Membrane Structure for True Triaxial Sand Production Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sand production tests in the oil and gas industry fail to accurately simulate the true triaxial tensional stress on rock samples, limiting the prediction of sand production rates and borehole stability due to the inability to differentiate pressure applied to the sample by angle, which is crucial for understanding sand behavior and preventing sand accumulation and obstruction.
Innovation Solution
A membrane structure with internal hollow chambers and partition walls that allow for the application of different pressures on specific sides of a rock sample, mimicking true triaxial stress conditions by using a combination of hydrostatic pressure and a flowing fluid to simulate water breakthrough, enabling a more comprehensive analysis of sand production mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional membrane structure without internal hollow chambers is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to apply differentiated pressure on specific portions of the rock sample is lost, preventing true triaxial stress simulation
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane structure is divided into multiple internal hollow chambers separated by partition walls, allowing independent pressure control in different spatial zones. This segmentation enables differentiated pressure application on specific portions of the rock sample, achieving true triaxial stress conditions while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design.
2Measurement precision
If multiple internal hollow chambers with partition walls are introduced, then the ability to simulate true triaxial stress improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The introduction of multiple internal hollow chambers separated by partition walls enables precise control of stress conditions in different directions, achieving true triaxial stress simulation. The modular chamber design allows for systematic pressure application while keeping the overall structure organized and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal hollow chambers extend in different spatial dimensions around the rock sample, enabling independent pressure control in multiple directions simultaneously. This dimensional approach allows accurate simulation of triaxial stress states by applying distinct pressures along different axes, significantly improving measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single fluid chamber is used, then the ease of operation is high, but the ability to simulate water breakthrough and differential pressure conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single fluid chamber is segmented into multiple internal hollow chambers separated by partition walls, enabling independent fluid flow control in different zones. This allows simulation of water breakthrough conditions and differential pressure scenarios while maintaining a unified chamber structure that reduces operational complexity compared to completely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane structure with internal hollow chambers serves multiple functions: it applies differential pressure, simulates water breakthrough, and maintains fluid flow pathways all within a single integrated structure. This multi-functionality enhances adaptability without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
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 approach allows for a more accurate prediction of sand production and borehole stability by simulating the complex stress conditions and fluid interactions, providing improved understanding and operational support for sand behavior in near-borehole regions, thus enhancing drilling operations and reducing sand-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
a permeable inner wall limiting the housing (H) and configured to exert pressure on the rock sample and, to inject a fluid into the outer surface of the rock sample when the membrane structure is in operative manner
Implementation Method 2
a watertight outer wall adapted to withstand external hydrostatic pressure exerted by a first fluid when the membrane structure is in operative manner
Implementation Method 3
each one of the plurality of internal hollow chambers comprises a plurality of rigid particles filling the inner space of each hollow chamber, said plurality of rigid particles intended for transmitting the external pressure exerted from the outer wall to the inner wall while allowing the passage of the second fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a membrane structure suitable for a sand production test of a rock sample provided with a hollow cylinder shape, the membrane structure comprising a main body with a housing configured to confine the rock sample within; a watertight outer wall adapted to withstand external hydrostatic pressure exerted by a first fluid; a permeable inner wall limiting the housing and configured to exert pressure on the rock sample and, to inject a second fluid into the outer surface of said rock sample; a plurality of internal hollow chambers located between the watertight outer wall and the permeable inner wall, wherein each one of the plurality of internal hollow chambers includes a plurality of rigid particles filling the inner space of each hollow chamber for transmitting the external pressure exerted from the outer wall to the inner wall.