System and method for determining the characteristics of boreholes

Abstract

The embodiment determines the characteristics of the borehole. [Solution] In one such embodiment, the properties of the composite material are acquired in memory. The borehole contains the composite material. For each of the multiple stages of the borehole's lifecycle, a finite element (FE) model representing the borehole at that stage is constructed based on the acquired properties. For each of the multiple stages, a simulation is performed using the respective FE model constructed to determine at least one property of the borehole at that stage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for determining characteristics of a borehole.

Background Art

[0002] Many existing products and simulation systems are available on the market for the design and simulation of objects, for example boreholes. Such systems typically employ computer-aided design (CAD) programs and computer-aided engineering (CAE) programs. These systems allow users to build, manipulate, simulate, and optimize complex three-dimensional models of an object or an assembly of objects. These CAD and CAE systems provide a modeled representation of an object, for example a real-world object, using edges or lines, and in certain cases edges or lines with faces. Lines, edges, faces, or polygons may be represented in various formats, for example non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS).

[0003] The advent of CAD and CAE systems has enabled a wide range of representations of objects, such as CAD models. Computer-based models may be programmed so that the model possesses the properties (e.g., physical, material, or other physics-based) of the underlying real-world object that the model represents. Illustrative properties include, among others, stiffness (the ratio of force to displacement), plasticity (irreversible deformation), and viscosity (resistance to the flow of one layer over an adjacent layer). When a CAD model known in the art or other such computer-based models is programmed in this manner, it can be used to perform simulations of the object that the model represents. For example, a mesh-based model can be used to represent the internal cavities of a vehicle, the acoustic fluid surrounding a structure, or any number of real-world objects. Furthermore, CAD and CAE systems, along with computer-based models, can be used, among other embodiments, to simulate real-world physical systems, such as engineering systems like automobiles, airplanes, buildings, boreholes, and bridges. Moreover, CAE systems can be used to simulate any variety and combination of the behavior of these physics-based systems, such as noise and vibration. [Overview of the project]

[0004] Existing computer-based approaches for borehole simulation, analysis, and optimization take into account the interactions between various elements of the borehole and the materials, such as how pressure from carbon dioxide (CO2) affects the cement.

[0005] However, the problem is that existing technologies cannot model the effects of chemical reactions, such as carbonation reactions, on the borehole material, e.g., cement, its mechanical properties, and the corresponding effects on the stability of large boreholes. Therefore, improved functionality is needed for determining the properties of boreholes, with enhanced accuracy, performance, and effectiveness. Embodiments provide such functionality.

[0006] An exemplary embodiment relates to a computer-implemented method for determining the properties of a borehole. The method begins by acquiring the properties of a composite material in memory. According to one embodiment, the borehole contains a composite material. For each of several stages in the borehole's lifecycle, based on the acquired properties, the method constructs a finite element (FE) model representing the borehole at each stage. For each of the several stages in the borehole's lifecycle, the method further performs simulations using the respective FE model constructed to determine at least one property of the borehole at that stage.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the simulation may be configured to include determining one or more effects on the borehole based on a chemical reaction between the composite material and at least one other material of the borehole. According to such embodiments, the chemical reaction may be a carbonation reaction.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, the acquired properties of the composite material may be configured to include a representation of each property of the composite material at each of several stages of its lifecycle. According to one such embodiment, each property may be configured to include a change in the porosity of the composite material. In another such embodiment, the change in porosity may be based on a carbonation reaction.

[0009] According to exemplary embodiments, properties can be obtained from real-world 3D microstructure images of the composite material or virtual 3D microstructure images of the composite material.

[0010] In other exemplary embodiments, the multiple stages of the borehole lifecycle may include initial equilibrium, drilling, casing, cement slurry, cement hardening, and any combination of injection and reaction.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment, for a given step, constructing each FE model may include determining the homogenized properties of the composite material and constructing each FE model based on the determined homogenized properties.

[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, performing the simulation for at least one stage may involve performing a fully coupled thermohydraulic analysis of each FE model.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one property to be determined may include any combination of stress state, strain state, occurrence of plastic strain, and delamination at the interface.

[0014] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a computer-based system for determining the characteristics of a borehole. The system includes a processor and memory storing computer code instructions. The processor and memory are configured to use the computer code instructions to cause the system to implement any embodiment or combination of embodiments described herein.

[0015] Further embodiments relate to a computer program product for determining the characteristics of a borehole. The computer program product includes a non-temporary computer-readable medium on which computer code instructions are stored. When executed by a processor, the computer code instructions are configured to cause a device associated with the processor to implement any embodiment or combination of embodiments described herein.

