Kick Detection Using Logging While Drilling Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well kick detection methods are delayed and unreliable, particularly in tight pressure margin environments, as they rely on surface monitoring and operator judgment, and fail to detect kicks in total loss circulation conditions.
Innovation Solution
A real-time kick detection method based on monitoring changes in bulk density of the formation, using empirical thresholds to generate alerts when density anomalies exceed predetermined values, implemented through a computer-implemented system with LWD data aggregation and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surface monitoring and operator judgment are used for kick detection, then the detection method is simple to implement, but the detection accuracy and timeliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual surface monitoring and operator judgment with an automated electronic system that uses LWD density measurements and computer algorithms to detect kicks. The system automatically processes density data, compares it to baseline values, and generates alerts, eliminating reliance on human operator judgment and significantly improving detection accuracy and timeliness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bulk density measurements from LWD tools as an intermediary parameter to detect kicks. Instead of directly monitoring traditional parameters like flow rate or pressure at the surface, the system uses density changes in the formation as an early indicator of kick conditions, providing more timely and accurate detection.
2Measurement precision
If real-time density monitoring is implemented, then kick detection accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the multi-functionality of LWD tools that already perform density measurements for formation evaluation. By reusing existing density measurement capabilities and integrating them with kick detection algorithms, the system achieves improved detection accuracy without requiring entirely new hardware, thus limiting the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the formation evaluation function (density measurement) with the kick detection function into a single integrated system. By combining these functions and using the same LWD density data for both purposes, the system avoids duplicating measurement equipment and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If traditional surface monitoring is used, then the system is easier to operate, but kick detection is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of kick conditions by monitoring density changes at the formation interface before the kick fully develops and reaches the surface. This early detection capability allows operators to take preventive action before the situation deteriorates, significantly reducing detection delay and loss of time.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer-readable medium to perform operations including: receiving a real-time density log comprising bulk density readings of a subterranean formation, where a well is being drilled in the subterranean formation; aggregating density readings over a first threshold distance from a current drilling depth in the subterranean formation; calculating a minimum formation density and a maximum formation density in the aggregated density readings; calculating a difference between the maximum formation density and the minimum formation density; in response to determining that the difference is greater than a field threshold, determining whether a previous kick alert occurred at least a second threshold distance from the current drilling depth; and in response to determining that the previous kick alert occurred at least the second threshold distance from the current drilling depth, detecting a kick in the well.