Diversion Material Testing Apparatus for Wellbore Fracture Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing diversion materials for wellbore applications is challenging due to the difficulty in validating their performance and technology in real-time, especially since in-wellbore testing is not ideal for assessing their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for testing diversion materials using a fluid piping system with a fracture simulator chamber, pressure transducer, and diversion material launch system, which simulates wellbore conditions to evaluate the efficiency of diversion materials by monitoring pressure changes indicative of fluid blockage formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diversion material testing is performed directly in the wellbore, then real-world performance validation is achieved, but testing difficulty increases and performance validation becomes less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a physical replica of wellbore fracture conditions using a test apparatus with a fracture simulator chamber containing a fracture-simulating outlet slot. This copying approach allows diversion material testing to be performed in a controlled laboratory setting that replicates downhole conditions, thereby improving validation reliability while reducing testing difficulty and eliminating the need for risky in-wellbore testing.
2Reliability
If diversion material is forced into wellbore fractures to prevent fluid loss, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but accurate performance assessment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The test apparatus incorporates a pressure transducer that continuously monitors pressure changes within the fracture simulator chamber during diversion material testing. When diversion material successfully blocks the fracture-simulating outlet slot, the pressure transducer detects the pressure increase, providing quantitative feedback that precisely measures sealing effectiveness. This feedback mechanism enables accurate performance assessment while maintaining reliable sealing conditions.
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
This approach allows for the selection and validation of appropriate diversion materials based on fracture profiles, ensuring effective sealing and minimizing fluid loss by simulating wellbore conditions, thereby improving the accuracy of diversion material testing.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure transducer in the fluid piping system to measure pressure in the fluid piping system
Implementation Method 2
a pump to pump fluid through the fluid piping system from the fluid inlet line to the fluid outlet end and into the fracture simulator chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Diversion material is particulate material used during wellbore treatment to temporarily seal a wellbore fluid passage such as a fracture. A method and apparatus for diversion material testing permits simulation of wellbore fracture parameters and testing thereof against a selected diversion material. The apparatus comprises: a fluid piping system including a fluid inlet end and a fluid outlet end; a fracture simulator chamber including a fracture-simulating outlet slot through a wall of the chamber, the fracture simulator chamber being releasably connectable to the fluid outlet end; a pump to pump fluid through the fluid piping system from the fluid inlet line to the fluid outlet end and into the fracture simulator chamber; a diversion material launch system connected in communication with the fluid piping system between the fluid inlet end and the fluid outlet line; and a pressure transducer in the fluid piping system to measure pressure in the fluid piping system.