[0016] It should be noted that embodiments of the method, system, and computer program product described herein may be configured to implement any embodiment or combination of embodiments described herein.

[0017] Exemplary embodiments for determining borehole properties may perform property homogenization on composite materials in a borehole, such as cement, based on changes in the three-dimensional (3D) microstructure of the material due to chemical reactions, such as carbonation. Other exemplary embodiments may generate or fabricate a multi-stage borehole stability model including initial equilibrium, drilling, casing, cement slurry (i.e., cement fixation), cement hardening, and injection and reaction. Yet another exemplary embodiment may simultaneously calculate a fully coupled thermo-hydraulic analysis, i.e., the interaction between heat transfer (heat), fluid flow (water flow), and mechanical deformation in a multi-stage borehole model. Exemplary embodiments may provide or generate a large borehole model that takes the results of small-scale simulations or analyses as input to the model. Other exemplary embodiments may evaluate the effect of chemical reactions, such as carbonation, on borehole stability, including determining metrics such as stress / strain states, the occurrence of plastic strain, and delamination at the cement formation and / or cement casing interface, for non-limiting examples.

[0018] Exemplary embodiments can evaluate borehole stability under the effects of cement carbonation reactions. In such embodiments, the effect of the carbonation reaction on the mechanical properties of cement can be determined through at least one of (1) microstructure simulation, (2) laboratory experiments, and (3) analytical solutions.

[0019] Technical improvements realized by the embodiments include, for non-limiting embodiments, providing more accurate simulation results based on a fully coupled model of the entire lifecycle of the borehole, and increased flexibility to incorporate various sources of how the carbonation reaction affects cement properties.

[0020] The foregoing will become clear from the following more specific description of the exemplary embodiments, as similar reference letters throughout the different figures are illustrated in the accompanying drawings to refer to the same parts. The drawings are not necessarily to exact scale and are intended to emphasize that they illustrate embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] [Figure 1] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary workflow according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is an exemplary graph of simulation results for a change in Young's modulus according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is an exemplary graph of simulation results for a change in shear modulus according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is an enlarged view of exemplary casing, cement and formation near an exemplary borehole system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B illustrates an exemplary full simulation domain according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates a multi-stage borehole FE model according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary effect of a carbonation reaction on borehole stability according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method for determining characteristics of a borehole according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a computer network in which an embodiment may be implemented. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a computer node in the computer network of Figure 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0022] A description of exemplary embodiments is provided below.

[0023] Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is a technology that removes CO2 from the Earth's atmosphere and mitigates global warming. CCUS involves injecting CO2 into the ground through boreholes. Cement is a crucial component of borehole barrier systems, providing mechanical stability and hydraulic sealing. CO2 from underground storage can react with hydration materials in the cement (i.e., carbonation). These reactions significantly affect the mechanical properties and durability of the cement, and therefore the stability of the borehole. While many experimental studies have focused on understanding the mechanism of carbonation and their effects on cement, there has been no modeling work that considers the effect of carbonation on the mechanical properties of cement, and the corresponding effect on borehole stability on a larger scale.

[0024] In non-limiting examples, a key challenge associated with CCUS systems is the maintenance of CO2 underground for extended periods, such as 100 or 1000 years, or even indefinitely. The cement in a CCUS system may be in direct contact with the formation, and if CO2 leaks through the cement, it may permeate the formation or other structures, re-enter the air, or even find a pathway to drinking water. If drinking water is compromised by CO2, this could constitute a violation of federal and / or state laws in the United States, such as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Related concerns include the toxicity of drinking water, for example, if brine is transported from underground along with CO2 that permeates the water.

[0025] While existing solutions in the patent literature attempt to address the aforementioned and other issues related to borehole systems, conventional approaches only consider simple effects such as pressure from CO2. In contrast, the embodiments are elaborate and, for example, can determine the actual effects of the carbonation reaction. The embodiments also employ advanced multi-stage models for analyzing the characteristics of boreholes. For example, the embodiments can divide the FE model of a borehole into different stages, for example, in which cement slurry is injected as part of the liquid phase. The embodiments also go beyond individual scales to assess or evaluate the phenomenon of CO2 decomposition in boreholes on a broader scale by, for example, treating CO2 as behaving as if it were "in-situ" or a similar concept. As part of this, the embodiments can determine how CO2 moves or roams within the borehole and / or how much of a given cement block is decomposed.

