Device and method for detecting properties of a core plug

Abstract

The application provides a device for detecting the performance of core plugging material, which comprises a storage mechanism for accommodating the core plugging material, a test mechanism in communication with the storage mechanism, and a pressure sensor arranged on the storage mechanism and used for continuously monitoring the pressure change generated when the core plugging material is transported from the storage mechanism to the test mechanism, wherein the test mechanism comprises a cavity defined by a top plate and a side plate, one end of the cavity is in communication with the storage mechanism, the other end is formed with a core plugging material outlet, and a core is accommodated in the cavity in a circumferential sealing manner. By arranging the storage mechanism and the test mechanism in communication with the storage mechanism, the plugging material stored in the storage mechanism can be transported into the cavity of the test mechanism to contact the core, so that the plugging condition of the core is obtained. In this way, the technical problem of lacking actual formation test in the prior art for selecting the plugging material is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of core sealing material performance testing technology, and particularly relates to a testing device for the performance of core sealing materials, and a method for using this device to test the sealing performance of core sealing materials. Background Technology

[0002] Loss of circulation is a common occurrence during drilling operations in fractured formations. This not only causes significant losses to the drilling project but also creates difficulties for resource exploration and development. Pouring technology is one of the important means to achieve safe drilling in fractured formations. By mixing appropriate plugging materials with fluids to form a plugging slurry, the fractured rock is sealed, thereby improving the stability of the wellbore in fractured formations.

[0003] Among these factors, the selection of sealing materials and the proportioning of various sealing materials are crucial to successful leak sealing. Current technologies typically select sealing materials by simulating the opening and number of fractures. While this method can effectively seal fractured formations, it lacks practical geological testing, resulting in a low success rate and failing to evaluate the compatibility of the sealing material with fractured formations based on actual field conditions. Furthermore, this method can only test the sealing performance of one type of core material at a time, leading to low testing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome at least one or more of the aforementioned defects in the prior art, a first aspect of the present invention provides a testing device for the performance of core sealing material, comprising a storage mechanism for containing the core sealing material, a testing mechanism connected to the storage mechanism, and a pressure sensor disposed on the storage mechanism, the pressure sensor being used to continuously monitor the pressure change generated when the core sealing material is transported from the storage mechanism to the testing mechanism.

[0005] The test mechanism includes a cavity defined by a top plate and side plates. One end of the cavity is connected to a storage mechanism, and the other end forms a core sealing material outlet. The cavity is configured to contain the core in a circumferentially sealed manner.

[0006] In one embodiment, the test apparatus further includes at least one bolt disposed on the side plate and extending through the cavity, the bolt extending through the rock core and securing the rock core within the cavity.

[0007] In one embodiment, the test apparatus further includes a sealing layer disposed between the side plate and the core, for circumferentially sealing the core sealing material delivered to the test apparatus from the storage mechanism within the cavity.

[0008] In one embodiment, the detection device further includes a stirring mechanism for pre-treating core sealing material, and a fourth valve is provided between the stirring mechanism and the storage mechanism for selectively connecting the stirring mechanism and the storage mechanism.

[0009] In one embodiment, the mixing mechanism includes a mixing section for mixing various core sealing materials, the mixing section including a mixing column and mixing blades spirally arranged around the mixing column.

[0010] In one embodiment, the detection device further includes at least one supply mechanism for holding core sealing material raw materials, which is connected to the stirring mechanism.

[0011] In one embodiment, the testing device further includes a driving mechanism, which includes a tank containing fluid inside, and the tank is connected to a supply mechanism, a stirring mechanism, and a storage mechanism.

[0012] In one embodiment, the tank is optionally connected to a supply mechanism, a stirring mechanism, and a storage mechanism via a first valve, a second valve, and a third valve, respectively.

[0013] In one embodiment, a piston is provided in the storage mechanism for pushing the core sealing material toward the testing mechanism and / or a pusher is provided in the supply mechanism for pushing the core sealing material raw material toward the mixing mechanism.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for testing the performance of core sealing materials using the aforementioned apparatus is provided, comprising the steps of:

[0015] The rock core is installed in the cavity of the test mechanism of the detection device in a circumferentially sealed manner;

[0016] Core sealing material is continuously fed into the cavity, so that the core sealing material comes into contact with the core.

[0017] The pressure sensor continuously collects the pressure data generated after the core sealing material enters the cavity, and transmits the pressure data to the display mechanism.

[0018] The sealing performance of the core sealing material is determined based on the changes in the pressure data.

