Formation Testing Tool Volume Change Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current formation testing tools face challenges in accurately estimating system volume changes due to tool component changes during downhole operations, which can affect fluid sampling and pressure measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a volume change model, integrated with a control program, to estimate system volume changes resulting from changes in tool components, such as seal deformation and probe extension, during formation testing operations. This involves generating and using pad and probe models to correct for volume changes and maintain a constant system volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tool components (seal, probe) are used to engage the borehole wall for fluid sampling, then formation fluid can be effectively sampled and pressure measured, but the tool components undergo deformation and extension that cause uncontrolled system volume changes affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses measurement devices to continuously monitor the state of tool components (seal deformation, probe extension) and feeds this information back to the control program. The control program then calculates volume changes based on this feedback and adjusts operations to compensate for the volume changes, maintaining measurement accuracy throughout the formation testing process
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically tracks and accounts for changes in physical parameters of the tool components during operation. By monitoring deformation and extension parameters in real-time, the system can calculate the corresponding volume changes and adjust measurements accordingly, transforming the problem of uncontrolled volume changes into a controllable parameter adjustment process
2Productivity
If the tool component changes are not accounted for, then the formation testing operation is simpler, but the system volume changes introduce errors in fluid sampling and pressure measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-correction by automatically monitoring its own component states and adjusting measurements accordingly. The control program uses the measured deformation and extension of tool components to calculate volume changes and compensate for these changes in the formation testing data, eliminating the need for external intervention while maintaining high measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If a volume change model and control program are implemented to estimate and correct system volume changes, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control program serves multiple functions: it monitors tool component states, calculates volume changes, corrects measurements, and maintains system control. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated control program that processes data from various measurement devices, the system achieves high measurement precision while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for conducting a formation test includes providing a volume change model for a tool component, and providing a control program that uses the volume change model to estimate a system volume change resulting from a change in the tool component during a downhole operation. An apparatus for conducting a formation test includes a carrier, a formation test tool, a measurement device that estimates a change in a tool component during operation, and a processor that uses a volume change model to estimate a system volume change resulting at least in part from the change in the tool component during a downhole operation.