Packer System for Simultaneous Formation Stress and Fluid Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packer tools used in wellbores are unable to simultaneously measure mechanical properties of subterranean formations by applying stress and allowing fluid flow, limiting the determination of formation characteristics such as stability and producibility.
Innovation Solution
A packer system that expands within the wellbore to apply compression loads, measure deformation, and collect fluid samples using drains with separate flow lines for fluid injection and sampling, allowing for the measurement of mechanical properties as a function of fluid flow and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a packer is used to draw sample fluid from the formation, then fluid sampling capability is achieved, but the ability to simultaneously measure mechanical properties under stress conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The packer system is divided into functionally independent components: a sealing element for isolation, drains for fluid sampling, and a deformation measurement device for mechanical property measurement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with others, enabling simultaneous fluid sampling and mechanical testing through separate flow lines and measurement channels.
2Stress or pressure
If stress is applied to the formation wall at a location, then mechanical stress measurement is enabled, but fluid flow measurement at the same location becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures mechanical properties in one dimension (radial stress on formation wall) while allowing fluid flow to occur in another dimension (through the formation wall into the wellbore). The deformation measurement device captures radial displacement caused by stress, while drains collect fluid flowing perpendicular to the stress application plane, enabling independent measurement of both parameters without spatial conflict.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional packer is used for fluid sampling, then sampling operation is simple, but determination of formation stability and producibility is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The packer system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it isolates wellbore regions, draws fluid samples through drains, applies controlled stress to the formation wall, and measures resulting deformation. This multi-functionality transforms a simple sampling tool into a comprehensive formation evaluation system that provides both fluid samples and mechanical property data, eliminating the need for separate testing operations.
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 the determination of formation stability, design parameters for frac-pack operations, and sand production by analyzing deformation curves and pressure data, improving the prediction of production capacity and optimizing wellbore operations.
Implementation Method 1
A packer system that expands within the wellbore to apply compression loads
Implementation Method 2
measure deformation
Implementation Method 3
fluid flow rate through the formation wall
Data Source
AI summary
A method and/or a system determines mechanical properties of a fluid-bearing formation. One or more packers may be used to measure and/or collect data regarding mechanical properties of a formation. The formation characteristics may be, for example, the stability of the formation, design parameters for frac-pack/gravel-pack operations, and sand production. The packer may expand within a wellbore of a formation until enough pressure is applied to fracture a wall of the wellbore. Before, during and/or after the fracturing of the wall, multiple measurements may be taken by the packer. After fractures are initiated, fluid may be pumped into and/or drawn from the formation using drains disposed on the packer. Additional packers may be used above and/or below the packer for isolating intervals of the wellbore.