[0026] These improvements enable the embodiment to accurately determine the characteristics of a borehole. For example, the embodiment can accurately determine the characteristics of a real-world borehole in a real-world borehole environment, for example, based on data collected from one or more sensors. These determined characteristics can then be used to determine, for example, whether the real-world borehole is structurally stable, and if not, to determine and implement solutions for the borehole to mitigate the problem. Fixing the borehole may include, in non-limiting examples, compression cement, retrofitting with cement, application of chemical sealants, and application of casing patches or liners. Responsively, the determined modifications can be applied to the real-world borehole. Furthermore, the embodiment can be used as part of an optimization routine to optimize changes in a real-world borehole. Similarly, the embodiment can be used in an optimization routine to determine an optimized design for a borehole being constructed. In such embodiments, for example, characteristics can be obtained from a real-world environment, for example, via one or more sensors, and these characteristics can be used in an optimization routine to determine an optimized borehole design for the real-world environment. Responsively, a borehole with an optimized design can be constructed in a real-world environment.

[0027] However, it should be noted that the embodiments are not limited to, for example, determining the characteristics of boreholes used in CCUS systems. For example, boreholes have a variety of different uses, with the exception of CCUS technology such as oil / crude oil and natural gas production. The embodiments are equally useful for these and any other type of borehole application.

[0028] Workflow example Figure 1 shows an exemplary workflow 100 for determining the characteristics of a borehole according to one embodiment. Workflow 100 includes exemplary steps 102a to 102c described below.

[0029] Firstly, in step 102a, image segmentation may be performed on, for example, a grayscale 3D microstructure image 136 of cement to label individual voxels as belonging to different mineral phases, or otherwise identify them (as shown in image 138, where different colors / shades indicate different mineral phases). The result of the image segmentation performed in step 102a is the segmentation of the input image, e.g., image 136. Examples of mineral phases in one embodiment include separation pores, calcium silicate hydrate (CSH), portlandite (i.e., calcium hydroxide (CH)), and clinker (i.e., unhydrated phase). In one embodiment, real-world microstructure images obtained from microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) images of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Visible Segmentation Dataset may be used as exemplary input. However, it should be noted that other types of known images and / or image sources are also suitable.

[0030] Secondly, in step 102b, image processing may be performed on the segmented images generated in step 102a to simulate chemical reactions, such as carbonation reactions including both dry and wet carbonation, which tend to have opposite effects on the mechanical properties of cement. The image processing in step 102b may generate new images, e.g., 142a-142c, showing the changes in the mineral phase of cement caused by the chemical reaction. The simulation step may be performed for property homogenization, and the mechanical properties of cement may be calculated under various chemical reaction conditions. In other words, the various images generated in step 102b, e.g., 142a-142c, may be used to determine the physical properties of cement in each image 142a-142c. The determined properties may be plotted to show the changes in the physical properties of cement caused by the chemical reaction, as shown by graphs 144a and 144b.

[0031] Referring to steps 102a and 102b, the method for generating data from microstructure simulations may be as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 19 / 061,362, “Systems and Methods for Determining Properties of a Composite Material,” filed February 24, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. While the novel method described above is highly accurate, it should be noted that embodiments are not limited to this method. Any suitable existing method may be used instead. Data from actual physical tests may also be used.

[0032] Thirdly, in step 102c, the results of the microstructure simulation in step 102b may provide input to multi-stage FE models 146a and 146b (model 146a is a zoomed-in view of model 146b), which can be used to evaluate borehole stability under the influence of chemical reactions, such as carbonation reactions. The use of embodiments of homogenized global properties from microstructure to model larger boreholes 146a and 146b, such as in step 102c, may also be called a “multiscale” process or “upscale” process. In other words, embodiments may perform continuous-level simulations of boreholes at a macroscopic level that reflect microscopic variations in different materials forming a composite material such as cement or concrete.

[0033] Examples of microstructure simulation results Figure 2A is an exemplary graph 200a of the microstructure simulation results for Young's modulus 212 for non-carbonated 204, dry-carbonated 206, and wet-carbonated 208 cements according to one embodiment. In Figure 2A, the corresponding changes in microstructure 232a, 232b, and 232c are also included for reference at the top of columns 204, 206, and 208, respectively. Note that microstructures 232a-232c are exemplary slices from 3D images for visualization purposes only. Continuing, the changes in cement microstructure 232a-232c and the corresponding simulation results for Young's modulus 212 as the carbonation reactions 206 and 208 proceed are consistent with laboratory experimental results (not shown).

[0034] Figure 2B is an exemplary graph 200b of the microstructure simulation results for shear coefficients 214 for uncarbonated 204, dry-carbonated 206, and wet-carbonated 208 cements according to one embodiment. In Figure 2B, the corresponding changes in microstructures 232a, 232b, and 232c are also included for reference at the top of columns 204, 206, and 208, respectively. Note that microstructures 232a-232c are exemplary slices from 3D images for visualization purposes only. Continuing, the changes in cement microstructures 232a-232c and the corresponding microstructure simulation results for shear coefficients 214 as the carbonation reactions 206 and 208 proceed are consistent with laboratory experimental results (not shown).

