In-Situ Stress Testing With Dual-Packer Model Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stress testing operations in downhole environments suffer from inaccuracies and inefficiencies due to the lack of precise selection of dual packer hardware and inadequate real-time calibration of geomechanical models, leading to suboptimal pressure application and increased risk of unsuccessful fracture creation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the generation of a geomechanics model using geomechanical model parameters and tool-string specifications, followed by the deployment of an in-situ stress testing tool with dual packers to inject fluid and create fractures, while utilizing real-time updates and automated stress inversion techniques to refine the model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
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 fracture creation reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating a geomechanical model before the stress testing operation to predict breakdown pressure and optimize packer selection. The model uses formation rock properties, stress state, and tool-string specifications to pre-determine the optimal dual packer configuration and pressure application parameters, ensuring accurate pressure delivery and reliable fracture creation without needing real-time adjustments during the operation.
2Measurement precision
If geomechanical models are not calibrated in real-time, then the stress testing can proceed with standard procedures, but the stress profile determination precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously calibrating the geomechanical model during the stress testing operation using real-time pressure data from the stress test. The model parameters are updated based on observed fracture closure pressure and other measurement data, allowing the system to self-correct and improve stress profile determination precision dynamically throughout the operation without requiring complex manual recalibration procedures.
3Measurement precision
If automated stress inversion techniques are not used, then the stress testing operation is simpler to execute, but the accuracy of stress parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing automated stress inversion techniques that automatically calculate stress parameters from the stress test data without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically inverts the pressure data to determine stress profile, optimizing the accuracy of stress parameters while reducing the operational complexity for the user through automated processing of the calibration and measurement data.
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 rate of stress testing by ensuring accurate pressure application and seamless calibration, thereby improving the reliability and precision of fracture creation and stress profile determination.
Implementation Method 1
The downhole acquisition tool pumps a fluid into the formation, thereby causing a local increase in pressure at the injection site. The pressure continues to buildup until the formation rock mechanically fails and fractures.
Implementation Method 2
The pressure continues to buildup until the formation rock mechanically fails and fractures. In certain instances, existing formation rock fractures may be reopened by injecting the fluid into the existing fractures.
Implementation Method 3
generating a geomechanics model using the one or more geomechanical model parameters; receiving one or more tool-string specifications; generating a stress test based on the geomechanics model and the tool-string specifications
Implementation Method 4
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
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
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 (36) of an in-situ stress testing tool (24) 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.