Determining contact levels of fluids in an oil reservoir using a

Details Determining contact levels of fluids in an oil reservoir using a Determining contact levels of fluids in an oil reservoir using a

1998-11-13

2000-02-08

Oda, Christine K

Communications, electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices

Wellbore telemetering

Through well fluids

3408543, 3408544, G01V 140

Patent

active

060234458

ABSTRACT:
The present invention is a method for monitoring contact levels of fluids in a subterranean oil reservoir. A monitoring wellbore is provided from an earthen surface into the oil reservoir which includes an oil zone, a water zone, and a gas zone, each having a level in the reservoir. The monitoring wellbore contains a plurality of fluids including an oil phase, a water phase and a gas phase, each have a level in the monitoring wellbore which substantially corresponds to the level of the oil, water and gas zones, respectively, in the reservoir proximal to the monitoring wellbore. The method includes positioning a transducer pair having a first and a second transducer in the oil phase of the monitoring wellbore, transmitting a plurality of first acoustic output signals from the first transducer in a first direction and transmitting a plurality of second acoustic output signals from the second transducer in a second direction. A gas/oil interface is contacted with one of the first acoustic output signals and a first acoustic input signal is reflected back to the first transducer in response to the contact. A contact level of the oil and gas zones is determined from the first acoustic input signal. A water/oil interface is contacted with one of the second acoustic output signals and a second acoustic input signal is reflected back to the second transducer in response to the contact. A contact level of the oil and water zones is determined from the second acoustic input signal. The transducer pair is continuously maintained in the monitoring wellbore during a long-term monitoring period and determination of the contact levels is periodically repeated throughout the long-term monitoring period.

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