[0035] Generally, dry carbonation 206 tends to produce calcium carbonate (not shown) with high rigidity, while wet carbonation 208 tends to dissolve calcium carbonate. Therefore, dry carbonation 206 may increase mechanical properties, while wet carbonation 208 may decrease them.

[0036] As a non-limiting example, the results shown in graphs 200a and 200b may be determined in step 102b of the workflow 100 described above in relation to Figure 1, and in step 602 of the method 600 described below in relation to Figure 6.

[0037] Exemplary borehole simulation Figure 3A is an enlarged view 348a of an exemplary casing 316, cement 318, and formation 322 of an exemplary borehole system 300 according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the casing 316 may be, for example, steel, and the formation 322 may be, for example, a porous medium such as sand or stone.

[0038] Figure 3B shows an exemplary overall simulation domain of the borehole system 300 according to one embodiment, as shown in Figure 348b.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the stability simulation of the borehole system 300 may be configured to use the microstructure simulation results described above with respect to Figures 2A and 2B as input data. In such an embodiment, the stability model of the borehole system 300 may be configured to include three main components: casing 316, cement 318, and formed material 322. In one embodiment, only one-quarter of the entire borehole system 300 may be simulated due to symmetry between the one-quarter being simulated and the other three-quarters of the borehole system 300. In one embodiment, the bonding of the interface between cement 318 and casing 316, and the bonding of the interface between cement 318 and formed material 322 may also be configured to be considered based on adhesive elements with an initial thickness of zero, i.e., based on modeling the interface using a particular type of finite element that has no initial thickness. For example, the embodiment may be configured to simulate the bonding of different adhesive elements and / or to determine the degree or extent of openings where delamination may occur. According to another embodiment, the simulation may enable a fully coupled thermohydraulic analysis of the borehole system 300. These simulations can be performed in step 102c of the workflow 100 described above in relation to Figure 1, and in step 602 of the method 600 described below in relation to Figure 6.

[0040] Figure 4 shows a multi-stage borehole FE model 400 according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, model 400 includes exemplary model steps of initial equilibrium 424a, drilling 424b, casing 424c, cementing 424d (i.e., cement slurry), cement hardening 424e, and injection and reaction 424f.

[0041] In one embodiment, steps 424a to 424f of Model 400 may be performed sequentially, and the results of simulating one step may affect the simulation of subsequent steps. Furthermore, it should be noted that if a given step, for example, injection / reaction step 424f, is simulated individually without considering the results from previous steps, this may lead to a decrease in accuracy.

[0042] Referring further to Figure 4, simulating borehole stability subject to chemical reactions, such as carbonation reactions, can be a complete lifecycle problem analyzing a complex loading history including, for example, initial equilibrium 424a, drilling 424b, casing 424c, cementing 424d, hardening 424e, and injection / reaction 424f. Embodiments can generate or formulate a multistage model, for example, model 400, which can then be used to quantify the stress state and / or state variables in each well stage, e.g., stages 424a-424f, and to capture the initial stress and / or strain state before modeling a particular stage. In one embodiment, during the injection / reaction stage 424f, a carbonation reaction (not shown) between injected CO2 (not shown) and cement can alter the mechanical properties of the cement and thus affect borehole stability.

[0043] Referring again to Figure 4, in one embodiment, if CO2 injection is performed during the injection / reaction step 424f, this can cause rapid changes in local pressure and / or temperature near the borehole (although the changes may occur more slowly as the distance from the borehole increases). Thus, in step 424f, the embodiment may simulate the injection in the first instance to generate a stable profile of borehole pressure and / or temperature. However, compared to CO2 injection, the carbonation reaction can proceed in a much more stepwise manner. For example, dry carbonation, e.g., 206 (Figure 2A), can occur slowly even in the presence of large amounts of CO2. The embodiment can explain the incremental nature of the carbonation reaction by simulating this long-term behavior in a so-called “static” step. In one embodiment, the carbonation reaction of a borehole, which is known to take time, may be simulated by updating one or more mechanical properties of the borehole cement during a static step in the FE model. The embodiment may use such a step to replicate the effect of the carbonation process and then perform a decomposition step.

[0044] It should be noted that the simulation performed using the multi-stage borehole model 400 may be carried out in step 102c of the workflow 100 described above in relation to Figure 1, and in step 602 of the method 600 described below in relation to Figure 6.

