Washout Indicator Function for Wellbore Region Quantification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face challenges in accurately assessing and effectively managing washout regions in wellbores, leading to potential wellbore failures due to inadequate pressure in drilling fluids and coarse resolution of multi-arm calipers.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for evaluating and controlling washout regions in wellbores by establishing a washout indicator function as a function of time and location, allowing for computational determination of washout regions and quantification of their size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multi-arm caliper logs are used to assess washout regions, then measurement capability is provided, but resolution is too coarse for accurate identification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashout region identification accuracyVSAvoidspecialized equipment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical measurement devices (multi-arm caliper logs and fluid calipers) with a computational model that uses drilling parameters and wellbore geometry data to identify washout regions. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized mechanical equipment while providing continuous, high-resolution assessment throughout the wellbore.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a computational representation (digital model) of the wellbore that replicates the physical wellbore's characteristics. By calculating a washout indicator function based on drilling parameters and wellbore geometry, the system generates a virtual model that accurately reflects washout conditions without requiring physical measurement tools downhole.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If fluid calipers are used to estimate washout size, then measurement is possible, but they fail when lost circulation or turbulent flow occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashout measurement reliabilityVSAvoidapplicability under various flow conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fluid-based mechanical measurement systems with a computational approach that analyzes drilling parameters and wellbore geometry. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues associated with fluid calipers under turbulent flow or lost circulation conditions, as the computational model remains unaffected by downhole flow dynamics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If dedicated runs of specialized tools are performed, then washout assessment is achieved, but main drilling operations are disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashout region detection accuracyVSAvoiddrilling operation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous assessment of washout regions by integrating the computational model into the existing drilling data collection process. Rather than requiring separate dedicated tool runs that interrupt drilling, the system continuously calculates washout indicators using routine drilling parameters and wellbore geometry data already being collected during normal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the drilling operation itself serve the dual purpose of both drilling and washout assessment. By utilizing drilling parameters and wellbore geometry data generated during normal drilling operations, the system eliminates the need for separate assessment operations, allowing the drilling process to simultaneously provide the data needed for washout detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If multi-arm caliper resolution is increased for accurate washout identification, then measurement precision improves, but equipment complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashout region resolutionVSAvoidspecialized equipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a computational model that achieves high resolution through calculation rather than physical measurement. The washout indicator function provides continuous, high-resolution assessment by processing existing drilling data, eliminating the need for complex multi-arm caliper equipment with high resolution capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250075618A1Method and system for controlling a washout area

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 ARAMCO SERVICES CO

AI summary

A method for evaluating and controlling a washout region of a wellbore placed in a formation includes: obtaining information about the wellbore and the formation; establishing a washout indicator function as a function of time and location; computationally determining whether the washout region exists by calculating the washout indicator function on a cross section of the wellbore and the formation, at each depth in a specific depth range; and upon finding presence of the washout region in the specific depth range, quantifying the washout region. The washout indicator function returns: a negative value for a point within the formation; a positive value for a point within the washout region; and zero for a point on a boundary.