Wellbore Pressure Simulation for Complex Well Killing Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional well killing methods for large-sized boreholes face significant challenges due to complex pressure systems, leading to safety risks during the well killing process, as the pressure situation within the wellbore is unclear after gas intrusion and overflow, especially in deep earth drilling with unconventional boreholes and large borehole sizes.
Innovation Solution
An experimental testing system and method are developed, incorporating a target high-pressure formation simulation device, drilling string, blowout preventer, drilling fluid and kill fluid reservoirs, mud mixing pit, mud pump, high-pressure gas storage tank, and pressure sensors, to predict wellbore pressure and monitor safety risks by simulating well killing processes under complex conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional well killing methods are used for large-sized boreholes, then the well killing process can be completed, but safety risks increase due to unclear pressure conditions within the wellbore
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore pressure monitoring is divided into multiple measurement points (wellhead, intermediate depth, bottom hole) to segment the pressure information acquisition. This allows independent measurement and analysis of pressure conditions at different locations, providing comprehensive pressure distribution data throughout the wellbore during the well killing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring pressure at multiple points and transmitting data to a centralized processing system. The processed pressure information is fed back to operators, enabling dynamic adjustment of well killing parameters based on actual pressure conditions, thereby improving safety and control.
2Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensors are installed at different depths, then pressure monitoring accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each pressure sensor is designed as a multi-functional unit that not only measures pressure but also serves as a data transmission node and calibration reference point. The sensors can function independently or in combination, allowing the system to adapt to different monitoring needs without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (pressure, temperature, flow rate) into integrated sensor units installed at the same locations. This merging reduces the total number of separate devices needed and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
3Reliability
If real-time pressure monitoring is implemented throughout the wellbore, then safety risks are minimized, but cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing continuous monitoring at every possible point, the system strategically places sensors at critical locations (wellhead, intermediate depths, bottom hole) where pressure changes have the most significant impact on safety. This partial monitoring approach provides sufficient safety assurance without the excessive complexity of complete continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary risk assessment and identifies critical monitoring points before well killing operations begin. Pressure sensors are pre-installed at these predetermined critical locations, and baseline pressure data is collected in advance, enabling proactive safety management rather than reactive 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
The system allows for precise prediction of wellbore pressure during well killing, enhancing safety by identifying and mitigating risks at the wellhead through controlled fluid circulation and gas injection, ensuring successful well killing operations.
Implementation Method 1
The wellbore may be provided with a second pressure sensor, a third pressure sensor, and a fourth pressure sensor in sequence from bottom to top
Implementation Method 2
A left end of the three-way connector may be connected to the mud pump through a pipe
Implementation Method 3
An upper end and a lower end of the wellbore may be connected to the blowout preventer and the target high-pressure formation simulation device by flanges, respectively
Implementation Method 4
The high-pressure gas storage tank may be connected to the target high-pressure formation simulation device by a pipe
Implementation Method 5
turning on the mud pump, the drilling fluid passing through the liquid flow meter, the three-way connector, and the water hose in sequence to enter the drilling string from the top end of the drilling string
Data Source
AI summary
An experimental testing system and method for a wellbore pressure during a well killing process under a complex working condition are provided. The experimental testing system includes a target high-pressure formation simulation device, a wellbore, a drilling string, a blowout preventer, a drilling fluid reservoir, a kill fluid reservoir, a mud mixing pit, a mud pump, a high-pressure gas storage tank, a drilling tool lifting device, a three-way connector, a water hose, a data receiving terminal, and a drilling bit. The embodiments of the present disclosure may predict the wellbore pressure during the well killing process by combining a variety of conditions and simulating the well killing manners under different complex conditions.