Wellbore Characterization via Gas Separation and Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for wellbore characterization during drilling fail to provide a complete and accurate representation of wellbore properties, limiting the optimization of drilling parameters and well stability.
Innovation Solution
A system and process that involve separating drilling mud from produced gas, measuring properties like temperature, pressure, and flow rate using sensors, and aggregating this data with additional drilling measurements to determine wellbore characteristics and optimize drilling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gas properties are measured during drilling, then wellbore characterization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and separation equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates gas from drilling mud using a separation vessel, dividing the measurement task into distinct stages: separation, then individual property measurement. This segmentation allows for more accurate measurements of each gas property without being interfered with by the complex drilling mud mixture.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation vessel acts as an intermediary device between the drilling operation and the measurement system. It processes the drilling fluid to isolate gas, providing a clean sample for accurate sensing while protecting the sensitive measurement equipment from the harsh drilling environment.
2Productivity
If multiple gas properties are measured in real-time, then drilling parameter optimization is improved, but loss of time increases due to data aggregation and analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures gas properties and feeds this information back to drilling operations in real-time. This feedback loop enables immediate optimization of drilling parameters based on current wellbore conditions, maximizing productivity while minimizing time loss through continuous rather than batch processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement and data collection process operates continuously throughout the drilling operation, rather than in discrete batches. This continuous action ensures that drilling parameters can be optimized at all times based on current conditions, eliminating downtime associated with periodic sampling and analysis.
3Reliability
If gas separation and measurement systems are added, then reliability of wellbore characterization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional equipment maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The separation vessel and measurement system are designed to operate autonomously with minimal intervention. The system self-regulates the separation process and continues measuring gas properties without requiring constant operator attention, maintaining high reliability while preserving ease of operation through automated functionality.
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
Enables real-time characterization of wellbore properties, improving drilling performance and stability by providing accurate and comprehensive data for optimizing drilling parameters.
Implementation Method 1
separating, in a separation vessel, drilling mud from gas produced during drilling of a wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a process for wellbore characterization are disclosed, including: separating, in a separation vessel, drilling mud from gas produced during drilling of a wellbore; transporting the separated produced gas from the separation vessel to a downstream process; and measuring at least one of a temperature, a pressure, a mass flow rate, and a volumetric flow rate of the separated produced gas during transport using one or more sensors. Properties of the gas separated from the mud may be used to determine characteristics of a wellbore.