Modular Annular Well Apparatus for Cement Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Predicting fluid invasion and migration in cement columns of wells after primary cementing is challenging due to the difficulty in measuring various contributing factors, particularly in combination, using actual wells, which is costly and impractical.
Innovation Solution
The Modular Arc Designed Sensed Annular Well (MADSAW) system simulates well conditions in a controlled laboratory environment, accounting for cement- and formation-related factors to predict fluid invasion and migration, allowing for reusable equipment and reduced resource waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If actual wells are used to measure contributing factors to fluid invasion and migration, then measurement data can be obtained, but the cost becomes prohibitive and the process is impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a laboratory-scale model that replicates the essential characteristics of actual well conditions, including cement columns, formation interfaces, and fluid injection systems. This model allows measurement of fluid invasion and migration without the prohibitive costs of field testing, while maintaining measurement precision through controlled experimental conditions and multiple sensors.
2Reliability
If actual wells are used for testing, then real well conditions are represented, but the testing becomes cost-prohibitive and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the well environment into segmented, controllable components including separate cement column sections, formation interface zones, and fluid injection points. This segmentation allows comprehensive testing of fluid invasion and migration mechanisms in a laboratory setting, representing real well conditions while minimizing resource consumption through reusable model components.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive factors are measured in actual wells, then predictive capability improves, but the complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The laboratory model integrates multiple measurement functions into a unified system, including pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and fluid flow measurement capabilities within a single apparatus. This multi-functional design enables comprehensive measurement of contributing factors to fluid invasion and migration without the complexity and cost of separate field testing systems, while maintaining predictive capability.
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a cement testing system includes an upper end module and a lower end module. Casing-emulating tubing couples to the upper end module and to the lower end module and emulates a wellbore casing. A plurality of intermediate well-wall-emulating modules is configured to couple end-to-end and to couple to the upper end module and the lower end module to form an annulus around the casing emulating tubing. Each of the plurality of intermediate well-wall emulating modules is configured to emulate one or more characteristics of a well wall.