Automatic time lapse monitoring of fluid injection using self-potential method

Monitoring the movement of fluids in the subsurface, especially in the context of enhanced oil recovery (EOR), has not been accomplished in real-time, making it challenging to properly monitor the overall effectiveness of the fluid injection process. The commonly employed method for this monitoring is the tracer method, but the limitation of this method lies in its ability to only determine the connectivity between the injection well and the monitoring well, without providing information on the lateral movement of the fluid. Advanced technologies in subsurface fluid movement monitoring include 4D seismic and 4D microgravity. Both offer insight into the distribution of fluid movement over specific periods. However, the cost associated with data acquisition and processing is a constraint, especially with 4D seismic technology, which can be very expensive if conducted over long periods. One of the more effective and efficient alternative methods for water injection monitoring is the self-potential (SP) method. This method utilizes the natural electric potential at the ground surface, allowing for the identification of changes in fluid flow. Therefore, in this article, we conducted remote observation in the hydrocarbon field for monitoring fluid injection, using the SP method.