Wellbore Barrier Testing Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods of testing barriers in wellbores often cause damage by applying pressure from the surface, compromising the hydraulic and pressure integrity of the barriers.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus is conveyed into the wellbore with an isolation device and chamber, allowing for selective adjustment of the isolated volume and pressure testing by injecting or removing fluid, thereby minimizing damage and ensuring accurate integrity assessment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pressure is applied from the surface to test the barrier, then the barrier integrity can be assessed, but the wellbore or pre-existing annulus barriers may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarrier integrity assessmentVSAvoiddamage to wellbore or barriers

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A downhole isolation device is deployed as an intermediary element to isolate a specific volume between the barrier and the device. This allows pressure testing to be performed on a localized segment rather than the entire wellbore volume, reducing the risk of damage while maintaining measurement accuracy for barrier integrity assessment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The wellbore is segmented into isolated volumes using the downhole isolation device. By dividing the continuous wellbore into discrete testable segments, the system can perform pressure tests on specific sections without affecting the entire wellbore structure, thereby preventing widespread damage while achieving accurate barrier testing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the isolated volume is adjusted during pressure testing, then more accurate pressure response monitoring is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure response monitoringVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation device incorporates adjustable components that allow the isolated volume to be dynamically modified during the pressure testing process. This dynamic adjustment capability enables optimization of pressure response monitoring accuracy while the device adapts to different testing requirements, balancing measurement precision with operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 method allows for non-destructive testing of wellbore barriers, maintaining their integrity while effectively evaluating hydraulic and pressure integrity without causing damage.

Implementation Method 1

pressure testing the barrier using the apparatus to increase or decrease the isolated volume

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid injection and removal: Pump

Implementation Method 2

monitoring the pressure response

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure monitoring:

Data Source

PatentUS10100631B2Method of testing a barrier in a wellbore

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A method of testing a barrier in a wellbore that includes isolating a volume in the wellbore between an isolation device connected with an apparatus and the barrier, and pressure testing the barrier using the apparatus to adjust the pressure in the volume.