[0045] Exemplary borehole simulation results Figure 5 shows an example of borehole stability simulation results for simulations 534a-534f, measured by the Pascals (Pa) of hoop stress 526 and the plastic strain 528 of the cement annular portion 518, based on scenarios of non-carbonation 504, dry carbonation 506, and wet carbonation 508 according to one embodiment (this can represent, for example, cement 318 in Figure 3A).

[0046] JPEG2026140800000002.jpg47161

[0047] Figure 5 shows the simulation results of hoop stress 526 and plastic strain 528 in the cement annular section 518. Specifically, the various shadings of the annular section 518 in simulations 534a, 534b, and 534c represent the hoop stress 526 for uncarbonated 504, dry-carbonated 506, and wet-carbonated 508 cements, respectively. Similarly, the various shadings of the annular section 518 in simulations 534d, 534e, and 534f represent the plastic strain 528 for uncarbonated 504, dry-carbonated 506, and wet-carbonated 508 cements, respectively. The results shown in Figure 5 indicate that thermal shrinkage caused by cold-injected CO2 can induce tensile hoop stress 526 and plastic strain 528 in the cement annular section 518. The dry-carbonated 506 process can further increase the hoop stress 526 and plastic strain 528. In contrast, the wet carbonation process 508 reduces hoop stress 526 and does not require inducing plastic strain 528. Therefore, a dry carbonation section 506 instead of a wet carbonation section 508 may negatively affect borehole stability because the dry carbonation section 506 induces tensile failure and damage to the cement, which can provide a leakage path for subsequently injected CO2.

[0048] It should be noted that the simulation results shown in Figure 5 can be determined in step 102c of workflow 100 described above in relation to Figure 1, and in step 602 of method 600 described below in relation to Figure 6.

[0049] Exemplary Method Embodiments Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method 600 for determining the properties of a composite material according to one embodiment. Method 600 may be implemented using a computer or any computing device or combination of computing devices known to those skilled in the art, such as a processor.

[0050] Method 600 begins in step 601 by acquiring the properties of a composite material, such as cement 318, in memory (Figure 3A). The borehole, for example, the borehole system 300 (Figure 3A), includes the composite material. Next, in step 602, for each of the multiple stages of the borehole's lifecycle, Method 600 constructs a corresponding FE model, for example, models 424a to 424f (Figure 4), representing the borehole at each stage, based on the acquired properties. Continuing step 602, for each of the multiple stages of the borehole's lifecycle, Method 600 further performs simulations using the respective FE model constructed to determine at least one property of the borehole at each stage, for example, hoop stress 526 (Figure 5) or plastic strain (Figure 5).

[0051] To illustrate process 602, consider the example shown in Figure 4, in which the borehole has six stages: initial equilibrium 424a, drilling 424b, casing 424c, cementing 424d, hardening 424e, and injection / reaction 424f. In such an embodiment, six models may be generated in process 602, each model representing the borehole during its respective stages. To continue this exemplary embodiment, the six models are then used in process 602 to perform a simulation in which the results of the simulation show the characteristics of the borehole at each stage, i.e., initial equilibrium 424a, drilling 424b, casing 424c, cementing 424d, hardening 424e, and injection / reaction 424f.

[0052] As noted, Method 600 is computer-implemented, and therefore, its functionality and efficient computation, e.g., acquisition (601) and construction and execution (602), can be automatically implemented by one or more digital processors. Method 600 can also be implemented using any computing device or combination of computing devices known in the art. In particular among other embodiments, Method 600 can be implemented using one or more computers / devices 50 and / or 60, which are described below in relation to Figures 7 and 8.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment of Method 600, the simulation in step 602 may be configured to determine one or more effects on the borehole based on a chemical reaction between the composite material and at least one other material, for example, the casing 316 (Figure 3A) or the formation 322 (Figure 3A). According to one such embodiment of Method 600, the chemical reaction may be a carbonation reaction such as 206 (Figure 2A), 208 (Figure 2A), 506 (Figure 5), or 508 (Figure 5).

[0054] In another exemplary embodiment of Method 600, the properties of the composite material obtained in step 601 may be configured to include a representation of each property of the composite material at each of several stages of its lifecycle. According to one such embodiment of Method 600, each property may be configured to include a change in the porosity of the composite material. In another such embodiment of Method 600, the change in porosity may be based on a carbonation reaction.

[0055] According to exemplary embodiments of Method 600, properties may be acquired in step 601 from a real-world 3D microstructure image of the composite material, e.g., image 136 (Figure 1), or a virtual 3D microstructure image of the composite material. In one embodiment of Method 600, in step 601, a microstructure image is received, which is processed in step 601, e.g., segmented, to determine the properties of the composite material. According to one embodiment, properties are acquired in step 601 using the functionality performed in steps 102a and 102b of the workflow 100 described above in relation to Figure 1.

