METHOD FOR DETERMINING REGIONS FOR STIMULATION ALONG A WELLBORE WITHIN A HYDROCARBON FORMATION, AND USING SUCH METHOD TO IMPROVE HYDROCARBON RECOVERY FROM THE RESERVOIR

摘要

A method for determining along a length of a wellbore situated in an underground hydrocarbon-containing formation, regions within the formation where injection of a fluid at a pressure above formation dilation pressure may be advantageous in stimulating production of oil into the wellbore. An initial information-gathering procedure is conducted prior to formation dilation/fracturing, wherein fluid is supplied under a pressure less than formation dilation or fracture pressure, to discrete intervals along the wellbore, and sensors measure and data is recorded regarding the ease of penetration of such fluid into the various regions of the formation. Regions of the formation exhibiting poor ease of fluid penetration or regions of higher oil saturation, are thereafter selected for subsequent stimulation or dilation, at pressures above formation dilation pressures. Where initial fluid pressures and/or formation dilation pressures are provided in cyclic pulses, as novel downhole tool is disclosed for such purpose.

主权项

1. A method for determining along a length of a wellbore situated in an underground hydrocarbon-containing formation, regions within said formation along said wellbore where subsequent injection of a fluid at a pressure above formation dilation pressure may likely be advantageous or useful for stimulating production of oil into the wellbore as compared to various other locations along said wellbore, comprising the steps of:
(i) applying, via fluid pressurization means, a fluid at each of discrete intervals along said wellbore, at a first pressure below formation dilation pressure; and (ii) sensing, via sensing means, for each of said discrete intervals, a value or values indicative of a rate of, a volume of, or extent of, fluid penetration within each a region of said formation proximate said discrete interval when said first pressure is applied, and compiling said value or values for each associated discrete location along said wellbore.