Gel Microstructure Model for Transient Fluid Stress Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for predicting and managing the behavior of gelled fluids in subterranean operations, such as drilling, fall short due to their inability to account for the transient nature of gel microstructures, leading to inefficient equipment manipulations and potential formation fracturing.
Innovation Solution
A gel microstructure destruction model incorporating an equivalent work integral function is used to determine the stress response of gelled fluids, allowing for more efficient and safe manipulation of equipment by accounting for the shear history and transient properties of the gel microstructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple pressure drop equations with peak gel strength are used to predict adverse occurrences, then the calculation method is simple, but it fails to predict adverse occurrences in gelled fluids having flow history and leads to inefficient equipment manipulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shear history parameter (cumulative shear strain) to characterize the gel microstructure state, transforming the prediction from static peak gel strength to dynamic state-dependent gel strength. This parameter change enables accurate prediction of gel strength under various flow histories while maintaining computational feasibility through empirical relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple pressure drop equation approach with a more comprehensive model that incorporates gel microstructure dynamics. By substituting the mechanical prediction method with one that accounts for shear history and transient gel behavior, the system achieves reliable predictions without excessive complexity.
2Productivity
If equipment manipulations are performed without considering gel microstructure transient properties, then the operations proceed quickly, but pressure spikes occur leading to formation fracturing and drilling fluid loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary assessment of gel strength state by calculating cumulative shear strain before equipment manipulations. This allows operators to predict potential pressure spikes in advance and adjust manipulation procedures accordingly, preventing formation fracturing while maintaining efficient operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where gel strength predictions based on shear history inform equipment manipulation decisions. The system continuously monitors cumulative shear strain and adjusts operational parameters to maintain safe pressure levels, creating a closed-loop control that prevents harmful pressure spikes.
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 enables more efficient and safer subterranean operations by minimizing pressure spikes and reducing the risk of formation fracturing, while also reducing operational costs and equipment damage.
Implementation Method 1
the intermolecular forces can be relatively weak (e.g., as compared to ionic and covalent bonds). These relatively weak bonds may break when energy is put into the gel (e.g., by flowing or mixing the gel) and can reform over time as the energy input reduces or ceases.
Data Source
AI summary
Equipment associated with a gelled fluid may be manipulated based on a stress response of the gelled fluid as determined by a gel microstructure destruction model comprising an equivalent work integral function. Further, systems and devices may be configured to manipulated equipment associated with a gelled fluid based on a stress response of the gelled fluid as determined by a gel microstructure destruction model comprising an equivalent work integral function.