Acoustic Emission Evaluation of Temporary Plugging Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the compressive strength of temporary plugging agents in oil and gas formation development are inaccurate, leading to issues like sand washing and pressure leakage during drilling due to low compressive strength.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing acoustic emission sensors and analyzers to evaluate the properties of temporary plugging agents by simulating real fracturing conditions, allowing for non-destructive monitoring and accurate determination of fracture signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to measure compressive strength, then measurement process is simple, but measurement precision is low and cannot accurately evaluate temporary plugging agent properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical strength measurement methods with acoustic emission detection. The acoustic emission sensor detects acoustic waves generated by micro-crack development in the temporary plugging agent under load, converting mechanical failure processes into acoustic signal detection. This substitution enables non-contact, real-time monitoring of fracture behavior, significantly improving measurement precision while avoiding the limitations of traditional mechanical testing methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary to detect the fracture state of the temporary plugging agent. Instead of directly measuring mechanical strength through contact methods, the system uses acoustic emission sensors to detect acoustic waves generated during the fracture process. This intermediary approach allows for indirect but more accurate assessment of material properties without disturbing the sample or requiring complex mechanical measurement setups
2Reliability
If temporary plugging agent has low compressive strength, then it can be easily removed after plugging function, but it leads to sand washing and pressure leakage during drilling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of the temporary plugging agent's fracture properties using acoustic emission testing before actual fracturing operations. By simulating fracturing conditions in the laboratory and detecting acoustic signals that indicate fracture initiation and propagation, the system identifies optimal formulations and curing times. This preliminary action ensures the plugging agent achieves sufficient strength to prevent sand washing and pressure leakage while maintaining its temporary nature for later removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic emission detection to provide real-time feedback on the fracture behavior of the temporary plugging agent during loading. The acoustic emission analyzer monitors the acoustic wave signals and provides feedback on the fracture state, allowing for optimization of the plugging agent's mechanical properties. This feedback mechanism enables precise control over the strength characteristics to balance between preventing drilling complications and ensuring removable plugging function
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate measurement of the failure strength of temporary plugging agents under real fracturing conditions, preventing sand washing and pressure leakage, and providing more practical experimental results.
Implementation Method 1
the acoustic emission sensor is configured to detect an acoustic wave signal emitted by the sample when the fracturing machine loads the sample
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an apparatus and a method for evaluating properties of a temporary plugging agent based on acoustic emission, wherein the apparatus includes a fracturing machine, an acoustic emission sensor and an acoustic emission analyzer, wherein the fracturing machine is configured to load a sample when oil pressure is stable and remains unchanged in a fracture of the sample, a real fracturing condition being simulated for the sample, and oil being pumped in and a temporary plugging agent being placed into the fracture; the acoustic emission sensor is configured to detect an acoustic wave signal emitted by the sample when the fracturing machine loads the sample; and the acoustic emission analyzer is connected to the acoustic emission sensor and configured to determine that the temporary plugging agent is fractured when a fracture signal occurs in the acoustic wave signal. The present invention can obtain the fracture information of the sample without disturbing the normal experimental process and experimental results, and the experimental measurement results are more practical.