Integrated DTS and Pressure Workflow for Well Stimulation Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of hydrocarbon well stimulation treatments, particularly in extended reach wells, makes it challenging to evaluate near-wellbore permeability and zonal coverage before and after stimulation, leading to inefficiencies and delays in hydrocarbon production.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented workflow that integrates distributed temperature survey (DTS) and pressure-transient analysis (PTA) data with while-drilling mobility and production logging data to estimate changes in critical matrix rock properties, allowing for real-time evaluation and optimization of stimulation treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional well stimulation treatments are performed without integrated monitoring, then treatment complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of near-wellbore permeability and zonal coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple monitoring technologies (DTS fiber optic temperature sensing, pressure transient analysis, and production logging) into an integrated workflow. This merging of previously separate evaluation methods enables simultaneous measurement of near-wellbore permeability and zonal coverage, resolving the contradiction by achieving high measurement precision through technology integration rather than increasing individual tool complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system serves multiple functions: it monitors fluid injection temperature profiles during stimulation, tracks near-wellbore permeability changes, and evaluates zonal coverage. This multi-functionality allows a single tool to provide comprehensive evaluation data, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing treatment complexity
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive pre- and post-stimulation evaluation is performed, then measurement precision of permeability and zonal coverage is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs baseline measurements of near-wellbore permeability and zonal coverage using DTS and pressure transient analysis before the stimulation treatment. This preliminary characterization allows for real-time comparison during and after stimulation, enabling rapid evaluation without requiring extensive post-treatment testing, thus reducing time loss while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The DTS fiber optic sensors continuously monitor temperature profiles throughout the stimulation process, providing real-time data on fluid injection and near-wellbore permeability changes. This continuous monitoring eliminates the need for separate pre- and post-stimulation testing campaigns, maintaining high measurement precision while significantly reducing the total operational time required for evaluation
3Productivity
If real-time monitoring during stimulation is implemented, then productivity of stimulation treatment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring temperature profiles with DTS sensors during fluid injection. The system compares actual temperature data against simulated profiles to dynamically assess near-wellbore permeability and zonal coverage, providing immediate feedback on stimulation effectiveness. This feedback mechanism improves productivity by enabling real-time treatment optimization without requiring complex additional hardware beyond the integrated DTS and pressure monitoring system
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 workflow enables accurate estimation of permeability and skin changes, optimizing operational time and improving zonal coverage, thereby enhancing hydrocarbon production efficiency and reducing delays.
Implementation Method 1
distributed temperature sensing (DTS) data and pressure data in response to a stimulation treatment
Implementation Method 2
pressure-transient analysis (PTA) data
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
Actual distributed temperature sensing (DTS) data and pressure data are received in response to a stimulation treatment applied to a hydrocarbon field. A pre-stimulation model is built that includes reservoir parameters, which generates simulated DTS and pressure data as a function of the reservoir parameters that include a permeability parameter and a skin parameter.