of establishing a functional relationship between fluid saturation and capacitance for a multiple component fluid; introducing the fluid between the fracture faces of the fractured media; measuring electrical capacitance between the fracture faces; and determining fluid saturation from the capacitance measurement and the functional relationship. The method and system find utility with both simulated and natural fractures.
Inventors
- 👤 Timothy A. Jones
- 👤 Thomas J. Kaluza
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 03:29
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N27/00; G01N27/02; G01N27/22; G01N27/221
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for determining fluid saturation within a fracture of a fractured material, having at least a first and second fracture face, comprising the steps of: (a) establishing a functional relationship between fluid saturation and capacitance for a multiple component fluid; (b) introducing the fluid between the fracture faces; (c) measuring electrical capacitance between the fracture faces; and (d) determining fluid saturation from the capacitance measurement of step (b) and the relationship established in step (a).
Claim 2
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for determining fluid saturation within a fracture of a fractured material, having at least a first and second fracture face, comprising the steps of: (a) establishing a functional relationship between fluid saturation and capacitance for a multiple component fluid; (b) introducing the fluid between the fracture faces; (c) measuring electrical capacitance between the fracture faces; and (d) determining fluid saturation from the capacitance measurement of step (b) and the relationship established in step (a).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid of step (a) is a multi-phase fluid having at least a first phase and a second phase.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 2, wherein the relationship of step (a) is established by measuring capacitance at 100% saturation for each phase of the milti-phase fluid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 3, wherein a continuous flow of the multi-phase fluid is established between the fracture faces of the fractured material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 4, wherein a first phase of the multi-phase fluid is an aqueous brine and a second phase of the multi-phase fluid is a hydrocarbonaceous fluid.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 5, wherein the second phase of the multi-phase fluid is decane.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 6, wherein the fractured material comprises a conductive metal having grains of sand affixed thereto to simulate reservoir fracture faces.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 6, wherein the fractured material is naturally fractured reservoir media.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 8, wherein the fracture faces of the naturally-fractured reservoir media are sputter coated with a conductive material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 9, wherein the conductive material is gold.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 4, further comprising: (e) changing the rate of flow of fluid between the fracture faces of the fractured material and repeating steps (c)-(d).
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 11, further comprising: (f) repeating step (e) a plurality of times.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of reading and storing measured data through the use of a computerized data acquisition system.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
54 words
A system for determining fluid saturation within a fracture of a fractured material having at least a first and second fracture face, comprising: (a) a flow cell for mounting the fractured material therein; (b) means for measuring the capacitance between the fracture faces; and (c) means for providing a regulated flow of test fluid.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
54 words
A system for determining fluid saturation within a fracture of a fractured material having at least a first and second fracture face, comprising: (a) a flow cell for mounting the fractured material therein; (b) means for measuring the capacitance between the fracture faces; and (c) means for providing a regulated flow of test fluid.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 14, wherein said means for providing a regulated flow of test fluid is pressurized non-recirculatory fluid system.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 15, wherein pressurization is provided by an inert gas.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 14, wherein said means for providing a regulated flow of test fluid comprises at least two independently controlled fluid delivery systems capable of providing a multi-phase fluid to the fracture faces within the flow cell.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 17, further comprising means for measuring fluid flow between the fracture faces so that simulated reservoir flow conditions may be set and maintained.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 18, further comprising means for measuring the pressure drop across the fracture aperture resulting from the flow of fluid through the aperture so that simulated reservoir flow conditions may be set and maintained.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 19, further comprising means for regulating fluid supply temperature.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 20, further comprising means for regulating flow cell temperature.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-03-12 | 1993-09-11 | 1994-03-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-03-12 | 1997-09-11 | 1998-03-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-03-12 | 2001-09-11 | 2002-03-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |