Wellbore Compressibility Determination Using Navier-Stokes Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining wellbore properties during well shut-in operations lack accuracy in predicting wellbore storage effects, which are crucial for precise well and formation property predictions.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore storage determination system that uses a processor to obtain pressure measurements, determine the wellbore compressibility coefficient, and calculate an effective wellbore diameter. This system performs simulations using the Navier-Stokes equation and continuity equation to predict fluid parameters and wellbore parameters with greater accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional well shut-in methods are used to determine wellbore properties, then the analysis can be performed with simple pressure measurements, but the prediction accuracy of wellbore storage effects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by determining the wellbore compressibility coefficient (a key physical parameter) from pressure measurements and using it to calculate an effective wellbore diameter. This transforms the approach from using only nominal diameter to using a dynamically calculated effective diameter that accounts for compressibility, thereby improving prediction accuracy without requiring complex additional hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a computational approach. Instead of using sophisticated physical sensors or devices to directly measure wellbore storage effects, the system uses pressure measurements combined with numerical simulations (Navier-Stokes and continuity equations) to calculate the effective wellbore diameter and predict fluid parameters, achieving high accuracy through mathematical modeling rather than mechanical complexity
2Measurement precision
If simulations using Navier-Stokes and continuity equations are performed to predict fluid parameters, then the accuracy of wellbore property predictions is improved, but the computational complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first determining the wellbore compressibility coefficient from initial pressure measurements before performing the full numerical simulations. This pre-calculation of key parameters (compressibility and effective diameter) allows the subsequent Navier-Stokes and continuity equation simulations to proceed more efficiently, as the boundary conditions and geometric parameters are already optimized and ready for the fluid dynamics calculations
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 enhances the accuracy of wellbore property predictions, leading to more precise well operations and improved efficiency in determining fluid flow rates and other wellbore parameters.
Implementation Method 1
determine an effective wellbore compressibility coefficient based on the set of pressure measurements
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure in a wellbore of a formation, a processor communicably coupled with the pressure sensor, and a machine-readable medium. The machine-readable medium has program code executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to obtain a set of measurements with the pressure sensor, determine an effective wellbore compressibility coefficient based on the set of measurements, and determine an effective wellbore diameter based on an initial wellbore diameter and the effective wellbore compressibility coefficient.