Integrated Formation Testing String for Zero-Flaring DST
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole operations require multiple runs into a well to perform various tasks such as formation testing and drill stem testing due to the limitations of current tools, which do not facilitate combined operations in a single run.
Innovation Solution
A modular formation testing tool string that integrates formation testing and drill stem testing capabilities, allowing simultaneous performance of both types of activities with flow control tools, optimized tool string design, and software for fluid management, enabling low emission testing and re-injection of hydrocarbons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate tool strings are used for formation testing and drill stem testing, then each operation can be performed with dedicated equipment, but multiple runs into the well are required increasing operational complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines formation testing tools and drill stem testing tools into a single integrated downhole assembly. This merging allows both formation testing (with packers and flow lines) and drill stem testing (with chokes and flow control) to be performed simultaneously in one wellbore entry, eliminating the need for multiple separate runs and reducing operational time while maintaining reliability of both operations
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole assembly is designed with universal components that can perform multiple functions. The assembly includes both formation testing capabilities (packers, flow lines, sampling chambers) and drill stem testing capabilities (chokes, flow control valves, pressure gauges), allowing a single tool string to execute multiple different testing operations that traditionally required separate specialized equipment
2Reliability
If multiple separate tool strings are used for formation testing and drill stem testing, then each operation can be performed with dedicated equipment, but device complexity increases due to multiple tool strings and operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges formation testing tools and drill stem testing tools into a single integrated downhole assembly. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate tool strings, while maintaining the functional reliability of both operations through dedicated components within the unified assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole assembly employs universal components designed to perform multiple functions. For example, the flow control system serves both formation testing and drill stem testing operations, and the packer system can isolate zones for both types of testing, thereby reducing overall device complexity while preserving operational reliability
3Loss of information
If formation fluids are produced to the surface for testing, then complete formation evaluation can be performed, but hydrocarbon emissions occur requiring flaring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary formation fluids required for testing and analysis, rather than producing all formation fluids to the surface. The system includes sampling chambers and flow control mechanisms that extract representative fluid samples for evaluation while allowing the majority of hydrocarbons to remain in the formation or be reinjected, thereby obtaining complete formation data without generating harmful emissions
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards the need for surface flaring of hydrocarbons by recovering and reinjecting formation fluids into the formation through the same downhole assembly. This allows complete formation evaluation through downhole analysis while recovering the hydrocarbons that would otherwise be emitted, eliminating harmful flaring operations
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods presented herein include an assembly of tools that can be arranged in a wellbore in such a way that allows a combination of formation testing (e.g., with a modular formation dynamics testing tool, a wireline formation testing tool, and so forth) and drill stem testing (DST). The assembly of tools enables performance of both types of activities potentially in a single run in the hole, and facilitate full control of the reservoir and formation fluids or, in case of injection, of injected fluids inside the tubing or drill pipe. In addition, the assembly of tools allows for multiple set points to perform zonal evaluations with the formation testing tools, and facilitate performance of full scale flow tests with the DST string.