Piezospectroscopic Cement Stress Sensor for Wellbore Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for measuring in situ stress in wellbores are difficult to mount, do not directly measure stress, and can occlude the well, leading to potential well collapse and increased costs, especially in the exploration and recovery of natural resources like gas, oil, and water.
Innovation Solution
The system uses optical transducing materials, such as steel and cement, with piezospectroscopic and elastic properties, embedded in the primary cement within the wellbore annulus, coupled with fiber optics to directly measure hydrostatic and directional stresses without occluding the borehole, providing zone isolation and reinforcing the wellbore walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional stress measurement systems are mounted in wellbores, then stress measurement capability is provided, but the systems occlude the well and increase complexity of installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stress sensing function with the cement material itself by incorporating piezospectroscopic particles into the cement matrix. This merging eliminates separate sensing devices and their complex installation, while the cement serves both as wellbore filler and as the sensing medium through its optically active particles that respond to stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The cement with embedded piezospectroscopic particles serves its own sensing function without requiring external measurement equipment. The cement matrix itself becomes the sensor, utilizing the intrinsic piezospectroscopic properties of embedded particles to provide stress measurement capabilities inherent to the material rather than requiring separate mounted devices.
2Measurement precision
If traditional sensors are used to measure in situ stress, then stress data is obtained, but the sensors are difficult to mount and may cause well collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The cement serves dual purposes: it provides wellbore support as intended and simultaneously functions as the stress sensing medium. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate sensors that would compromise well integrity during installation, while the cement-particle composite provides reliable in situ stress measurement without affecting well stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical stress sensors with an optical measurement system based on piezospectroscopic properties of particles embedded in cement. This substitution eliminates mechanical installation processes that could compromise well integrity, while providing continuous stress measurement through optical interrogation of the cement matrix itself.
3Measurement precision
If optical transducing materials are embedded in cement, then direct stress measurement is achieved, but material composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system where piezospectroscopic particles are embedded within the cement matrix. This composite approach enables direct stress measurement through the optical properties of the particle-cement composite, while the particles serve multiple functions including stress sensing and potential wellbore reinforcement, thereby managing composition complexity through multi-functionality.
4Strength
If cement is used as the sensing medium, then wellbore support function is maintained, but measurement capability must be integrated into the material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function of cement with the stress sensing function by embedding piezospectroscopic particles throughout the cement matrix. This combination ensures that the cement maintains its wellbore support capabilities while simultaneously providing distributed stress measurement throughout the same material volume, eliminating the need for separate sensing elements.
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
This solution allows for precise, non-destructive, and cost-effective measurement of subterranean hydrostatic and directional stresses, enhancing well integrity and reducing the risk of well collapse, while maintaining the structural integrity of the wellbore and providing real-time stress data for improved resource extraction and infrastructure monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
optical transducing materials, such as steel and cement, with piezospectroscopic and elastic properties
Implementation Method 2
coupled with fiber optics to directly measure hydrostatic and directional stresses
Implementation Method 3
embedded in the primary cement within the wellbore annulus, providing zone isolation and reinforcing the wellbore walls
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method measuring subterranean stress. The system and method includes a non-destructive sheath enveloping a tubular structure positioned in direct contact with a lateral subterranean rock formation for sensing expansive changes in the subterranean rock formation. A fiber optic is directly embedded in the non-destructive sheath positioned adjacent to the exterior surface of the tubular structure. The fiber optic transmits light and thereafter receives light in proportion to the expansive changes in the subterranean rock formation. A spectrometer connected to the fiber optic remote from the non-destructive sheath. The spectrometer measures hydrostatic stress in the subterranean rock formation without estimating acoustoelastic effects or occluding the tubular structure.