[0019] Overall, compared with the prior art, the above-conceived technical solution through the invention can achieve at least the following beneficial effects:

[0020] 1. The testing device for the performance of core sealing materials of the present invention, by setting up a storage mechanism and a testing mechanism connected to the storage mechanism, allows the core sealing material contained in the storage mechanism to be transported into the cavity of the testing mechanism to contact the core. During this process, a pressure sensor continuously monitors the pressure changes generated during the transport, thereby obtaining the sealing status of the core. In this way, the technical problems of lack of selection of sealing materials and actual formation testing in the prior art are solved.

[0021] 2. The testing device for the performance of core sealing materials of the present invention comprises a supply mechanism, a stirring mechanism, a storage mechanism, and a driving mechanism connected in sequence. The supply mechanism has multiple chambers capable of holding core sealing material raw materials, allowing various core sealing material raw materials to be stirred by the stirring mechanism and then transported to the storage mechanism for sealing performance testing. This method solves the technical problem of low testing efficiency in the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 The schematic diagram illustrates the overall structure of the testing device for the performance of core sealing materials according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 The schematic diagram illustrates the overall structure of the testing mechanism according to the present invention.

[0025] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0026] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same technical features, specifically: 100-Detection device for the performance of core plugging material; 1-Supply mechanism; 11-Push plate; 2-Agitating mechanism; 21-Agitating part; 211-Connecting part; 22-Motor; 23-Fourth valve; 3-Storage mechanism; 31-Piston; 4-Testing mechanism; 41-Top plate; 411-Through hole; 42-Side plate; 43-Plugging layer; 44-Bolt; 45-Limiting part; 46-Screw; 47-Cavity; 48-Core plugging material outlet; 5-Drive mechanism; 51-Tank body; 52-First valve; 53-Second valve; 54-Third valve; 6-Pressure sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To better understand the purpose, structure, and function of this invention, the following detailed description of a testing device for the performance of core sealing materials is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0028] like Figure 1As shown, one embodiment of the present invention provides a testing device 100 for the performance of core sealing material, comprising a supply mechanism 1, a stirring mechanism 2, a storage mechanism 3, and a testing mechanism 4 connected in sequence. The supply mechanism 1, stirring mechanism 2, and storage mechanism 3 are each connected to a drive mechanism 5 via pipes. Each pipe is equipped with a valve. In this way, the drive mechanism 5 can be selectively connected to the supply mechanism 1, stirring mechanism 2, and storage mechanism 3.

[0029] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the supply mechanism 1 is used to hold the core sealing material. In the illustrated embodiment, as... Figure 1 As shown, the supply mechanism 1 is constructed as a hollow, sealed structure with both ends connected to the stirring mechanism 2 and the driving mechanism 5, respectively. Inside the supply mechanism 1, there is a pusher plate 11 that fits against the inner wall of the supply mechanism 1. The pusher plate 11 is used to receive the force applied by the driving mechanism 5 to the supply mechanism 1, thereby pushing the core sealing material material contained in the supply mechanism 1 towards the stirring mechanism 2.

[0030] In one embodiment, the stirring mechanism 2 receives the core sealing material raw material from the supply mechanism 1 and mixes it with the remaining core sealing material to achieve a form suitable for sealing performance testing. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown... Figure 1 As shown, the stirring mechanism 2 is constructed as a hollow, sealed structure that is connected to both the supply mechanism 1 and the storage mechanism 3. The stirring mechanism 2 contains a stirring section 21. In this way, the core sealing material entering the stirring mechanism 2 via the supply mechanism 1 is subjected to the force applied by the stirring section 21, thereby ensuring that the core sealing material is uniformly mixed within the stirring section 21.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a connecting portion 211 is provided at the end of the stirring section 21, the connecting portion 211 penetrating the wall of the stirring mechanism 2 and extending in a direction away from the stirring mechanism 2. The free end of the connecting portion 211 is connected to the motor 22. In this way, the motor 22 can transmit its output force along the connecting portion 211 to the stirring section 21, thereby driving the stirring section 21 to move synchronously with the motor. This completes the stirring of the core sealing material raw material, obtaining a core sealing material suitable for sealing performance testing.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1As shown, the mixing unit 21 includes a mixing column extending upwards along the middle of the mixing mechanism 2, and mixing blades arranged around the outside of the mixing column and spiraling upwards from the bottom to the top of the mixing column. Specifically, the mixing unit is configured as an auger. In this way, the core sealing material can continuously rise with the rotation of the mixing blades during the mixing process by the mixing unit 21, until the mixed core sealing material is transported to the storage mechanism 3 through a pipeline.