[0056] In another exemplary embodiment of Method 600, the multiple stages of the lifecycle may be configured to include any combination of initial equilibrium (e.g., 424a (Figure 4)), drilling (e.g., 424b (Figure 4)), casing (e.g., 424c (Figure 4)), cement slurry (e.g., 424d (Figure 4)), cement hardening (e.g., 424e (Figure 4)), and injection and reaction (e.g., 424f (Figure 4)).

[0057] According to an exemplary embodiment of Method 600, for a given step, constructing each FE model in step 602 may include determining the homogenized properties of the composite material and constructing each FE model based on the determined homogenized properties.

[0058] In another exemplary embodiment of Method 600, the simulation performed in Step 602 may be configured to include, for at least one step, performing a fully coupled thermohydraulic analysis of each FE model.

[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment of Method 600, the at least one property determined in step 602 may include any combination of stress state (e.g., hoop stress 526 (Figure 5)), strain state, occurrence of plastic strain (e.g., plastic strain 528 (Figure 5)), and delamination at the interface.

[0060] Embodiments, for example, Method 600, can be used as part of a design or development process. For example, Method 600 can be used, in non-limiting examples, to determine the properties of a borehole used in settings such as CCUS, petroleum drilling, or natural gas production. In such embodiments, based on the determined properties, existing cement formulations may be modified, different types of cement may be substituted, and / or the borehole design or structure may be modified. Furthermore, embodiments can be used in real-world composite material development processes to identify potential formulations of materials having different volume fractions of the material's constituent components.

[0061] Examples of advantages The embodiment can address the multiscale challenges of borehole stability during CO2 geographic storage. Furthermore, the embodiment can incorporate how the carbonation reaction affects the cement mechanical properties in the borehole stability analysis. Existing borehole models typically employ a sequential coupling approach of multiple physical behaviors and ignore chemomechanical effects. The multistage borehole stability model of the embodiment may (1) use fully coupled thermohydraulic analysis to improve simulation accuracy, and / or (2) use a static process to simulate the long-term mechanical effects of the carbonation reaction. In one embodiment, the “static” process may consist of a computational step in which the modeled borehole system is analyzed under equilibrium conditions. The static process may be much faster than the dynamic process because time is not a variable. Furthermore, the static process may be suitable for simulating or modeling the long-term equilibrium behavior of the carbonation reaction. Computer support

[0062] The embodiments can be implemented using existing software and CAD and CAE platforms. For example, the embodiments can be implemented using the configuration and functionality of 3DS SIMULIA® software, including, among other examples, the Abaqus® application by Applicant-Assignee Dassault Systemes Americas Corporation.

[0063] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a computer network in which an embodiment may be implemented. The client computer / device 50 and server computer 60 provide processing, storage, and input / output (I / O) devices for running application programs and the like. The client computer / device 50 can also link to other computing devices, including other client devices / processors 50 and server computers 60, via a communication network 70. The communication network 70 can be part of a remote access network, a global network (e.g., the Internet), a collection of computers worldwide, a local area or wide area network, and a gateway that communicates with each other using its respective protocol (e.g., TCP / IP, Bluetooth®, etc.). Other electronic device / computer network architectures are also suitable.

[0064] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of computer nodes (e.g., client processor / device 50 or server computer 60) within the computer network 70 of Figure 7. Each computer node 50, 60 encompasses a system bus 79, which is a set of hardware lines used for data transfer between components of a computer or processing system. The system bus 79 is essentially a shared conduit that connects various different elements of a computer system (e.g., processor, disk storage, memory, I / O ports, network ports, etc.) and enables information transfer between these elements. An I / O device interface 82 is connected to the system bus 79 for connecting various input / output devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, display, printer, speaker, etc.) to the computer nodes 50, 60. A network interface 86 allows the computer nodes to connect to various other devices connected to the network (e.g., network 70 in Figure 7). Memory 90 provides volatile storage for computer software instructions 92a and data 94a used to implement embodiments of the present invention (e.g., method 600 in Figure 6). The disk storage 95 provides non-volatile storage for computer software instructions 92b and data 94b used to implement embodiments of the present disclosure. The central processing unit 84 is also connected to the system bus 79 and provided for executing computer instructions.

