3D Wellbore Shape Characterization for Fluid Loss Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In well treatment, injected fluids often flow non-uniformly due to wellbore erosion and casing corrosion, leading to suboptimal flow and inefficient sweep of formation fluids, as they follow paths of least resistance, resulting in limited throughput and inefficient fluid retrieval.
Innovation Solution
The use of wellbore imaging data, such as acoustic logging, to determine the three-dimensional shape and volume of eroded sections, allowing for targeted fluid loss treatment to redirect fluid flow and enhance sweep efficiency by sealing off thief zones and optimizing treatment volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional well treatment methods are used without three-dimensional wellbore characterization, then treatment placement is simplified, but uncertainty in characterizing thief zones and determining appropriate treatment volumes increases, leading to suboptimal treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional wellbore cross-sectional views to three-dimensional wellbore shape characterization. By acquiring and processing acoustic logging data to generate 3D representations of the wellbore internal geometry, the system enables precise identification of erosion zones, cavities, and thief zones in three dimensions, thereby improving measurement precision while the automated processing methods manage the complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital three-dimensional copy or model of the wellbore internal geometry based on acoustic logging data. This virtual replica allows for detailed analysis and treatment planning without physically accessing the wellbore, enabling precise thief zone characterization while reducing the complexity of field operations through simulation and modeling
2Productivity
If uniform treatment volume is applied throughout the wellbore, then treatment application is simplified, but treatment efficiency decreases because it does not account for variable erosion and cavity distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by determining treatment volumes based on the specific three-dimensional characteristics of different wellbore segments. Rather than applying uniform treatment, the system calculates variable treatment volumes tailored to each zone's erosion severity, cavity size, and thief zone characteristics, thereby optimizing treatment efficiency while the automated calculation methods manage the increased placement complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary three-dimensional wellbore characterization and thief zone identification before treatment placement. By acquiring acoustic logging data, processing it into 3D models, and identifying treatment zones in advance, the system enables optimized treatment volume determination that improves efficiency while the pre-planning phase manages the complexity of variable treatment placement
3Measurement precision
If acoustic logging data is acquired at multiple transverse locations to define three-dimensional wellbore shape, then thief zone characterization accuracy improves, but data processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual data processing methods with automated computer-based processing systems. The system automatically acquires acoustic logging data at multiple transverse locations, processes the raw data into three-dimensional wellbore shape representations, and identifies thief zones without manual intervention, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while significantly reducing data processing time through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies and models of the wellbore geometry from acoustic logging data. By generating three-dimensional representations and virtual models of the wellbore internal structure, the system enables rapid analysis and characterization without requiring physical wellbore access or manual measurement, thus improving accuracy while reducing the time required for data processing and interpretation
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 minimizes uncertainty in characterizing thief zones and determining appropriate treatment volumes, optimizing fluid loss treatment placement and volume design, thereby improving the uniformity and efficiency of fluid flow into producing formations.
Implementation Method 1
wellbore data including acoustic logging data defining an internal shape of a wall of a wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
One example of well treatment design based on three-dimensional wellbore shape can be implemented as a computer-implemented method. Wellbore data including acoustic logging data that defines an internal shape of a wall of the wellbore at multiple locations around the perimeter of the wellbore can be received. A volume of an open hole portion of the wellbore that includes the multiple locations can be determined using the wellbore data. Using the volume of the open hole portion of the wellbore, a volume of a fluid loss treatment to treat the portion of the wellbore for well fluid loss can be determined.