Fixed Wellbore Sensor Monitoring for Washout and Swell Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well assembly installations face issues such as washout and swell in and around the wellbore and underneath the well foundation, which can lead to significant negative impacts and even abandonment of the well, necessitating the need for improved monitoring systems and methods.
Innovation Solution
A sensor is provided in a fixed location relative to the wellbore or well foundation to monitor the size and shape of the wellbore and earth underneath, allowing for early detection of defects like washout and swell, enabling timely remedial measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor is installed in a fixed location relative to the wellbore to monitor wellbore geometry, then the reliability of detecting washout and swell is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An electromagnetic sensor acts as an intermediary between the drilling operation and the monitoring system. The sensor measures electromagnetic properties of the wellbore environment (such as dielectric constant or conductivity changes) which indirectly indicate washout or swell conditions, rather than directly measuring geometric changes. This intermediary approach improves detection reliability while keeping the device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with electromagnetic sensing. Instead of using mechanical calipers or physical probes to measure wellbore geometry, an electromagnetic sensor detects changes in electromagnetic field properties caused by washout or swell, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining or improving detection reliability.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring of wellbore geometry is performed, then the reliability of early problem detection is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic sensor performs periodic measurements of wellbore conditions at regular intervals during drilling operations. Rather than continuous monitoring, the system takes snapshots of the wellbore environment at scheduled times, which provides sufficient early detection capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to truly continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic sensor utilizes the existing electromagnetic environment of the wellbore (natural electromagnetic fields or fields already present from drilling equipment) rather than requiring high-energy active transmission. The sensor passively detects changes in electromagnetic properties caused by washout or swell, minimizing additional energy requirements while maintaining reliable detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Herein disclosed is a well assembly comprising a sensor and a method of monitoring using the sensor. The well assembly may comprise a wellbore and the sensor, wherein the sensor is in a fixed location relative to the wellbore, and wherein the sensor is for monitoring the size and/or shape of the wellbore. The method may be a method of monitoring the size and/or shape of the wellbore. The method may comprise: providing the sensor in a fixed location relative to the wellbore, and monitoring the size and/or shape of the wellbore using the sensor. The well assembly may comprise a well foundation and the sensor, wherein the sensor is in a fixed location relative to the well foundation, and wherein the sensor is for monitoring the earth underneath the well foundation during installation of the well assembly. The method may be a method of monitoring the earth underneath the well foundation. The method may comprise providing the sensor in a fixed location relative to the well foundation, and monitoring the earth underneath the well foundation during installation of the well assembly.