Multi-Electrode EM Fluid Characterization for Cement Bond Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating cement bonds in subterranean wellbores are indirect and do not directly detect fluid presence or voids between cement and casing/well bore walls, requiring costly and time-consuming interventions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-electrode configuration system that emits and measures electromagnetic signals to characterize fluids in subterranean wellbores, allowing for direct detection and analysis of fluid layers, composition, and properties, including dielectric constants and conductivity, without additional interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic sonic or ultrasonic tools are used to evaluate cement bonds, then bond evaluation capability is improved, but additional interventions are required which increase cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic/ultrasonic measurement tools with electromagnetic measurement tools. The electromagnetic tools measure coupling between electrodes on the casing and counter-electrodes on the cement, providing direct detection of fluid presence and cement bond quality without requiring additional mechanical interventions into the well.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the measurement system and the cement bond. The electromagnetic field penetrates through the casing and cement to detect the presence of fluids and evaluate bond strength, serving as a non-intrusive mediator that eliminates the need for physical interventions.
2Measurement precision
If acoustic sonic or ultrasonic tools are used to evaluate cement bonds, then bond evaluation capability is improved, but additional interventions increase operational cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces costly acoustic/ultrasonic measurement interventions with electromagnetic measurement systems that can be integrated into existing well infrastructure. The electromagnetic tools use electrical signals to detect cement bond quality and fluid presence, eliminating the need for expensive additional interventions and reducing operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic measurement system serves multiple functions: it detects fluid presence, evaluates cement bond strength, and identifies annular spaces. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate interventions, reducing overall operational cost and complexity.
3Loss of information
If indirect impedance measurements are used to detect cement bonds, then measurement capability is achieved, but direct detection of fluids or spaces is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect acoustic impedance measurements with direct electromagnetic coupling measurements. The electromagnetic field directly interacts with conductive fluids and spaces in the annulus, allowing for direct detection rather than indirect inference. The coupling coefficient between electrodes provides direct information about fluid presence and cement bond integrity.
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 accurate fluid characterization and detection of annular fluids that compromise cement bonds, allowing for real-time adjustments during cementing operations, improving bond strength and operational efficiency without additional well interventions.
Implementation Method 1
emits and measures electromagnetic (EM) signals, where variations in the measured EM signals relative to the emitted EM signals are due to the EM properties (e.g., dielectric constant, magnetic permeability, and conductivity) of the downhole fluids or solids that interact with the emitted EM signals
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods using multi-electrode configurations for characterizing fluids in subterranean formations during various treatment operations are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise: placing a tubular base structure having a multi-electrode configuration disposed thereon in at least a portion of a well bore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation, the multi-electrode configuration comprising at least first and second electrodes with a dielectric layer between the tubular base structure and the electrodes; collecting electromagnetic measurements using the multi-electrode configuration; and processing the electromagnetic measurements to obtain a characterization of at least one fluid in an annulus between the tubular base structure and an inner wall of the well bore. The first and second electrodes of the multi-electrode configuration may be oriented along non-parallel planes and/or positioned at different heights from an outer surface of the tubular base structure.