[0065] In one embodiment, the processor routines 92a-92b and data 94a-94b are a computer program product (generally referred to as 92) comprising a computer-readable medium (e.g., a removable storage medium such as a DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, diskette, or tape) that provides at least a portion of the software instructions for the disclosed system. The computer program product 92 can be installed by any preferred software installation procedure, as is well known in the art. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the software instructions may also be downloaded via cable, communication, and / or wireless connection. In yet another embodiment, the program of the Disclosure is a computer program propagated signal product embodied in a propagated signal on a propagated medium (e.g., radio waves, infrared waves, laser waves, sound waves, or electrical waves propagated over a global network such as the Internet or other networks). Such carrier medium or signal provides at least a portion of the software instructions for the routines / programs 92 of the Disclosure.

[0066] In alternative embodiments, the propagated signal is an analog carrier wave or a digital signal carried on a propagation medium. For example, the propagated signal may be a digital signal propagated over a global network (e.g., the Internet), a communication network, or another network (such as network 70 in Figure 7). In one embodiment, the propagated signal is a signal transmitted over a period of time via the propagation medium, such as instructions for a software application transmitted in packets over a network over a period of milliseconds, seconds, minutes, or more. In another embodiment, the computer-readable medium of the computer program product 92 is a propagation medium that the computer system 50 can receive and read, for example, by receiving the propagation medium and identifying the propagated signal embodied within the propagation medium, as described above for the computer program propagated signal product.

[0067] Generally, the terms "carrier medium" or "transient carrier" encompass the aforementioned transient signals, propagated signals, propagation mediums, storage mediums, and so on.

[0068] In other embodiments, the program product 92 may be implemented as so-called Software as a Service (SaaS), or as other installations or communications that support the end user.

[0069] Embodiments or aspects thereof may be implemented in the form of hardware, including but not limited to hardware circuits, firmware, or software. When implemented in software, the software may be stored on any non-temporary computer-readable medium configured to allow a processor to read the software or a subset of its instructions. The processor is then configured to execute instructions and operate a device or to cause a device to operate in the manner described herein.

[0070] Furthermore, hardware, firmware, software, routines, or instructions may be described herein as performing specific operations and / or functions of a data processor. However, naturally, such descriptions included herein are merely for convenience, and such operations are actually the responsibility of the computing device, processor, controller, or other device that performs the firmware, software, routines, instructions, etc.

[0071] Naturally, flowcharts, block diagrams, and network diagrams may contain more or fewer elements, be arranged differently, or be represented differently. However, even more naturally, a particular implementation may carry out in a particular way the number of block diagrams and network diagrams, as well as the number of block diagrams and network diagrams illustrating the execution of the embodiment, are determined.

[0072] Therefore, further embodiments may also be implemented in various computer architectures, physical computers, virtual computers, cloud computers, and / or some combinations thereof, and thus the data processors described herein are for illustrative purposes only and not to limit the embodiments.

[0073] All patents, published applications, and patent documents cited herein are incorporated in their entirety by reference.

[0074] While exemplary embodiments have been specifically shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications of form and detail can be made therein without departing from the scope of embodiments included in the appended claims.

[0075] For example, the foregoing description and details of the embodiments shown in the figures refer to, but are not limited to, the tools and platforms of the applicant-assignee (Dassault Systemes Americas Corporation) and Dassault Systemes for illustrative purposes. Other similar tools and platforms are also preferred.

[0076] Patent Documents

[0077] Bentz, DP, Mizell, S., Satterfield, S., Devaney, J., George, W., Ketcham, P., Graham, J., Porterfield, J., Quenard, D., & Vallee, F. (2002)。The visible cement data set. Journal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, 107(2), 137.

[0078] Kutchko, B. G., Strazisar, B. R., Lowry, G. V, Dzombak, D. A., & Thaulow, N. (2008)。Rate of CO2 Attack on Hydrated Class H Well Cement under Geologic Sequestration Conditions. Environmental Science & Technology, 42(16), 6237-6242.

[0079] Li, X.-R., Gu, C.-W., Ding, Z.-C., & Feng, Y.-C. (2023). THM coupled analysis of cement sheath integrity considering well loading history. Petroleum Science, 20(1), 447-459.

[0080] JPEG2026140800000003.jpg36159

[0081] Walsh, S. D. C., Mason, H. E., Du Frane, W. L., & Carroll, S. A. (2014). Mechanical and hydraulic coupling in cement-caprock interfaces exposed to carbonated brine. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 25, 109-120.

[0082] Zhang, H., Romero Rodriguez, C., Dong, H., Gan, Y., Schlangen, E., & Savija, B. (2020)。Elucidating the Effect of Accelerated Carbonation on Porosity and Mechanical Properties of Hydrated Portland Cement Paste Using X-Ray Tomography and Advanced

[0083] Micromechanical Testing. Micromachines, 11(5), 471. Sun, Z., Fager, A., & Crouse, B. (2024). Modeling of Thermal-Mechanical Impact on Wellbore Integrity Due to CO2 Injection. ARMA US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium. ARMA.