[0033] In one embodiment, the storage unit 3 is used to contain the core sealing material that has been uniformly mixed by the stirring unit 2, and to continuously transport the core sealing material to the testing unit 4 through a pipeline. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown... Figure 1 As shown, the storage mechanism 3 is constructed as a hollow, sealed structure that is connected to the stirring mechanism 2, the driving mechanism 5, and the testing mechanism 4. A piston 31 is installed inside the storage mechanism 3, fitting against its inner wall. The piston 31 receives the force applied by the driving mechanism 5 to the interior of the storage mechanism 3, thereby propelling the core sealing material contained within the storage mechanism 3 toward the testing mechanism 4.

[0034] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the drive mechanism 5 includes a tank 51 containing fluid, which is connected to a supply mechanism 1, a stirring mechanism 2, and a storage mechanism 3. A first valve 52, a second valve 53, and a third valve 54 are respectively installed between the tank 51 and the supply mechanism 1, the stirring mechanism 2, and the storage mechanism 3. This allows the tank 51 to be selectively connected to the supply mechanism 1, the stirring mechanism 2, and the storage mechanism 3.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drive mechanism 5 further includes a water pump (not shown) for applying force to the fluid in the tank 51, so that the fluid in the tank 51 can move along the pipes toward the supply mechanism 1, the stirring mechanism 2, and the storage mechanism 3, respectively. In this way, the drive mechanism 5 can apply force to the materials contained inside the supply mechanism 1 and the storage mechanism 3.

[0036] Simultaneously, the second valve 53 is used to open or close the fluid flow path between the water pump and the stirring mechanism 2. In this way, when the second valve 53 is opened, the fluid in the tank 51 can flow to the stirring mechanism 2. When the second valve 53 is closed, the tank 51 stops supplying fluid to the stirring mechanism 2. The fluid can dilute the core sealing material input via the supply mechanism 1, and after being stirred by the stirring mechanism 2, form the core sealing material to be tested.

[0037] In one embodiment, a fourth valve 23 is provided between the stirring mechanism 2 and the storage mechanism 3, the fourth valve 23 being used to connect or disconnect the material movement path between the stirring mechanism 2 and the storage mechanism 3.

[0038] In this configuration, during operation, the drive mechanism 5 is activated, and the first valve 52 is opened simultaneously. This allows the fluid within the tank 51 to move along the pipe between the drive mechanism 5 and the material supply mechanism 1, thereby pushing the pusher plate 11 located within the supply mechanism towards the stirring mechanism 2. During this process, the material located within the supply mechanism 1 can move into the stirring mechanism 2. Once the volume of material in the stirring mechanism 2 is suitable, the first valve 51 is closed. This completes the process of transferring material from the supply mechanism 1 to the stirring mechanism 2.

[0039] At this point, the second valve 53 is opened, opening the liquid flow path between the tank 51 and the stirring mechanism 2. In this way, the fluid inside the tank 51 can continuously move into the stirring mechanism 2 and dilute the core sealing material inside the stirring mechanism 2. Once the mixing ratio of the core sealing material and the fluid reaches a suitable level, the second valve 53 is closed.

[0040] Then, the motor 22 located on the stirring mechanism 2 is started, causing the motor 22 to drive the stirring section 21 to move synchronously. During this process, the stirring section 21 can continuously stir the mixture located in the stirring mechanism 2. After the mixture in the stirring mechanism 2 is stirred to meet the requirements of the test, the fourth valve 23 located between the stirring mechanism 2 and the storage mechanism 3 is opened. The stirring blades on the outside of the stirring section 21 can drive the core sealing material located in the stirring mechanism 2 to move continuously upward along the stirring blades, and continuously transport the core sealing material to the storage mechanism 3. After the transportation is completed, the fourth valve 23 is closed.

[0041] Finally, the third valve 54 is opened, allowing the water pump to connect to the storage mechanism 3. During this process, as the fluid in the tank 51 continues to move into the storage mechanism 3, the fluid exerts a force on the piston 31 in the storage mechanism 3, causing the piston 31 to move along the inner wall of the storage mechanism 3, thereby pushing the core sealing material in the storage mechanism 3 toward the test mechanism 4.

