Well Testing System for Depth Pressure and Permeability Profile Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the depth pressure and permeability profile of geological formations during well testing are computationally demanding due to the need for multiple simulations to determine optimal physical properties.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an inner tube with an annular space, where two well closing phases are performed under different constant pressure values, measuring injection and extraction flowrates and pressures, to estimate the depth pressure and permeability profile with reduced computational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple computer simulations are performed to determine optimal physical properties consistent with measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The well is divided into two separate fluid circulation paths: an inner space within the tube and an annular space between the tube and wellbore. This segmentation allows independent control and measurement of fluid flow in each path, simplifying the computational model by separating the fluid dynamics into distinct domains rather than solving a single complex coupled system.
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs at least two well closing phases with different constant pressure values applied to the annular space. By varying the pressure parameter between phases and measuring the corresponding injection and extraction flowrates, the system obtains multiple data points that constrain the estimation problem, reducing the need for extensive simulations while maintaining accuracy in determining depth pressure and permeability profiles.
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
This approach allows for accurate estimation of the depth pressure and permeability profile with fewer computational requirements, relying only on measurements at the wellhead without the need for sensors at the bottom of the well, using the same fluids throughout with varying pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a second fluid having a higher viscosity than the first fluid
Implementation Method 2
By disturbing the hydraulic balance of the fluids inside the well, and by measuring effects of said disturbance of the hydraulic balance
Implementation Method 3
the fluids are circulated inside the well, from the first end to the second end via the inner space and from the second end to the first end via the annular space
Implementation Method 4
extracting, from the annular space at the first end of the well, the first fluid under a first constant pressure value in the annular space at the first end of the well
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating a depth pressure and/or permeability profile of a geological formation having a well extending between a first end and a second end includes equipping the well with an inner tube defining an inner space and an annular space; performing a first well closing phase by injecting a second fluid having a higher viscosity than a first fluid in the well while extracting under a first constant pressure value; performing a second well closing phase by injecting the second fluid while extracting the first fluid under a second constant pressure value, different from the first constant pressure value; and estimating the depth pressure and/or permeability profile of the geological formation based on measurements performed during the first well closing phase and the second well closing phase.