Tool String Deformation Prediction for Packer Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining deformation of tool strings during formation evaluation operations are inadequate, particularly in situations where the tool string is slidably fixed and not rigidly attached to a packer, leading to potential damage or failure due to excessive forces on the packer and formation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented tool string deformation system that utilizes temperature and pressure data to predict deformation modes such as thermal expansion, ballooning, and helical buckling, calculating internal forces to ensure the slip joint does not exceed its operational limits, thereby preventing packer damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tool string is slidably fixed with a packer during formation evaluation operations, then the tool string can accommodate some deformation, but excessive thermal expansion and compression forces can still damage the packer or formation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of thermal deformation and internal forces before formation evaluation operations commence. By using temperature data, pressure data, and physical properties of the tool string to estimate deformation and predict internal forces in advance, the system identifies potential damage risks before they occur, allowing for preventive measures to be taken
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors temperature and pressure data during formation evaluation operations and uses this feedback to update deformation estimates and internal force predictions. This real-time feedback mechanism allows the system to track the actual state of the tool string and packer, enabling dynamic assessment of damage risks and adjustment of operational parameters if necessary
2Reliability
If conventional methods are used to determine deformation, then the system is simpler, but it cannot accurately predict internal forces or prevent packer damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces direct mechanical measurement of deformation and internal forces with a computational approach. By substituting physical sensors that would need to be installed in the tool string with a computer-implemented system that calculates deformation and internal forces based on temperature and pressure data and physical properties, the system achieves accurate prediction without adding mechanical complexity to the downhole equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature data and pressure data as intermediary measurements to indirectly determine deformation and internal forces. Rather than directly measuring difficult-to-obtain parameters like internal stress, the system measures easily obtainable temperature and pressure data and uses these as intermediaries to calculate the desired deformation and force information through physical property relationships
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
Accurately predicts tool string deformation and internal forces, preventing excessive loads on packers and ensuring the integrity of downhole systems during formation evaluation operations.
Implementation Method 1
Deformation of the tool string, such as thermal expansion and/or compression of the tool string
Data Source
AI summary
A method of predicting loading of a tool string implemented in a wellbore includes, for a formation testing operation of the wellbore, receiving temperature data for the wellbore and receiving pressure data for a fluid flowing through the tool string. The method includes, for the formation testing operation of the wellbore, estimating a deformation of the tool string based on the temperature data and the pressure data and based on physical properties of the tool string including determining thermal deformation of the tool string. The method further includes, for the formation testing operation of the wellbore, predicting one or more internal force of the tool string based on the deformation.