Downhole Venturi Sampling System for Fracture Zone Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrocarbon extraction from unconventional subterranean wells is limited, as less than 50% of fractures formed in rock formations contribute to production, leading to significant costs and inefficiencies in completing non-producing fractures.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system for downhole hydrocarbon and gas species detection, utilizing a cylindrical body with a venturi device and valve to channel fluids and draw samples from the ambient environment for analysis by sensors, enabling real-time identification of promising fracture initiation zones and improving completion planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydraulic fracturing is performed along the entire wellbore length, then fracture coverage is maximized, but most fractures do not contribute to hydrocarbon production, resulting in wasted cost and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system performs preliminary detection of hydrocarbon and gas species concentrations in formation fluids before fracturing operations. By identifying zones with high hydrocarbon indicators (such as gas kicks or specific fluid compositions) ahead of time, the system enables selective fracturing only in productive zones, avoiding the creation of non-producing fractures and thereby improving overall production efficiency while reducing unnecessary expenditures
2Loss of information
If real-time detection of hydrocarbon species is implemented, then productive zones can be identified, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the existing drilling fluid circulation system and wellbore pressure environment to draw formation fluids into the sensing chamber. The venturi device leverages fluid dynamics and pressure differentials already present in the drilling operation to achieve sample intake without requiring additional complex pumping or power systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining real-time detection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing system is designed to operate passively using the natural pressure differentials and fluid flow conditions present during drilling operations. The venturi mechanism automatically draws samples when drilling fluid flows through the wellbore, eliminating the need for active sampling pumps or complex sample collection mechanisms, thus simplifying the overall system design
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
The system provides real-time hydrocarbon and gas species detection, identifying high-permeability zones and reducing non-producing fracture completion efforts, enhancing well production and safety through geosteering and kick detection.
Implementation Method 1
A venturi device is coupled within the cylindrical body, and the venturi device includes a high pressure portion and a low pressure portion. The low pressure portion is coupled in flow communication with the sampling chamber... configured to channel the first fluid towards the high pressure portion such that the low pressure portion draws a second fluid into the sampling chamber from the ambient environment
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system that includes a cylindrical body including an internal flow channel that channels a first fluid therethrough, and a sampling chamber. The sampling chamber is in flow communication with an ambient environment. A venturi device is coupled within the cylindrical body, and the venturi device includes a high pressure portion and a low pressure portion. The low pressure portion is in flow communication with the sampling chamber. A valve is coupled within the cylindrical body and is positionable in at least a first position. A first flow channel is defined between the internal flow channel and the high pressure portion through the valve. The first flow channel channels the first fluid towards the high pressure portion such that the low pressure portion draws a second fluid into the sampling chamber from the ambient environment. A sensor assembly determines characteristics of the second fluid within the sampling chamber.