Multi-Phase Influx Envelope for Real-Time Wellbore Kick Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current influx management tools in wellbore drilling operations are inaccurate due to their single-bubble approach, failing to account for gas dissolution and influx dispersion during circulation, leading to potential equipment overload and operational risks.
Innovation Solution
A machine learning-based influx management model is developed using a multi-phase flow model to generate an influx management envelope, providing real-time characterization of influx volume and intensity, allowing for adjustments in drilling fluid composition and operating parameters to mitigate potential safety concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single-bubble approach is used for influx management, then the calculation is simple, but the accuracy of influx characterization is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the influx into multiple bubbles rather than treating it as a single bubble. This segmentation allows the model to account for different gas pockets at various depths in the wellbore, each with potentially different volumes and pressures, thereby significantly improving influx characterization accuracy while maintaining computational feasibility through structured segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional single-bubble model to a multi-dimensional approach by considering multiple gas bubbles distributed throughout the wellbore annulus. This dimensional expansion incorporates vertical distribution, pressure gradients, and temperature variations, enabling more accurate prediction of influx behavior during circulation.
2Reliability
If gas dissolution and influx dispersion are not accounted for, then the model is simpler, but the reliability of influx management is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring circulation parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rate) and using these measurements to update the multi-phase flow model predictions. This feedback loop accounts for gas dissolution and dispersion effects in real-time, significantly improving the reliability of influx management while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts model parameters such as gas solubility, dispersion coefficients, and phase distribution based on changing circulation conditions. By allowing these parameters to vary with pressure, temperature, and flow rate, the model accurately captures gas dissolution and dispersion phenomena, enhancing influx management reliability without requiring overly complex fixed-structure models.
3Productivity
If real-time influx characterization is implemented, then operational decision-making is improved, but computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations by pre-computing lookup tables for gas solubility, phase behavior, and dispersion relationships under various pressure and temperature conditions. During real-time operation, the system interpolates from these pre-computed tables rather than performing full calculations, enabling rapid influx characterization with minimal computational energy consumption while maintaining high decision-making efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simplified surrogate models that replicate the behavior of complex multi-phase flow physics. These surrogate models are trained offline to copy the essential characteristics of full physics-based simulations, allowing real-time influx characterization with fraction of the computational energy requirements while preserving sufficient accuracy for operational decision-making.
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
The model improves accuracy in managing influxes during drilling operations, reducing the risk of equipment overload and operational downtime by enabling real-time decision-making and efficient management of influxes, thus enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
fail to account for gas dissolution in the mud system
Implementation Method 2
influx dispersion during circulation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing an influx encountered during a drilling operation conducted with respect to a wellbore includes drilling a wellbore into a subterranean formation. Drilling the wellbore includes circulating a drilling fluid through a wellbore while operating a drill bit and monitoring one or more parameters associated with the drilling operation for indicia of the influx within the wellbore. The method also includes, upon detecting the indicia of the influx, determining, via an influx management model, an initial influx volume.