In-situ Geological Stiffness Measurement via Pressure Meter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring geological stiffness in situ are costly, time-consuming, and lack accuracy, leading to conservative estimates that can impact hydrocarbon production, as they rely on laboratory tests that are not representative of downhole conditions and cannot measure static elastic properties directly.
Innovation Solution
A packer system with a fluid delivery and sensor system connected to a computing system that measures pressure and volume to calculate geological stiffness, allowing for in-situ measurement of stiffness values using a pressure meter testing apparatus, which includes calibration and measurement protocols to derive accurate stiffness values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory testing methods are used to measure geological stiffness, then measurement precision can be achieved, but loss of time and productivity are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical laboratory testing with a pressure-based measurement system that uses fluid pressure to determine geological stiffness in-situ. The pressure meter system measures stiffness by injecting fluid into the formation and measuring pressure response, eliminating the need for physical core sample extraction and laboratory mechanical testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pressure meter system as an intermediary measurement tool that operates downhole to directly measure geological stiffness. This intermediary system provides real-time data without requiring sample extraction, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining measurement precision through controlled pressure injection and response measurement.
2Measurement precision
If core samples are extracted for laboratory testing, then static stiffness values can be obtained, but reliability of results is reduced due to loss of downhole conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure meter system serves as an in-situ intermediary that measures geological stiffness directly in the downhole environment without disturbing the formation. By operating downhole and using fluid pressure to probe the formation, the system maintains the integrity of downhole conditions while obtaining static stiffness values, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the laboratory environment and places it directly in the downhole environment. By taking out the stiffness measurement capability and implementing it via a pressure meter system that operates in-situ, the system eliminates the need to extract core samples, thereby preserving downhole conditions and improving result reliability.
3Measurement precision
If extensive laboratory work is performed to determine geological stiffness, then measurement completeness is improved, but economic costs are dramatically increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive and time-consuming mechanical laboratory testing with a more economical pressure-based measurement system. The pressure meter uses fluid injection and pressure sensing to determine geological stiffness, eliminating the need for costly core extraction, transportation, and laboratory testing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure meter system performs the geological stiffness measurement function itself while operating downhole, eliminating the need for separate laboratory work. The system self-containedly provides complete stiffness determination through integrated pressure injection, sensing, and data processing capabilities, thereby reducing economic costs associated with external laboratory services.
4Productivity
If dynamic stiffness values are measured using sonic logging tools, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision for static stiffness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from dynamic measurement methods (sonic logging) to a quasi-static measurement approach using pressure injection. The pressure meter system allows for controlled, gradual pressure increase that better represents static conditions, while still maintaining productivity through automated downhole operation and real-time data acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from dynamic elastic-wave velocity to static fluid pressure response. By using pressure as the measurement parameter instead of wave velocity, the system directly probes the formation's static elastic properties, thereby improving measurement precision for static stiffness while maintaining productivity through efficient pressure-controlled testing.
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 and efficient measurement of geological stiffness in real-time, reducing costs and improving hydrocarbon production by providing reliable in-situ data without the need for extensive laboratory testing.
Implementation Method 1
a first packer and a second packer of the packer system are inflated to isolate a section of the wellbore
Implementation Method 2
fluid delivered to the packer system is increased to increase a pressure within the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a pressure meter testing apparatus and method that allows operations/engineers the ability to determine in-situ stiffness values of geological stratum.