Annulus Impedance Computation via 2D-3D Simulation Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining annulus impedance behind a wellbore casing are resource-intensive and time-consuming, leading to delays and reduced accuracy due to the need for 3D numerical simulations, which can be replaced by faster and more accurate 2D simulations.

Innovation Solution

Employing a correlation between raw impedance from 2D and 3D simulations to speed up the calibration process and improve accuracy, using a 2D simulation to predict 3D results, and implementing a 2D/3D mapping function to derive a calibration function for determining annulus impedance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If 3D numerical simulations are used to determine annulus impedance, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to resource-intensive computations and time-consuming processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of impedance determinationVSAvoidcomputational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional 3D numerical simulations to a 2D simulation approach combined with a calibration function. By changing the dimensional approach and using a correlation-based mapping between 2D simulation results and 3D actual conditions, the method achieves comparable accuracy with significantly reduced computational resources and time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a calibrated 2D simulation model that copies the essential characteristics of 3D simulations through a correlation function. Instead of performing full 3D computations, the system uses 2D simulations combined with a pre-established calibration relationship to replicate 3D results, reducing computational burden while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If 3D numerical simulations are performed for calibration, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to expensive delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces the calibration process from 3D numerical simulations to 2D simulations combined with a calibration function. This dimensional reduction maintains the necessary calibration precision while dramatically reducing the time required, as 2D simulations are computationally less intensive and can be executed faster.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a calibration function in advance that maps 2D simulation results to 3D actual conditions. This preliminary calibration model allows subsequent impedance determinations to be made quickly using 2D simulations without repeating full 3D calibration processes, reducing time loss while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If resource-intensive computations are used for wellbore management, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to expensive delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpedance determination accuracyVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces resource-intensive 3D computations with 2D simulations combined with a calibration function. This approach maintains the precision needed for accurate impedance determination while significantly improving operational efficiency by reducing computational resources and time requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the computational parameters from full 3D numerical simulations to 2D simulations with a calibration correction. This parameter change in the simulation approach reduces computational complexity and resource requirements while maintaining the accuracy needed for wellbore management decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240369731A1Fast approach for acoustic impedance computation through dimension expansion
Publication Date: 2024.11.07 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC
  • US20240369731A1 patent drawing
  • US20240369731A1 patent drawing
  • US20240369731A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Described herein are systems and techniques for an improved method for determining and evaluating an impedance of an annulus associated with a casing of a wellbore. For example, aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and techniques for performing two-dimensional (2D) and/or three-dimensional (3D) simulations (e.g., 2D and 3D numerical modeling) for predicting physical properties of a material or sample and determining calibration functions used to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the determined impedance results.