Single-Packer Downhole Formation Testing for Multi-Zone Fluid Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing downhole formation testing systems struggle to efficiently isolate and test multiple zones simultaneously, perform fluid sampling and analysis, and determine fluid compatibilities and properties over large intervals, particularly when using straddle packer systems.

Innovation Solution

A downhole toolstring with a single packer positioned near its lower end is used to isolate zones of interest, combined with additional packers and sensors to measure flow and volume rates, allowing for simultaneous testing of multiple zones and analysis of commingled fluids, including fluid compatibility and properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple packers are used to isolate multiple zones simultaneously, then the ability to test multiple zones improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to test multiple zones simultaneouslyVSAvoidnumber of packers required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wellbore is divided into multiple isolated zones using individual packers positioned at different depths. Each packer creates a sealed interval that can be independently tested, allowing simultaneous multi-zone evaluation while maintaining system modularity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single downhole toolstring is designed to perform multiple functions: it can test multiple zones simultaneously, conduct fluid sampling, perform fluid analysis, and measure flow rates. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate toolstrings for each operation, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If a straddle packer system is used to isolate zones, then the ability to test specific intervals improves, but the system cannot efficiently cover large intervals or test multiple zones simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation precision of testing intervalsVSAvoidcoverage of large intervals and multiple zones

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple packers are deployed at different depths to create several isolated intervals along the wellbore. Each packer precisely seals its designated zone, enabling independent testing of multiple intervals while collectively covering a large vertical range of the formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from testing a single horizontal interval to testing multiple vertical intervals simultaneously by positioning packers at different depths. This vertical dimensionality allows comprehensive coverage of large formation intervals while maintaining precise isolation control for each zone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fluid streams from multiple zones are commingled for analysis, then the ability to determine fluid compatibilities and mixture properties improves, but the loss of individual zone fluid information increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to analyze fluid compatibilities and mixture propertiesVSAvoidindividual zone fluid characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Fluid streams from different zones are collected separately through individual flow paths established by the multi-packer isolation system. This allows separate analysis of each zone's fluid properties while also enabling controlled commingling to study fluid compatibilities and mixture characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Downhole fluid analyzers provide real-time feedback on fluid properties from each isolated zone. This information is used to understand individual zone characteristics and to guide the commingling process, ensuring that fluid compatibility studies are performed with informed knowledge of the constituent fluids

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12565836B2Systems and methods for performing downhole formation testing operations

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for performing downhole formation testing operations. Certain methods include deploying a downhole toolstring of a downhole formation testing system to a downhole location within a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation, wherein the downhole toolstring includes a single packer positioned near a lower end of the downhole toolstring; setting the single packer within the wellbore to isolate one or more zones of interest of the subterranean formation in a lower portion of the wellbore below the single packer from an upper portion of the wellbore above the single packer; and, after setting the single packer within the wellbore, using the downhole toolstring to perform downhole formation testing on one or more fluids received from the one or more zones of interest by the downhole toolstring.