Target Composite Core Apparatus Radial Flow Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selecting perforating tool systems, such as those based on American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practices (API RP) 19B, do not provide sufficient information for optimizing explosive charges and configurations for various formations, leading to suboptimal performance due to misleading comparisons between materials like concrete and actual downhole conditions.
Innovation Solution
A well perforating testing system that simulates downhole conditions using a target composite core apparatus with a stronger outer core and a proppant-filled annulus, allowing for higher pressure testing and increased volumetric flow rates, and an information handling system to control and analyze flow tests, including radial flow tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If API RP 19B Section 1 test data using standard field guns in concrete targets is used for selecting perforating tool systems, then the selection process is simple and based on standardized procedures, but the results are misleading and do not accurately reflect downhole performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite core apparatus that copies downhole conditions by combining concrete material with a flexible jacket and proppant annulus. This replica system allows surface testing to accurately predict downhole performance without requiring actual downhole testing, resolving the contradiction between ease of selection and accuracy of prediction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the testing parameters by applying confining pressure to simulate downhole stress conditions and using a composite core structure rather than simple concrete targets. This allows the same testing procedure to yield both ease of operation and accurate performance prediction by modifying the test environment parameters.
2Measurement precision
If higher pressure testing is conducted to simulate downhole conditions, then the accuracy of perforating tool performance prediction improves, but the risk of bladder failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible jacket as a bladder to contain the proppant annulus and apply confining pressure. The flexible nature of this bladder allows it to withstand high pressures while distributing stress evenly, enabling accurate downhole condition simulation without excessive risk of failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite core apparatus combines concrete material with a flexible jacket and proppant annulus in a layered structure. This composite design allows the system to withstand high confining pressures by distributing mechanical loads across different materials with complementary properties, improving reliability under high-pressure testing conditions.
3Measurement precision
If a flexible jacket is used to contain the proppant annulus, then the apparatus can simulate downhole confining pressure, but the interface between the core and test fixture becomes a weak point prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible jacket acts as a compliant interface between the rigid test fixture and the core assembly. This flexibility allows the jacket to conform to the interface geometry and distribute localized stresses, preventing failure at the core-test fixture interface while maintaining the ability to simulate confining pressure.
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 more accurate simulation and optimization of perforating tool performance, reducing the risk of bladder failure and allowing for higher pressure testing, making the results more indicative of real-world environments and improving the selection of optimal explosive charges and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a radial confining force by a flexible jacket to an outer shell
Implementation Method 2
an explosive or shaped charge that when detonated creates a perforation in the inner core
Implementation Method 3
a flow system that applies a pore pressure to the inner core
Data Source
AI summary
To optimize the efficiency of a perforating tool system, downhole conditions may be simulated to determine the optimal configuration for the perforating tool system. A simulated wellbore is disposed in a pressure vessel and coupled to a target composite core assembly. A perforating tool system is disposed in the simulated wellbore above the target composite core assembly. The target composite core assembly includes an outer shell. The outer shell comprises a material that supports a rubber bladder or flexible jacket that is disposed about the outer shell. The outer shell isolates the overburden fluid and pressure from the inner core during a radial flow test to more accurately simulate conditions downhole. A parameter of a perforating tool system may be altered based, at least in part, on a result from the radial flow test.