Cement Composition Optimization via Mathematical Modeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in well cementing is developing cement compositions with satisfactory mechanical properties within a reasonable time frame, often requiring a trial-and-error approach that is inefficient and results in complex compositions with undesirable characteristics, such as excessive compressive strength or instability, which can lead to issues like fluid migration, corrosion, and loss of well control.

Innovation Solution

The use of mathematical models and design constraints to optimize cement slurry properties, including crystalline silica content, specific heat, thermal conductivity, and water-to-cement ratio, to create a stable and mixable cement composition that meets specific engineering requirements, reducing the need for trial-and-error methods and improving the efficiency of cement composition design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If trial-and-error approach is used to develop cement compositions, then mechanical properties may eventually be satisfied, but the process becomes time-consuming and results in complex compositions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical propertiesVSAvoidcomposition development time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing mathematical models and design constraints before the cement composition development process begins. The system pre-defines acceptable ranges for compressive strength, density, and other properties, then uses optimization algorithms to directly calculate suitable compositions without requiring iterative trial-and-error testing. This preliminary framework guides the entire composition development process from the start.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error system with a computational optimization system. Instead of physically mixing and testing multiple cement compositions to find suitable mechanical properties, the system uses mathematical models and computer algorithms to calculate optimal compositions that satisfy specified property requirements, substituting computational mechanics for physical experimentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If trial-and-error approach is used to develop cement compositions, then mechanical properties may eventually be satisfied, but the resulting composition becomes overly complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical propertiesVSAvoidcomposition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error system with a computational optimization system. Instead of physically mixing and testing multiple cement compositions to find suitable mechanical properties, the system uses mathematical models and computer algorithms to calculate optimal compositions that satisfy specified property requirements, substituting computational mechanics for physical experimentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by using optimization algorithms to systematically adjust composition parameters (component types, proportions, ratios) to find the simplest composition that satisfies mechanical property requirements. The system evaluates multiple parameter combinations and selects the optimal solution that meets specifications with minimal complexity, rather than accepting complex compositions that result from random trial-and-error.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If excessive compressive strength is achieved in cement composition, then mechanical strength requirement is satisfied, but stability and mixability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressive strengthVSAvoidcement slurry stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using optimization algorithms to systematically adjust composition parameters (component types, proportions, ratios) to find the simplest composition that satisfies mechanical property requirements. The system evaluates multiple parameter combinations and selects the optimal solution that meets specifications with minimal complexity, rather than accepting complex compositions that result from random trial-and-error.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies feedback by incorporating stability and mixability constraints into the optimization model. The system continuously evaluates whether proposed compositions satisfy all requirements including compressive strength, density, stability, and mixability, and adjusts the optimization process accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that excessive strength is not achieved at the expense of stability or mixability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Strength

If excessive compressive strength is achieved in cement composition, then mechanical strength requirement is satisfied, but mixability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressive strengthVSAvoidmixability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using optimization algorithms to systematically adjust composition parameters (component types, proportions, ratios) to find the simplest composition that satisfies mechanical property requirements. The system evaluates multiple parameter combinations and selects the optimal solution that meets specifications with minimal complexity, rather than accepting complex compositions that result from random trial-and-error.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies feedback by incorporating stability and mixability constraints into the optimization model. The system continuously evaluates whether proposed compositions satisfy all requirements including compressive strength, density, stability, and mixability, and adjusts the optimization process accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that excessive strength is not achieved at the expense of stability or mixability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11548831B2Optimized bulk blend formulation based on compressive strength requirements
Publication Date: 2023.01.10 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC
  • US11548831B2 patent drawing
  • US11548831B2 patent drawing
  • US11548831B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of designing a cement composition may include: minimizing an objective function subject to a plurality of constraints to produce a cement composition including at least one cement component and water; and preparing the cement composition.