Wellbore Pressure Control for Near-Wellbore Permeability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subterranean formation operations, such as oil extraction and injection, face challenges due to stress and pressure modifications around wellbores, leading to formation yielding, sand mobilization, and changes in porosity and permeability, which affect production efficiency and increase maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that select and apply specific exertive forces and drawdown pressures based on the downhole environment to modify the stress state and permeability of the near-wellbore formation, using inflatable pressure deformable chambers to apply radial forces and control fluid pressures, thereby optimizing production and injection operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If production operations are conducted in subterranean formation, then oil and gas can be extracted from the reservoir, but the forces and stresses in the formation surrounding the wellbore are modified causing formation yielding, sand mobilization, and changes in porosity and permeability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by injecting fluids under controlled pressure before formation yielding occurs, creating a preventive effect that counteracts the stress modifications caused by production operations. This prevents formation collapse, sand mobilization, and permeability changes before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter by injecting fluids at specific pressures and rates to modify the stress state in the near-wellbore formation. By controlling injection pressure and fluid properties, the system maintains formation stability while allowing continued production operations.
2Productivity
If drawdown pressure is increased to improve production rates, then fluid flow from formation to wellbore increases, but the formation is more likely to yield and sand is mobilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary fluid injection system that acts as a mediator between the wellbore and the formation. This intermediary system applies controlled pressure to support the formation and prevent sand mobilization while allowing productive fluid flow to continue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through intermittent or cyclic fluid injection at controlled pressures. This periodic pressure application prevents continuous formation yielding and sand mobilization while maintaining average production rates through drawdown pressure management.
3Reliability
If fluid injection is increased to maintain formation pressure and prevent yielding, then formation stability is improved, but the complexity of the operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an injection system that serves multiple functions: maintaining formation pressure, preventing formation yielding, controlling sand mobilization, and managing near-wellbore permeability. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automated control systems that monitor formation conditions and adjust injection parameters automatically. The system self-regulates to maintain formation stability without requiring constant manual intervention, reducing operational complexity.
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 enhances production efficiency by maintaining or increasing porosity and permeability, reducing sand mobilization, and minimizing changes in the near-wellbore formation, thus improving the operational efficiency and extending the life of the wellbore.
Implementation Method 1
exerting a mechanical force on a wall of a bore extending through a formation to modify the permeability of the formation; and injecting fluid into the modified formation. The mechanical force may be exerted through inflation of at least one pressure deformable member
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
There is described a method for use with subterranean formations, such as oil and/or gas reservoirs. In some examples (e.g. production examples), the method improves the production from that formation. Some of the examples of the method describe selecting both an exertive force (e.g. a pressure) to apply at a wellbore, but together with a drawdown pressure at the wellbore in order to modify operations (e.g. improve production) at that subterranean formation. The selection of one or both of the exertive force and drawdown pressure may be based on the downhole environment at that wellbore, which can include the porosity and/or permeability of a near-wellbore formation radially surrounding a wellbore. The exertive force and drawdown pressure may be specifically selected in order to modify the porosity and/or permeability of the near-wellbore formation.