Geomechanical Models for In-Situ Stress Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stress testing operations in downhole environments suffer from inaccuracies due to the lack of precise selection of dual packer hardware, which affects the application of relevant pressure for formation breakdown, and there is a need for real-time calibration of geomechanical models to enhance the success of stress testing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the generation of a geomechanics model using geomechanical model parameters and tool-string specifications, followed by setting packers at a target depth and injecting fluid to create fractures, with real-time updates using automated stress inversion techniques to determine far-field tectonic strains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dual packer hardware is selected without precise geomechanical modeling, then the stress testing operation can be performed, but the pressure application accuracy deteriorates and formation breakdown fails to occur at the desired location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing real-time calibration of the geomechanical model before the stress testing operation. The model is updated using pre-test data including rock mechanics properties, pore pressure, and stress state to predict the exact pressure required for formation breakdown. This preliminary modeling ensures that when pressure is applied during the test, it will accurately cause formation breakdown at the desired location rather than requiring trial-and-error pressure application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through real-time model calibration using data acquired during the stress testing operation. As pressure is applied and formation response is monitored, the geomechanical model is continuously updated with new measurements of stress state, pore pressure, and rock mechanics properties. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust and refine the model parameters, improving the accuracy of pressure application predictions for subsequent testing operations.
2Reliability
If geomechanical models are not calibrated in real-time, then the stress testing can proceed with standard parameters, but the success rate of fracture operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by performing geomechanical model calibration continuously throughout the stress testing operation rather than as a one-time pre-test activity. The model is updated in real-time as pressure is applied and formation response is monitored, ensuring that the most current rock mechanics properties and stress state information are always incorporated. This continuous calibration maximizes the reliability of fracture operation predictions throughout the entire testing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by using the stress testing operation itself to calibrate the geomechanical model. Data acquired during the test including pressure responses, formation breakdown characteristics, and rock mechanics properties are fed back into the model to automatically update and refine the calibration. This self-calibrating approach eliminates the need for separate, time-consuming model adjustment operations and integrates calibration directly into the testing workflow.
3Measurement precision
If pressure is applied without real-time model updates, then the stress testing operation is simpler to execute, but the data accuracy of stress parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring stress test results and using this information to update the geomechanical model in real-time. Pressure data, formation breakdown characteristics, and rock mechanics properties measured during the test are fed back into the model to refine stress parameter calculations. This feedback mechanism ensures that the highest possible accuracy is achieved in stress parameter measurement while maintaining a relatively simple test execution protocol.
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
Enhances the success of stress testing by ensuring accurate pressure application and seamless calibration of geomechanical models, thereby improving the chances of successful fracture operations and data accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure continues to buildup until the formation rock mechanically fails and fractures
Implementation Method 2
The formation rock mechanically fails and fractures
Implementation Method 3
setting upper and lower packers of an in-situ stress testing tool at a target depth within a wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods presented herein provide for in-situ stress test. For example, the systems and methods may include receiving inputs comprising one or more geomechanical model parameters corresponding to a subterranean formation, well logs corresponding to the subterranean formation, or both; generating a geomechanics model using the one or more geomechanical model parameters; receiving one or more tool-string specifications; generating a stress test plan based on the geomechanical model and the tool-string specifications; setting upper and lower packers of an in-situ stress testing tool at a target depth within a wellbore traversing the subterranean formation; and injecting fluid from the in-situ stress testing tool into the subterranean formation at a downhole location within a first interval between the upper and lower packers to create and/or propagate a fracture within the subterranean formation in accordance with the stress test plan.