Pressure-Powered Downhole Tool for Multizone Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drill stem testing methods for hydrocarbon wells are time-consuming due to the need for sequential isolation and testing of multiple layers, requiring repeated insertion and removal of the test string, which hampers efficient assessment and production strategy development.

Innovation Solution

A pressure-powered tool with a hydraulic control system that shifts between states based on pressure indications, allowing for simultaneous testing of multiple zones without removing the test string, and a control station that determines the tool's operating condition by analyzing pressure readings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sequential testing of multiple layers is performed by repeatedly removing and reinserting the test string, then each layer can be tested independently, but the total testing time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayer characterization accuracyVSAvoidtotal testing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The test string is divided into multiple independently controllable testing units, each capable of testing a specific layer. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation of multiple testing units on different layers, eliminating the need for sequential testing while maintaining independent layer characterization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The test string incorporates dynamic isolation mechanisms that can be remotely controlled to isolate specific layers during testing. This dynamic capability allows the system to transition from static sequential testing to dynamic simultaneous testing of multiple layers, significantly reducing total testing time while preserving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the test string is repeatedly removed and reinserted to test different layers, then complete layer assessment is achieved, but operational complexity and risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayer assessment completenessVSAvoidtesting procedure simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The test string is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can test multiple layers simultaneously through integrated testing units. This eliminates the need for repeated insertion and removal operations, simplifying the procedure while maintaining complete layer assessment capability through coordinated operation of multiple testing units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automated layer isolation and testing coordination mechanisms that operate autonomously once deployed. The test string self-manages the complex operations of isolating and testing multiple layers without requiring repeated manual intervention, thereby simplifying the overall procedure while ensuring complete assessment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If pressure-powered tools are used for downhole operations, then precise control of fluid flow is achieved, but monitoring and control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system incorporates pressure sensors and feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the state of pressure-powered tools and automatically adjust control parameters. This feedback loop enables precise fluid flow control while simplifying operation, as the system self-regulates based on real-time pressure indications without requiring complex manual control procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical control mechanisms with pressure-based control and electronic monitoring. Pressure-powered tools use fluid pressure rather than complex mechanical linkages to control valve positions and flow rates, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining precise control capability through pressure indication and electronic actuation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient, single-trip multizone testing by identifying tool states and conditions without direct measurement, predicting potential failures, and facilitating granular control of fluid flow, thereby reducing testing time and improving production planning.

Implementation Method 1

A pressure sensor provides indications of pressure in a region within the tool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Implementation Method 2

a fluid chamber containing pressurized fluid, a piston energizable by the pressurized fluid to shift the tool between states

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS11274522B2Systems and techniques for controlling and monitoring downhole operations in a well

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

An apparatus and method for using a pressure-powered tool to perform a downhole operation in a well determine the operating condition of the tool based on indications of pressure in a region associated with the tool. If the pressure indications are indicative of an undesired operating condition, corrective action is taken, such as mechanically shifting the tool or rupturing the rupture disc of an electric rupture disc (ERD) system to shift the tool to a desired operating condition.