ConocoPhillips has patented a method using real-time ion sensors downhole to monitor water breakthrough in oil production, distinguishing between different water sources. By comparing measured ion concentrations with known standards, the method optimizes hydrocarbon production and minimizes produced water. This innovation aims to prevent scale deposition and enhance offshore oil production efficiency. GlobalData’s report on ConocoPhillips gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on ConocoPhillips, HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) peptides was a key innovation area identified from patents. ConocoPhillips's grant share as of February 2024 was 80%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Monitoring and optimizing water production in oil wells
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11920468B2) discloses a method for optimizing hydrocarbon production and minimizing produced water production in a hydrocarbon well. The method involves deploying a tool with ion-sensitive sensors downhole to measure the concentration of ions in water at perforations in the well. By comparing these measured concentrations against known concentrations of ions in natural formation water, injected water, or seawater, the method determines the contribution of each source to produced water. Mitigation remedies can then be applied to reduce this contribution, ultimately optimizing hydrocarbon production and minimizing produced water production.
Furthermore, the patent also describes a method for monitoring produced water production in a hydrocarbon well using ion-sensitive sensors for calcium, sodium, and chloride ions, along with temperature and flow rate sensors. By continuously measuring these parameters and comparing them against known concentrations of ions in different water sources, the method can determine the contribution of each source to produced water at various inflow positions along the well. This information can help in implementing targeted mitigation strategies to reduce unwanted water production and enhance overall hydrocarbon recovery efficiency. The use of advanced sensor technologies such as ion-selective field effect transistors, electrodes, optical sensors, and electrochemical sensors further enhances the accuracy and effectiveness of the monitoring and optimization processes outlined in the patent.
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GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
