Real-Time Permeability Determination via Mud Flow Delta Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the permeability of fractured zones in hydrocarbon reservoirs are costly, invasive, and unreliable, as they require stopping drilling operations and using specialized instruments, or they fail to provide accurate permeability estimates.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that measure the 'delta flow' of mud during drilling, using a mathematical model to correlate mud flow differences with permeability, allowing for real-time, non-invasive, and iterative correction of permeability values without interrupting drilling activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If coring operations are carried out to determine fracture permeability, then permeability measurement is obtained, but drilling operations must be stopped and additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables permeability determination during ongoing drilling operations by monitoring mud flow characteristics in real-time, eliminating the need to stop drilling for coring operations. The system continuously measures delta flow between supplied and returned mud to calculate permeability values without interrupting the drilling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling system itself provides the measurement capability by using its existing mud circulation system. The mud flow measurements are taken from the drilling operation's own fluid circulation, eliminating the need for separate coring operations and additional measurement equipment.
2Measurement precision
If specialized instruments are used for bottom well log measurements, then rock characteristics can be measured, but operational risks and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the drilling operation's existing mud circulation system to provide measurement data. By monitoring the mud flow that is already part of the drilling process, the system eliminates the need for separate measurement instruments and operations, thereby reducing operational risks while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mud flow acts as an intermediary that carries information about fracture permeability from the formation to the surface measurement system. By measuring changes in mud flow characteristics (delta flow), the system indirectly determines permeability without direct contact with the formation, reducing operational risks.
3Measurement precision
If rock samples are extracted for analysis, then permeability can be measured, but the measurement becomes inaccurate due to system disturbance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs permeability measurements through continuous monitoring of mud flow during normal drilling operations, maintaining the reservoir system's natural state. By avoiding sample extraction and system disturbance, the measurements reflect actual in-situ permeability conditions without alteration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical sample extraction with a fluid-based measurement approach. By monitoring mud flow characteristics rather than physically removing and analyzing rock samples, the system determines permeability without disturbing the reservoir structure or altering the natural system state.
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
Enables reliable and economical determination of permeability in hydrocarbon reservoirs by using existing drilling parameters, reducing operational risks and costs, and providing accurate permeability estimates without system downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a first value of a characteristic quantity DF dependent on the drilling operations of the well W is detected; said characteristic quantity DF is representative of a difference between a mud flow being supplied to the drilling rig and a mud flow returning from the well W
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the permeability of a fractured zone in the subsoil, wherein at least one well is being drilled and at least said fractured zone is encountered, includes: detecting at least one value of a characteristic quantity associated with said well; retrieving from a memory a mathematical model descriptive of said characteristic quantity and dependent on at least the permeability of said fractured zone; activating a processor for: obtaining at least one calculated value of said characteristic quantity by means of said mathematical model; comparing said calculated value with said detected value; calculating a permeability value of said fractured zone as a function of said comparison; generating an output signal representative of said permeability value. Also described is an apparatus for determining the permeability of a fractured zone in the subsoil.