Dual-Fluid Wellbore Interface for Geological Parameter Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining physical parameters of subsoil layers, such as permeability and porosity, are limited in their ability to estimate these properties accurately and cannot measure parameters of multiple layers simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a well equipped with a tube and an annular space filled with two non-miscible fluids, where the hydraulic balance is disturbed and measured, and computer simulations are used to estimate physical parameters by comparing measured and simulated trends, allowing for the identification of optimal parameter values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single fluid is used in the well to test seal-tightness, then the measurement is simple, but only leak flow rate can be estimated without obtaining physical parameters of geological layers
Solution Approach 1:
The well is divided into two separate fluid systems: a first fluid in the tube and a second fluid in the annular space. This segmentation allows independent control and measurement of each fluid's behavior, enabling the determination of physical parameters for different geological layers that the fluids encounter at different depths
Solution Approach 2:
The interface between the two non-miscible fluids serves as an intermediary marker that indicates depth and pressure conditions. By tracking the interface position and behavior during injection/withdrawal operations, the system can determine physical parameters at specific depths without direct measurement at those locations
2Productivity
If measurements are taken at a single depth, then the measurement process is simple, but physical parameters of multiple layers cannot be obtained simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-fluid system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it characterizes multiple geological layers, determines physical parameters at different depths, and provides depth reference through the interface position. A single measurement operation yields information about multiple layers that would otherwise require separate testing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the depth dimension to the measurement process by using the interface position between two fluids as a depth reference. This allows physical parameters to be determined at multiple depths concurrently, transforming a single-depth measurement into a multi-depth characterization system
3Adaptability or versatility
If the interface position is fixed, then the hydraulic balance is stable, but the ability to characterize different layers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The interface position is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. By controlling the volumes of the two non-miscible fluids, the interface can be positioned at different depths to target specific geological layers for characterization. The system maintains hydraulic balance during these adjustments through controlled injection and withdrawal operations
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 method effectively estimates physical parameters of subsoil layers, including permeability and porosity, by analyzing fluid pressure and flow dynamics, enabling more accurate characterization of geological formations.
Implementation Method 1
disturbing a hydraulic balance of the fluids in the well; measuring the trend of quantities relating to properties of the fluids in the well
Implementation Method 2
the first fluid is denser than the second fluid; filling the rest of the annular space with at least one second fluid so that the fluids exhibit an interface in the annular space
Implementation Method 3
each simulation comprises an estimation of the permeation flow rates of the fluids towards the geological formation
Implementation Method 4
the physical parameters comprise at least one parameter out of the permeability and the porosity of at least one layer of materials of the geological formation
Data Source
AI summary
A well passing through a geological formation is fitted with a tube, open at its bottom end, that is filled with a fluid. Another fluid is in the annular space between the tube and the wall of the well, the two fluids exhibiting an interface situated in the annular space. A hydraulic balance of the fluids of the well is disturbed and the trend of certain quantities is measured. These measurements are moreover simulated by computer by using different sets of values for the physical parameters, and efforts are made to estimate the geological formation. A comparison of the measurements with the simulation results makes it possible to identify an optimum set of values for the parameters.