Equinor has filed a patent for a method of mapping reservoir fluid in a mature field. The method involves drilling production wells through a region of interest and collecting mud gas data. This data is used to generate a refined model based on 4D seismic data, resulting in improved reservoir fluid mapping and greater vertical resolution. GlobalData’s report on Equinor 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 Equinor, Oil well fracking was a key innovation area identified from patents. Equinor's grant share as of September 2023 was 53%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method for mapping reservoir fluid with improved vertical resolution
A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230314646A1) describes a method for improving the accuracy and resolution of models used in hydrocarbon field exploration. The method involves identifying a region of interest within the field using 4D seismic data and drilling multiple production wells through that region. As each well is drilled, mud-gas data is collected. This data is then used to generate a refined model of the region of interest, which provides a more accurate mapping of reservoir fluids and a higher vertical resolution compared to the initial model.
The first claim of the patent highlights the process of identifying a region of interest within a hydrocarbon field using a first model produced using 4D seismic data. The method then involves drilling multiple production wells through this region and collecting mud-gas data during the drilling process. Finally, a refined model of the region of interest is generated using both the 4D seismic data and the collected mud-gas data. This refined model offers improved reservoir fluid mapping and vertical resolution compared to the initial model.
The patent also includes additional claims that provide further details and variations of the method. These claims mention the uncertainty of fluid type within the region of interest, the presence of free gas indicated by the initial model, the number of production wells required (at least four), and the estimation of fluid type at each location within the field and region of interest. The claims also mention the use of advanced mud-gas data, the generation of a reservoir fluid property log, the completion of production wells without inflow control devices, the determination of perforation locations based on the refined model, and the drilling of future production wells based on the refined model.
In summary, this patent describes a method for improving the accuracy and resolution of models used in hydrocarbon field exploration. By combining 4D seismic data with mud-gas data collected during drilling, a refined model of a region of interest can be generated, providing more precise reservoir fluid mapping and vertical resolution. This method has the potential to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of hydrocarbon exploration and production processes.
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