Formation Gas Concentration Estimation From Drilling Fluid Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating gas concentrations in subterranean formations during drilling lack accuracy and fail to provide real-time data, limiting the understanding of formation gas composition and dynamics.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing coupled surface and subsurface models to analyze gas-out and gas-in measurements from drilling fluid, incorporating models that account for gas transport, degassing, and formation gas mixing, enabling estimation of formation gas concentrations through differential equations and iterative comparisons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gas concentration measurements are made only at surface locations (gas-out and gas-in), then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the accuracy of estimating formation gas concentrations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces coupled surface and subsurface models as intermediaries to bridge the gap between simple surface measurements and accurate formation gas concentration estimation. These models act as mathematical mediators that translate gas-out and gas-in measurements into formation gas concentration estimates by accounting for gas transport, degassing, and mixing processes in the wellbore and formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct physical measurement of formation gas concentrations with a mathematical modeling approach. Instead of using complex downhole sensors or direct formation sampling, the system uses differential equations and computational models to substitute for direct measurement, enabling accurate estimation through surface-based gas concentration data.
2Productivity
If real-time estimation of formation gas concentrations is implemented, then drilling efficiency and decision-making are enhanced, but computational complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the coupled surface and subsurface models continuously process gas-out and gas-in measurements to provide real-time formation gas concentration estimates. The models use feedback from measured gas concentrations to adjust and refine their predictions, enabling dynamic updating of formation gas concentration data during drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary computational setup and model calibration before actual drilling operations. The coupled models are pre-configured with necessary parameters and relationships, allowing for rapid real-time estimation during drilling without requiring complex computational decisions at the moment of measurement.
3Measurement precision
If coupled surface and subsurface models are used to estimate formation gas concentrations, then measurement precision is improved, but the time required for data processing and estimation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous processing of gas concentration data through the coupled models. The surface and subsurface models operate continuously to estimate formation gas concentrations in real-time as drilling progresses, eliminating gaps in data availability and maintaining continuous insight into formation conditions without significant processing delays.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating a formation gas concentration while drilling includes making first gas concentration measurements in drilling fluid as the drilling fluid exits a wellbore or second gas concentration measurements in drilling fluid before the drilling fluid is pumped into the wellbore while drilling the wellbore. The first gas concentration measurements or the second gas concentration measurements may be evaluated with a model to estimate the formation gas concentration.