[0042] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown, the test mechanism 4 includes a top plate 41 and side plates 42 disposed on the top plate. The side plates 42 together form a circumferentially sealed cavity 47 for accommodating the rock core. The top plate 41 has a through hole 411 communicating with the cavity 47, and the through hole 411 is connected to the storage mechanism 3 via a pipe. Simultaneously, a rock core sealing material outlet 48 is formed on the side corresponding to the through hole 411. In this configuration, the sealing material can enter the test mechanism 4 from the storage mechanism 3 and seal the rock core located within the test mechanism 4, or flow out from the rock core sealing material outlet 48. This simulates the contact between the rock core sealing material and the formation rock core.

[0043] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, a pressure sensor 6 is installed on the storage mechanism 3. The pressure sensor 6 continuously monitors the pressure changes generated when the storage mechanism 3 delivers core sealing material to the test mechanism 4. In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 6 is connected to a display mechanism (not shown) via wired or wireless means. This allows the display mechanism to visually display the pressure data transmitted by the pressure sensor 6. Thus, the pressure changes generated when the storage mechanism 3 continuously delivers sealing material to the test mechanism 4 can be observed intuitively.

[0044] In this configuration, the sealing performance of the sealing material can be analyzed based on pressure data. When the pressure continuously rises, it indicates that the core sealing material entering the test chamber 4 is not flowing out of the sealing material outlet 48, but is continuously fused with the core in the cavity 47. This indicates that the sealing effect of the core sealing material is good. When the pressure tends to stabilize, it indicates that the sealing material entering the test chamber 4 moves along the core towards the core sealing material outlet 48 and flows out from there. This indicates that the sealing effect of the core sealing material is poor.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a sealing layer 43 is provided between the side plate 42 and the rock core. The sealing layer 43 is made of any material with sealing characteristics. In this embodiment, the sealing layer 43 is made of rubber material. The sealing layer 43 is used to circumferentially seal the rock core sealing material transported from the storage mechanism 3 to the testing mechanism 4 within the cavity 47, preventing the rock core sealing material from leaking along the circumference of the rock core.

[0046] In one embodiment, the test mechanism 4 further includes at least one bolt 44 disposed on the side plate 42 and extending through the cavity 47, the bolt 44 extending through the rock core and securing the rock core within the cavity 47. In the illustrated embodiment, two bolts 44 are provided.

[0047] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown, the lower end of the side plate 42 is provided with a limiting part 45 extending toward the cavity 47. When the rock core is placed in the cavity 47, the limiting part 45 can stably support the rock core. In this way, the rock core is further stably placed in the cavity formed by the top plate 41 and the side plate 42.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top plate 41 and the side plate 42 are detachably connected. In the illustrated embodiment, the top plate 41 is provided with a fixing hole (not shown in the figure), and the side plate has a connecting hole (not shown in the figure) at a position corresponding to the fixing hole. A screw 46 passes through the fixing hole and connects to the connecting hole. In this way, a stable connection can be formed between the top plate 41 and the side plate 42.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the supply mechanism 1 can be configured in any number, and each supply mechanism 1 can be used to hold core sealing material. Each supply mechanism is connected at both ends to the drive mechanism 5 and the stirring mechanism 2, respectively. In this way, multiple supply mechanisms 1 can each hold different core sealing material, thereby allowing different core sealing material to be input into the stirring mechanism 2. After stirring by the stirring mechanism 2, the sealing performance of different core sealing material materials can be tested. This improves the testing efficiency.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a receiving mechanism (not shown in the figure) may be optionally provided below the test mechanism 4. The receiving mechanism is provided corresponding to the sealing material outlet 48 and is used to receive the core sealing material flowing out from the sealing material outlet 48.

[0051] The operation of the testing device 100 for the performance of core sealing material according to the present invention is as follows.

[0052] First, a sealing layer 43 is installed inside the cavity 47, and the rock core is placed inside the cavity 47. At the same time, bolts 44 are inserted into the side plate 42 to fix the side plate 42 and the rock core relatively.

[0053] Next, the drive mechanism 5 is started and the first valve 52 is opened, causing the fluid in the tank 51 to move towards the material supply mechanism 1, thereby pushing the core sealing material into the mixing mechanism 2. When the material reaches the appropriate position in the mixing mechanism 2, the first valve 52 is closed.

[0054] Next, the second valve 53 is opened. At this time, the fluid in the tank 51 can continuously move into the stirring mechanism 2 and dilute the material in the stirring mechanism 2. When the ratio of material to fluid reaches a suitable level, the second valve 53 is closed. At the same time, the motor on the stirring mechanism 2 is started, so that the motor drives the stirring part 21 to move synchronously, thereby stirring the mixture in the stirring mechanism 2.

