Integrated Cement Remediation Tool for Single-Well Void Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the petroleum industry, existing cement remediation techniques for wells often require multiple trips and pose safety risks due to drilling fluid losses after casing string perforation, as they involve separate operations for logging, perforating, plugging, and pumping, and are inefficient in addressing voids in the cement annulus.
Innovation Solution
The intelligent detect, punch, isolate, and squeeze (i-DPIS) system, which includes a wired tubing with a scanner, a packer, and perforating arms, allows for simultaneous detection of cement voids, isolation, perforation, and cementing by creating holes in the casing string and pumping cement through these holes during a single trip, reducing the need for multiple operations and mitigating drilling fluid losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate operations for logging, perforating, plugging, and pumping are performed sequentially, then each operation can be completed with dedicated equipment, but the total operational time increases and multiple trips are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines four separate operations (logging, perforating, plugging, and pumping) into a single integrated tool that performs all functions during one trip into the wellbore. The tool includes a scanner for detection, perforating arms for creating holes, a packer for isolation, and a pumping system for cement injection, all integrated into one device that can execute the complete remediation sequence without requiring multiple trips or separate equipment deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated tool is designed with multi-functionality to perform detection, perforation, isolation, and cementing operations within a single device. This universal tool eliminates the need for multiple specialized equipment deployments by incorporating a scanner for void detection, ejectable perforating arms for creating access holes, a packer for zone isolation, and a cement pumping system, all in one tool assembly.
2Reliability
If multiple trips are required for cement remediation operations, then comprehensive treatment can be achieved, but safety risks increase due to drilling fluid losses after casing string perforation
Solution Approach 1:
The tool performs detection of cement voids before perforation, allowing precise positioning of the perforating arms at the exact location of the void. The packer is set in advance to isolate the treatment zone, and the sequence of operations is pre-planned and executed in one trip, eliminating the need for subsequent trips that would expose the wellbore to drilling fluid losses after perforation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated tool rushes through the complete remediation process in a single trip, completing detection, perforation, isolation, and cementing before the wellbore is exposed to potential drilling fluid losses. By consolidating all operations into one continuous sequence, the tool minimizes the time the perforated casing string is exposed and eliminates the need for additional trips that would increase safety risks.
3Productivity
If separate operations are performed for each step of cement remediation, then each step can be optimized independently, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple operational sequences into a single automated workflow executed by one integrated tool. The scanner, perforating arms, packer, and pumping system are coordinated through a unified control mechanism that automates the sequence of operations, reducing the need for multiple independent operational procedures and simplifying the overall remediation process despite the advanced functionality of the tool.
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 effectively cements voids in the annulus with reduced operational complexity and safety risks, completing the cementing process in a single trip while minimizing drilling fluid losses and improving efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A portion of the annulus that is void of cement is determined using the scanner
Implementation Method 2
The packer has an unexpanded position and an expanded position and is connected to the wired tubing
Implementation Method 3
A plurality of holes are punched in the up-hole section of the casing string by ejecting the perforating arms from the wired tubing
Implementation Method 4
the annulus of the casing string is cemented by pumping cement through the plurality of holes into the portion of the annulus void of cement
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes running a wired tubing having perforating arms, a packer, and a scanner into a casing string having an annulus. A portion of the annulus that is void of cement is determined using the scanner. The packer is activated to isolate a downhole section of the casing string from an up-hole section of the casing string. A plurality of holes are punched in the up-hole section of the casing string by ejecting the perforating arms from the wired tubing. The annulus of the casing string is cemented by pumping cement through the plurality of holes into the portion of the annulus void of cement.