Spider Web Borehole Failure Detection and Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for drilling hydrocarbon wells fail to recognize and address spider web borehole failure (SWBF), leading to misrepresentation of in-situ stresses and inaccurate predictions of formation rock failure, which can result in well instability and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
The method involves identifying SWBF through asymmetric borehole failure patterns, generating a rock strength reduction function to determine the unconfined compressive strength of fractured rock, and adjusting drilling and operational parameters based on this strength to inhibit and mitigate SWBF occurrences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing drilling and operational techniques are used, then conventional borehole failure patterns are addressed, but spider web borehole failure cannot be identified or mitigated leading to well instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces borehole imaging technology as an intermediary tool to detect and identify SWBF patterns. The imaging system captures visual data of the borehole wall, allowing operators to detect asymmetric failure patterns that conventional monitoring methods miss. This intermediary detection mechanism bridges the gap between conventional drilling operations and the need for SWBF-specific identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical monitoring methods with advanced borehole imaging and computational analysis systems. Instead of relying on traditional mechanical sensors and direct observation, the system uses digital imaging, image processing algorithms, and computational models to detect and analyze SWBF patterns, enabling more accurate identification and response.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional rock strength assumptions are used, then simplified operational planning is possible, but inaccurate predictions of formation rock failure occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting borehole imaging and SWBF pattern identification before finalizing drilling and operational parameters. The system pre-characterizes rock strength by analyzing borehole failure patterns and generating rock strength reduction functions in advance, allowing operators to plan operations with accurate rock strength information before encountering potential failure zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation of rock strength from conventional uniform assumptions to spatially varying parameters based on observed SWBF patterns. The system generates rock strength reduction functions that modify the baseline rock strength parameter according to detected failure patterns, enabling more accurate predictions of formation rock failure while accounting for heterogeneity in the formation.
3Productivity
If drilling operations continue without SWBF identification, then operational continuity is maintained, but asymmetric borehole failure patterns lead to operational challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring borehole conditions through imaging technology and comparing observed patterns against known SWBF characteristics. When asymmetric failure patterns are detected, the system provides feedback to operators to adjust drilling parameters or operational procedures, preventing the progression of SWBF while maintaining operational continuity through informed decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by taking preventive measures before SWBF causes significant operational problems. The system detects early signs of asymmetric borehole failure through imaging and analysis, then implements corrective actions such as adjusting drilling parameters, modifying operational procedures, or implementing wellbore support measures to prevent further deterioration and maintain productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Determining, based on asymmetric spalling of rock at a wall of a wellbore of a hydrocarbon well, that the wellbore is experiencing a spider web borehole failure (SWBF); and in response to the determination: generating a forward model of rock strength for the well (including a rock strength reduction function defining a rock strength reduction factor (r) as a function of angular width of a borehole failure (W)); determining an angular width of the SWBF (WSWBF); determining, based on application of the angular width of the SWBF (WSWBF) to the rock strength reduction function, a rock strength reduction factor (r) for the well; determining, based on the rock strength reduction factor (r) and an unconfined compressive strength of intact rock (Co), an unconfined compressive strength of fractured rock (Cfrm); and operating the well based on the unconfined compressive strength of fractured rock (Cfrm).