Wellbore Finite Element Modeling for Blockage Risk Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Open-hole completion setups in wells are susceptible to production interruptions due to reservoir blockages and sand accumulation, which can cause abrasive damage and reduce production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional finite element model is used to predict rock fragment formation and accumulation, determining the likelihood of restrictions, and selecting an appropriate wellbore completion setup (open-hole, cased, or perforated) to minimize blockages based on rock fragment probabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an open-hole completion setup is used, then the installation cost is reduced, but the wellbore becomes susceptible to production interruptions due to reservoir blockages and sand accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary numerical simulations to predict rock fragment generation and accumulation probabilities before completing the wellbore. Based on these predictions, the system determines the appropriate completion setup in advance, preventing blockages before they occur and avoiding unnecessary costly interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors wellbore conditions and uses feedback from production data to adjust completion strategies. By analyzing real-time information about rock fragment accumulation and flow restrictions, the system can modify operational parameters or intervention strategies to maintain production continuity.
2Ease of manufacture
If an open-hole completion setup is used, then the installation cost is reduced, but abrasive damage to surface pipelines and production facilities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system conducts preliminary simulations to predict the quantity and size of rock fragments that will be generated during production. Based on these predictions, the system can design completion setups or surface facility protections in advance that prevent abrasive damage, avoiding costly repairs and operational interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary measures such as gravel packs or screen filters in the completion setup that act as mediators between the rock fragments and the wellbore/surface facilities. These intermediaries capture or filter the abrasive rock fragments before they can cause damage to pipelines and production equipment.
3Reliability
If a cased and perforated completion setup is used, then production interruptions from blockages are reduced, but the installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes key parameters of the completion setup based on simulation results, such as adjusting the degree of casing, the size and placement of perforations, or the type of completion intervention. By optimizing these parameters rather than using a fixed expensive design, the system achieves reliable production continuity at reduced cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different completion characteristics to different sections of the wellbore based on local rock fragment generation risks identified in the simulations. High-risk sections receive enhanced protection or specific completion designs, while lower-risk sections use simpler, more cost-effective completion methods, optimizing the overall cost-performance ratio.
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
Accurately predicts rock fragment formation and reduces the likelihood of blockages, minimizing non-productive time and abrasive damage, while optimizing completion setup selection for cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The systems and methods determine whether a portion of the formation is likely to separate from the formation based on the stresses predicted by the finite element model
Implementation Method 2
The settling velocity of the rock fragments within the reservoir is used to determine how quickly the rock fragments flow through the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
The systems and methods described in this specification relate to installing a wellbore completion setup of a wellbore based on a probability within a reservoir. The systems and methods measure one or more properties of the formation and receive data representing the one or more measured properties. The systems and methods use the one or more properties as input conditions to a finite element model of the wellbore. The systems and methods solve the finite element model to determine stresses of the formation surrounding the wellbore. The systems and methods determine a size of one or more rock fragments based on whether the determined stresses from the finite element model are greater than a threshold stress of a failure criterion. The systems and methods determine the probability, select the wellbore completion setup of the wellbore based on the bridging probability, and install the selected wellbore completion setup in the wellbore.