Rupture Disk Failure Simulation for Annular Pressure Buildup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective methods to simulate the effects of rupture disk failure on annular fluid expansion in wellbores, which is crucial for mitigating annular pressure buildup, particularly in deep-water wells where rupture disks are used to relieve pressure differences.
Innovation Solution
The method involves simulating the effects of rupture disk failure using numerical and analytical techniques, determining pressure balance models for sealed and open annuli, and calculating adjusted pressure buildups and volume changes until global pressure equilibrium is achieved in the wellbore, utilizing computer-executable instructions and pressure balance equations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rupture disk is installed to relieve annular pressure buildup, then pressure relief function is improved, but simulation capability of rupture disk failure effects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a computational model that copies the physical rupture disk system, including the casing strings, annuli, rupture disks, and fluid properties. This virtual replica allows simulation of rupture disk failure effects without physical testing, enabling accurate prediction of annular fluid expansion and pressure changes while maintaining the reliability of the actual pressure relief function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical mechanical testing and observation with computational mechanics simulation. By using numerical models and algorithms to calculate pressure equilibrium, volume changes, and fluid expansion, the system substitutes physical experimentation with computational analysis, thereby gaining simulation capability without compromising the actual pressure relief function of the rupture disk.
2Measurement precision
If complex simulation model is developed to achieve accurate pressure equilibrium calculation, then simulation accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wellbore system into discrete components: multiple casing strings, internal and external annuli, rupture disks at specific locations, and fluid regions. Each segment is modeled separately with its own pressure, volume, and fluid properties, allowing accurate local calculations that contribute to global pressure equilibrium without requiring an overly complex monolithic model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements iterative calculation that continues until convergence criteria are met, performing calculations beyond what a single-pass approximation would provide. This ensures accurate pressure equilibrium results by repeatedly adjusting pressures and volumes until all constraints are satisfied, accepting the additional computational steps necessary for precision.
3Measurement precision
If multiple iterations are performed to achieve global pressure equilibrium, then calculation accuracy is improved, but computational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of initial pressures, volumes, and fluid properties before the iterative equilibrium process. By pre-calculating baseline values and establishing initial conditions, the simulation reduces the number of iterations needed to reach convergence, thereby decreasing computational time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where each iteration's results inform the next iteration's calculations. The system continuously monitors pressure differences and volume changes, using this feedback to adjust calculations and converge toward pressure equilibrium. This feedback-driven approach ensures accuracy while minimizing unnecessary computational iterations.
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 approach provides accurate simulation of rupture disk failure effects, aiding in wellbore tubular design by achieving global pressure equilibrium and mitigating annular pressure buildup, thus enhancing wellbore safety and design efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
calculating at least one of an adjusted internal annular pressure buildup and an adjusted external annular pressure buildup... until a global pressure equilibrium is achieved in the combined casing string
Implementation Method 2
calculating... a volume change between a volume of the internal annular region and a volume of the external annular region
Data Source
AI summary
A method for simulating the effects of rupture disk failure on annular fluid expansion in sealed and open annuli to mitigate annular pressure buildup in a wellbore comprises the steps of: determining whether an internal region or an external region for a pair of casing string annuli is open; and calculating at least one of an adjusted internal annular pressure buildup and an adjusted external annular pressure buildup for at least one of the internal annular region and the external annular region of the casing string annuli.