In-situ Cement Curing Fixture for Downhole Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing rock core samples to predict well production and design wellbore configurations are limited by the need for expensive and scarce downhole rock core samples, and do not accurately simulate high temperature and pressure conditions found in subterranean formations.
Innovation Solution
A rock core flow test system that includes an in-situ cement curing test fixture within a pressure vessel, capable of simulating downhole conditions, where un-cured cement is cured at non-ambient temperatures and pressures, and a perforation assembly is used to create perforations in the rock core sample, allowing for high-pressure flow testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If downhole rock core samples are used for testing, then accurate subterranean formation parameters can be obtained, but the cost increases and sample availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses surface rock core samples as copies or analogs of downhole rock core samples. These surface samples are treated to simulate downhole conditions, allowing testing without requiring actual expensive and scarce downhole samples while maintaining measurement accuracy for well design predictions
2Productivity
If cement is cured at ambient conditions in laboratory testing, then the testing process is simpler and faster, but the results do not accurately reflect downhole performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters (temperature and pressure) of the testing environment to match downhole conditions. By curing cement at elevated temperatures and pressures that simulate actual wellbore environments, the testing maintains reliability and accuracy while still being conducted in a controlled laboratory setting
3Measurement precision
If complex downhole conditions are simulated in laboratory testing, then accurate performance data is obtained, but the testing equipment and procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional testing apparatus that can perform multiple operations (curing, pressurizing, flow testing) within a single integrated system. This universal equipment handles various testing requirements without needing separate specialized devices for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision
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 system enables more accurate and cost-effective simulation of downhole conditions, allowing for the evaluation of well design and perforation parameters, and provides data on rock core flow performance under realistic high-pressure and high-temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the in-situ cement curing test fixture with the un-cured cement within the pressure vessel to non-ambient temperature or pressure to form in-situ cured cement
Implementation Method 2
subjecting the in-situ cement curing test fixture with the un-cured cement within the pressure vessel to non-ambient temperature or pressure to form in-situ cured cement
Data Source
AI summary
Provided, in one aspect, is a method for performing a rock core flow performance test. The method, in this aspect, includes containing un-cured cement within an in-situ cement curing test fixture. The method additionally includes placing the in-situ cement curing test fixture with the un-cured cement within a pressure vessel of a rock core flow test system, and subjecting the in-situ cement curing test fixture with the un-cured cement within the pressure vessel to non-ambient temperature or pressure to form in-situ cured cement.