Dynamic Caprock Integrity Evaluation via In-Situ Geomechanical Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating caprock integrity in subterranean formations are uncertain and costly, often requiring suspension of drilling operations to collect data, which impacts hydrocarbon recovery and production.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods that capture high-resolution geomechanical data during drilling operations to dynamically recalibrate geomechanical models and adjust drilling parameters based on caprock integrity, allowing continuous characterization of mechanical properties and reducing uncertainty.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sparse data collected over limited locations is averaged across caprock thickness to evaluate caprock integrity, then the evaluation process is simplified, but the uncertainty in determining caprock integrity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The caprock is divided into multiple discrete locations and depth intervals, with separate geomechanical properties evaluated for each segment. This segmentation allows high-resolution characterization of spatial variations in caprock properties without requiring complex integrated models, thus maintaining evaluation simplicity while improving determination certainty through location-specific analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation transitions from two-dimensional averaging across caprock thickness to three-dimensional characterization that incorporates vertical depth intervals and horizontal location variations. This dimensional expansion captures spatial heterogeneity in caprock properties, reducing uncertainty while the systematic grid approach maintains process manageability.
2Measurement precision
If drilling operations are suspended to collect geomechanical data for caprock evaluation, then data quality improves, but hydrocarbon recovery and production are negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
Geomechanical data collection is performed preliminarily during the drilling operation itself, before production begins. Drilling parameters such as weight on bit, rotary speed, and drilling rate are measured and recorded during the drilling process, eliminating the need for subsequent drilling suspensions while maintaining data quality for caprock evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling operation itself serves as the data collection mechanism. The drilling process generates geomechanical information through measurements of drilling parameters, which are then used to evaluate caprock properties. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate data collection operations, maintaining both data quality and production continuity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional methods are used to set maximum injection operating pressure, then the process is straightforward, but the precision and reliability of pressure setting is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The maximum injection operating pressure is determined using feedback from high-resolution geomechanical data collected during drilling operations. The system incorporates measurements of caprock mechanical properties, in-situ stress conditions, and formation characteristics to dynamically adjust and optimize injection pressure settings, improving precision while maintaining operational simplicity through automated calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure setting process incorporates multiple geomechanical parameters including caprock tensile strength, compressive strength, elastic modulus, and in-situ stress measurements. By integrating these additional parameters into the pressure determination process, the system achieves more accurate maximum injection pressure settings while the systematic approach maintains operational straightforwardness.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation. In one implementation, at least one drilling operation is executed at the subterranean formation according to at least one drilling parameter. High resolution geomechanical data is continuously captured in-situ during a duration of the at least one drilling operation. A geomechanical model of the subterranean formation is dynamically recalibrated as the high resolution geomechanical data is continuously captured during the at least one drilling operation. An integrity of caprock at the subterranean formation is determined based on the geomechanical model. The at least one drilling parameter is dynamically adjusted based on the integrity of caprock at the subterranean formation.