Claims

1. A computer implementation method for determining the characteristics of a borehole, wherein a processor is used. The acquisition of composite material properties within memory, For each of the multiple stages of the borehole's lifecycle, the borehole includes the composite material, Based on the characteristics obtained, the following steps are taken: constructing finite element (FE) models representing the boreholes in the preceding stage, A computer implementation method comprising performing a simulation using each of the FE models constructed to determine at least one characteristic of the borehole in the preceding step.

2. A computer implementation method according to claim 1, wherein the simulation is performed for at least one stage, A computer-aided implementation method comprising determining one or more effects on the borehole based on a chemical reaction between the composite material and at least one other material of the borehole.

3. The computer implementation method according to claim 2, wherein the chemical reaction is a carbonation reaction.

4. The computer mounting method according to claim 1, wherein the acquired properties of the composite material include a representation of the respective properties of the composite material at each of the plurality of stages of the lifecycle.

5. The computer mounting method according to claim 4, wherein each of the aforementioned characteristics includes a change in the porosity of the composite material.

6. The computer mounting method according to claim 5, wherein the change in porosity is based on a carbonation reaction.

7. The computer mounting method according to claim 1, wherein the characteristics are obtained from a three-dimensional (3D) microstructure image of the composite material or a virtual 3D microstructure image of the composite material.

8. A computer implementation method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of stages of the lifecycle are A computer-aided implementation method comprising (i) initial equilibrium, (ii) drilling, (iii) casing, (iv) cement slurry, (v) cement hardening, and (vi) injection and reaction in any combination.

9. A computer implementation method according to claim 1, wherein, for a given stage, the respective FE models are constructed, To determine the homogenized properties of the composite material, A computer implementation method further comprising constructing each of the FE models based on the homogenized characteristics determined above.

10. A computer implementation method according to claim 1, wherein the simulation is performed for at least one stage, A computer implementation method configured to perform fully coupled thermohydraulic analysis of each of the aforementioned FE models.

11. A computer implementation method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one characteristic determined is A computer-aided implementation method comprising any combination of (i) stress state, (ii) strain state, (iii) generation of plastic strain, and (iv) delamination at the interface.

12. A computer-based system for determining the characteristics of a borehole, Processor and A processor and a memory storing computer code instructions are provided, and the processor and the memory use the computer code instructions to operate the computer-based system. In memory, the properties of the composite material are obtained, For each of the multiple stages of the borehole's lifecycle, the borehole includes the composite material, Based on the characteristics obtained, the following steps are taken: constructing finite element (FE) models representing the boreholes in the preceding stage, A computer-based system configured to perform a simulation using each of the FE models constructed to determine at least one characteristic of the borehole in the preceding stage.

13. A computer-based system according to claim 12, wherein, in performing the simulation for at least one stage, the processor and the memory use the computer code instructions to perform the computer-based system A computer-based system configured to determine one or more effects on a borehole based on a chemical reaction between the composite material and at least one other material of the borehole.

14. The computer-based system according to claim 13, wherein the chemical reaction is a carbonation reaction.

15. The computer-based system according to claim 12, wherein the acquired properties of the composite material include a representation of the respective properties of the composite material at each of the plurality of stages of the lifecycle.

16. The computer-based system according to claim 15, wherein each of the aforementioned characteristics includes a change in the porosity of the composite material.

17. The computer-based system according to claim 16, wherein the change in porosity is based on a carbonation reaction.

18. A computer-based system according to claim 12, wherein, at any stage, when constructing each of the FE models, the processor and the memory use the computer code instructions to the computer-based system To determine the homogenized properties of the composite material, A computer-based system configured to construct each of the aforementioned FE models based on the homogenized characteristics determined above.

19. A computer-based system according to claim 12, wherein, in performing the simulation for at least one stage, the processor and the memory use the computer code instructions to perform the computer-based system A computer-based system configured to perform fully coupled thermohydraulic analysis of each of the aforementioned FE models.

20. A computer program product for determining the characteristics of a borehole, wherein the computer program product comprises a non-temporary computer-readable medium storing computer code instructions, and when the computer code instructions are executed by a processor, the device associated with the processor, The acquisition of composite material properties within memory, For each of the multiple stages of the borehole's lifecycle, the borehole includes the composite material, Based on the characteristics obtained, the following steps are taken: constructing finite element (FE) models representing the boreholes in the preceding stage, A computer program product configured to perform a simulation using each of the FE models constructed to determine at least one characteristic of the borehole in the aforementioned stage.

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