[0055] Once the mixture reaches the required sealing level, the fourth valve 23, located between the mixing mechanism 2 and the storage mechanism 3, is opened. The stirring blades on the outside of the mixing unit 21 drive the sealing material inside the mixing mechanism 2 to move continuously upward along the stirring blades, and continuously transport the sealing material to the storage mechanism 3 through the pipeline. After the transport is completed, the fourth valve 23 is closed.

[0056] Finally, the third valve 54 is opened, and the fluid in the tank 51 exerts a force on the piston 31 in the storage mechanism 3, causing the piston 31 to move along the inner wall of the storage mechanism 3, thereby pushing the sealing material in the storage mechanism 3 towards the test mechanism 4. During the continuous supply of sealing material from the storage mechanism 3 to the test mechanism 4, the pressure is continuously detected by the pressure sensor 6 installed on the storage mechanism 3, and the pressure data is transmitted to the display mechanism (not shown in the figure) for explicit display. The pressure information is then analyzed to determine the core sealing status. This completes the performance testing of the core sealing material.

[0057] It is understood that the present invention has been described through some embodiments, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, under the teachings of the present invention, these features and embodiments can be modified to adapt to specific situations and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A testing device for the performance of core sealing materials, characterized in that, It includes a storage mechanism (3) for containing core sealing material, a test mechanism (4) connected to the storage mechanism (3), and a pressure sensor (6) installed on the storage mechanism (3), the pressure sensor (6) being used to continuously monitor the pressure changes generated when the core sealing material is transported from the storage mechanism (3) to the test mechanism (4). The test mechanism (4) includes a cavity (47) defined by a top plate (41) and a side plate (42), one end of which is connected to the storage mechanism (3) and the other end forms a core sealing material outlet (48), the cavity being configured to contain the core in a circumferentially sealed manner.

2. The testing device for the performance of core sealing material according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test mechanism (4) also includes at least one bolt (44) disposed on the side plate (42) and extending through the cavity (47), the bolt (44) extending through the rock core and fixing the rock core in the cavity (47).

3. The testing device for the performance of core sealing material according to claim 2, characterized in that, The test mechanism (4) also includes a sealing layer (43) disposed between the side plate (42) and the core, for circumferentially sealing the core sealing material delivered to the test mechanism (4) by the storage mechanism (3) within the cavity (47).

4. The testing device for the performance of core sealing material according to claim 3, characterized in that, The detection device also includes a stirring mechanism (2) for pre-treating the core sealing material. A fourth valve (23) is provided between the stirring mechanism (2) and the storage mechanism (3) to allow the stirring mechanism (2) and the storage mechanism (3) to be selectively connected.

5. The testing device for the performance of core sealing material according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mixing mechanism (2) is provided with a mixing section (21) for mixing various rock core sealing materials. The mixing section (21) includes a mixing column and a mixing blade spirally surrounding the mixing column.

6. The testing device for the performance of core sealing material according to claim 5, characterized in that, The detection device also includes at least one supply mechanism (1) for holding core sealing material raw materials, which is connected to the stirring mechanism (2).

7. The testing device for the performance of core sealing material according to claim 6, characterized in that, The testing device also includes a driving mechanism (5), which includes a tank (51) containing fluid inside. The tank (51) is connected to a supply mechanism (1), a stirring mechanism (2), and a storage mechanism (3).

8. The testing device for the performance of core sealing material according to claim 7, characterized in that, The tank is selectively connected to the supply mechanism (1), the stirring mechanism (2), and the storage mechanism (3) via the first valve (52), the second valve (53), and the third valve (54), respectively.

9. The apparatus for the performance of core sealing material according to claim 8, characterized in that, A piston (31) is provided in the storage mechanism (3) for pushing the core sealing material toward the test mechanism (4) and / or a pusher plate (11) is provided in the supply mechanism (1) for pushing the core sealing material raw material toward the mixing mechanism (2).

10. A method for detecting the performance of core sealing material using the detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Including the following steps: The rock core is installed in the cavity of the test mechanism of the detection device in a circumferentially sealed manner; The core sealing material is continuously fed into the cavity, so that the core sealing material comes into contact with the core. The pressure sensor continuously collects the pressure data generated after the core sealing material enters the cavity, and transmits the pressure data to the display mechanism. The sealing performance of the core sealing material is determined based on the changes in the pressure data.

Images