Optical Measurement System for Wellbore Cement Shrinkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement techniques for evaluating cement and drilling fluid performance in wellbores cannot provide real-time, non-invasive, and in-situ measurements at high pressure and high temperature conditions, leading to inadequate design and potential failure of cement sheaths and mud cakes.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure high-temperature optical measurement system using optical sensors and cameras within a pressure vessel to monitor dimensional changes and goniometry of cement and mud cake samples, allowing for real-time, non-invasive analysis at conditions simulating downhole environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing measurement techniques are used to evaluate cement and drilling fluid performance, then laboratory testing can be performed, but real-time monitoring at high pressure and high temperature conditions cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement systems with an optical measurement system. Optical sensors and cameras are used to monitor dimensional changes and goniometry of cement and mud cake samples in real-time under high pressure and high temperature conditions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement apparatuses that cannot withstand downhole conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system that can penetrate through the pressure vessel walls to measure sample properties without direct contact. This allows measurement of cement and drilling fluid samples under simulated downhole conditions while maintaining measurement accuracy and real-time monitoring capability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory testing is used, then material performance can be evaluated, but in-situ measurements at actual wellbore conditions cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the testing parameters to match actual wellbore conditions by implementing high pressure and high temperature environments in the pressure vessel. This allows cement and drilling fluid samples to be tested under conditions that replicate downhole environments, providing adaptable and versatile performance evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simulated downhole environment in the pressure vessel that copies the key parameters (pressure, temperature) of actual wellbore conditions. This allows laboratory-based testing to replicate real-world performance while maintaining controlled measurement capabilities.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive measurement is implemented, then sample integrity is maintained, but measurement capability under high pressure and high temperature conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measurement systems with non-contact optical sensing. Optical cameras and sensors monitor dimensional changes and goniometry remotely through pressure vessel walls, maintaining sample integrity while enabling measurement under high pressure and high temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical waves as an intermediary to transmit measurement information through the pressure vessel walls without direct contact with the sample. This allows non-invasive measurement while maintaining measurement precision under extreme conditions.
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, real-time monitoring of cement shrinkage, expansion, and mud cake erodibility, improving cement and drilling fluid formulations to prevent debonding and ensure effective zonal isolation and drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor configured to monitor dimensional changes in the sample over time and perform goniometry on the sample
Data Source
AI summary
An optical measurement system comprising a vessel for non-invasively testing a sample material composition in-situ and in real time. The test chamber is configured to hold a sample material composition for a wellbore. The optical measurement system is configured to provide in-situ monitoring of the sample material composition in real time and at high temperature and high pressure. Dimensional and geometrical changes occurring within the sample material composition are monitored using the optical measurement system. The system further performs goniometry on a sample.