Isolated Container Pressure Testing for Casing Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure testing methods for casings in wells are time-consuming, require large volumes of fluid, and can be hazardous due to the need to circulate lighter fluids, potentially leading to loss of well control and blowouts if a major leak is present.
Innovation Solution
A method using an apparatus with a communication device and a container deployed into the well system, which isolates a section and reduces pressure by allowing fluid communication between the inside and outside of the container, allowing for wireless monitoring of pressure to assess the integrity of the casing without the need for circulating lighter fluids, maintaining the hydrostatic head and enhancing well safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lighter fluid is circulated into the well to displace heavier fluid and reduce hydrostatic head for pressure testing, then the pressure testing can be performed to detect leaks, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires large volumes of fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the testing function from the bulk fluid circulation process by using a isolated container within the wellbore. The container can be pressurized independently with test fluid while the surrounding wellbore maintains its hydrostatic head, eliminating the need to circulate light fluid through the entire well length.
Solution Approach 2:
The wellbore is segmented into an isolated container section and the surrounding annulus. This allows independent pressure control within the container while maintaining the hydrostatic head in the annulus, enabling rapid pressure testing without moving large volumes of fluid.
2Reliability
If a lighter fluid is circulated into the well to displace heavier fluid for pressure testing, then leak detection is enabled, but the well control safety is compromised due to loss of hydrostatic head control
Solution Approach 1:
The testing function is extracted into an isolated container that can be independently pressurized. The surrounding wellbore maintains its hydrostatic head control, eliminating the safety hazard of losing well control while still enabling pressure testing through the isolated container system.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolated container acts as a cushioning element that contains the pressure testing function separately from the wellbore hydrostatic system. This prevents any potential blowout hazard from affecting the main wellbore, as the container is isolated and can be controlled independently.
3Reliability
If conventional pressure testing methods are used requiring fluid circulation, then leak detection is possible, but cost and time resources are significantly consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure testing function is extracted into a small isolated container that can be rapidly pressurized and monitored. This eliminates the time-consuming fluid circulation required in conventional methods, allowing multiple tests to be performed quickly and improving overall testing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolated container enables rapid periodic pressure testing by quickly pressurizing the container, monitoring for pressure changes that indicate leaks, and then depressurizing. This cycle can be repeated multiple times without the lengthy fluid circulation required by conventional methods.
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 method saves time and cost, maintains well safety by avoiding the need for fluid circulation, and allows for precise assessment of casing integrity, preventing fluid influx and maintaining control in case of a leak.
Implementation Method 1
opening the port to allow fluid communication between the inside of the container and an outside of the container
Implementation Method 2
a wireless signal transmitted in at least one of the following forms: electromagnetic, acoustic, inductively coupled tubulars and coded pressure pulsing
Data Source
AI summary
A method of pressure testing a casing system (12) comprising deploying an apparatus (110) with a container (68) formed from drill pipe or production tubing, on a string of drill pipe or production tubing into a well, such that a port (61) thereof is provided in an isolated section of the well. The isolated section of the well has a higher pressure than the pressure of a gas sealed in the container (68). The port (61) is opened and pressure in the isolated section is monitored to assess its integrity. Communication with the apparatus is achieved by wireless means sending pressure data, control signals for controlling the port and/or other data or commands.