In-situ Geomechanical Testing Probe for Real-Time Formation Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining mechanical properties of subterranean formations during well drilling are limited by the need for offline testing and lack of real-time, in-situ data, which can lead to delayed decision-making and reduced accuracy in drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a probe attached to a drill string that extends into the formation, measuring mechanical properties in real-time through controlled load and displacement sensors, allowing for in-situ testing of properties like Brinnell hardness, compressive strength, and fracture toughness while drilling, using various probe tips and energy storage mechanisms to penetrate the formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If offline testing methods are used to determine mechanical properties of subterranean formations, then equipment complexity is reduced, but measurement time and decision-making delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical testing function with the drilling operation by integrating a testing instrument into the drill string. The probe is advanced through the drill string and deployed into the formation during drilling, merging two separate operations (drilling and testing) into one continuous process, thereby eliminating offline testing time while managing system complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing instrument is prepared and positioned within the drill string before reaching the formation. The probe is pre-configured with sensors and loading mechanisms, allowing testing to begin immediately upon deployment into the formation without requiring separate preparation time, thus reducing overall measurement time.
2Measurement precision
If in-situ testing is performed during drilling, then measurement accuracy and real-time data quality improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing instrument integrates multiple functions including probe advancement, load application, displacement measurement, and data recording within a single downhole tool. This consolidation achieves accurate in-situ measurements while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill string serves multiple purposes: it drills the wellbore, transports the testing instrument to depth, and provides the mechanical means to advance and retrieve the probe. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment while maintaining measurement accuracy through the use of standard drilling infrastructure.
3Productivity
If a probe is advanced into the formation during drilling, then real-time mechanical property data is obtained, but the drilling operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe advancement mechanism is integrated into the drill string operation. The same hydraulic or mechanical systems used for drill string manipulation are employed to advance and retrieve the probe, combining testing operations with drilling operations and minimizing additional complexity while maximizing productivity through real-time data acquisition.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of testing mechanical properties of an earth formation can include disposing a probe in a wellbore, impacting the probe against a wall of the wellbore, and measuring a parameter related to at least one of a displacement, displacement rate, strain, and strain rate, of at least one of the probe and the formation. Another method can include disposing a probe and a known material in a wellbore, and after the disposing, penetrating the known material with the probe. Another method can include disposing a probe in a wellbore, measuring a displacement of the probe into a wall of the wellbore while measuring a load applied to the probe, and applying fluid pressure to the formation via the probe.