Wellbore Integrity Model Lifecycle Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geomechanical models for wellbore stability are limited to the drilling phase and do not account for changes throughout the wellbore lifecycle, leading to potential wellbore integrity issues such as cement column failure and pressure migration, resulting in costly nonproductive time and workover expenses.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating and updating wellbore integrity models using multiphysics inputs like soil mechanics, fluid flow, and thermal expansion, which monitor and predict stability changes throughout the drilling, completion, production, and injection phases, enabling real-time corrective actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If geomechanical models are only used during wellbore design and drilling phase, then the complexity of the system is reduced, but wellbore integrity monitoring coverage is insufficient throughout the production life
Solution Approach 1:
The geomechanical model transitions from a static design-phase tool to a dynamic system that continuously updates throughout the wellbore lifecycle. The model adapts to changing conditions during drilling, completion, stimulation, production, and injection phases, maintaining reliability without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The initial geomechanical model is created during the design phase with preliminary parameters and assumptions. This preliminary model serves as a foundation that is subsequently refined and updated with actual field data, reducing the need for complete re-modeling later while ensuring comprehensive monitoring coverage.
2Reliability
If geomechanical models are updated throughout the wellbore lifecycle, then wellbore integrity monitoring is improved, but the time and resources required for modeling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback loops where actual field data from sensors and monitoring equipment continuously update the geomechanical model. This feedback mechanism allows the model to self-correct and adapt without requiring extensive manual re-analysis, reducing the time investment needed for lifecycle updates while maintaining high monitoring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modeling approach focuses on updating specific critical parameters (such as stress distribution, cement integrity, and formation properties) rather than re-modeling the entire system. This selective parameter update strategy significantly reduces computational time and resource requirements while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
3Reliability
If comprehensive wellbore monitoring is implemented throughout all phases, then the risk of cement column failure and pressure migration is reduced, but the operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The geomechanical modeling system serves multiple functions across different wellbore phases: design validation, drilling monitoring, completion optimization, stimulation tracking, and production/injection monitoring. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate monitoring systems, reducing overall operational complexity while maintaining comprehensive wellbore stability assurance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically generates predictions and alerts regarding wellbore integrity issues such as cement column failure risk and pressure migration potential. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual intervention and complex operational procedures, lowering both operational complexity and cost while maintaining high reliability through continuous automated monitoring.
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 continuously monitors and updates wellbore stability, preventing integrity issues and optimizing cement properties, reducing the risk of costly failures and improving operational efficiency throughout the wellbore lifecycle.
Implementation Method 1
the updated wellbore integrity model utilizes at least one of the following: soil mechanics, fluid flow, or thermal expansion to predict the first issue
Implementation Method 2
the updated wellbore integrity model utilizes at least one of the following: soil mechanics, fluid flow, or thermal expansion to predict the first issue
Implementation Method 3
the updated wellbore integrity model utilizes at least one of the following: soil mechanics, fluid flow, or thermal expansion to predict the first issue
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provided herein include systems and methods for monitoring wellbore integrity throughout a wellbore lifecycle. These embodiments include creating an initial wellbore integrity model that determines a geomechanical stability of a wellbore for drilling, the wellbore for harvesting fluid hydrocarbons, where creating the initial wellbore integrity model includes determining the wellbore and determining first input data of a subsurface into which the wellbore is planned. Some embodiments include drilling the wellbore as s part of a drilling phase of a life cycle of the wellbore and performing drilling phase analysis. Some embodiments include determining drilling in-situ stresses of the wellbore during the drilling phase, determining a drilling phase mud window, creating an updated wellbore integrity model, and predicting from the updated wellbore integrity model whether there is a first issue with the wellbore.