Hydraulic Release Tubular for Horizontal Well Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current test technologies for horizontal wells, especially those with low permeability reservoirs, are not mature enough, leading to unclear productivity and pressure conditions in each layer section, resulting in inefficient development and high operational costs due to the complexity of borehole trajectories and varying reservoir properties.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent test system and method for multi-segment fractured horizontal wells, utilizing a test tubular column with a hydraulic release connector, seal pipe, hanging packer, data collection controller, and separate test controllers connected via cables, allowing for efficient data collection and control, enabling quick and safe transitions between testing, communication, and production processes without the need to remove and replace entire tubular columns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional test technology is used for horizontal wells, then testing can be performed, but the test technology is not mature enough leading to unclear productivity and pressure conditions in each layer section
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the horizontal well into multiple layer sections and uses separate test controllers for each section. The tubular column is segmented with multiple packers to isolate different layers, allowing independent testing and measurement of productivity and pressure conditions in each layer section, thereby improving measurement precision and reliability.
2Loss of information
If test tubular column is placed for testing, then testing data can be obtained, but the test tubular column needs to be pulled out and replaced with production tubular, increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the test tubular column and production tubular column into a single integrated structure. The production tubular column is placed inside the test tubular column, allowing both testing and production functions to coexist. This eliminates the need to pull out and replace tubular columns, reducing operational complexity and preventing data loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated tubular column system performs multiple functions simultaneously - it can conduct testing operations and production operations without requiring separate tubular columns. The system is universal enough to handle both test and production phases, reducing the number of operational steps required.
3Loss of information
If separate test controllers are used for each layer section, then data collection from each section is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a nested structure where multiple test controllers are arranged along the tubular column with each controller serving a specific layer section. The controllers are nested within the tubular column structure, and cables are routed through the same pathway. This nested arrangement improves data collection completeness while managing device complexity through systematic organization.
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 solution reduces the workload and cost of tubular column placement and removal, enhances data collection and analysis, and improves the efficiency of horizontal well development by allowing real-time monitoring and control of pressure, temperature, and water content, facilitating effective water blocking and pressure recovery.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic release connector arranged on a bottom end of the first oil pipe and located in the vertical section of the horizontal well
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent test system and a method for a multi-segment fractured horizontal well. The intelligent test method for a multi-segment fractured horizontal well comprises: step A: placing a test tubular column into an underground horizontal section; step B: setting a pressure building packer and a hanging packer by means of pressurization after the test tubular column is placed into an underground designed position; step C: breaking a hydraulic release connector to separate the hydraulic release connector from a seal pipe; step D: pulling out a first oil pipe, and reserving the tubular column comprising the seal pipe and located on the downstream part of the seal pipe in a horizontal well; and step E: placing a production tubular column or a communications tubular column into a vertical section of the horizontal well.