摘要:
The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for using a formation tester to perform a pretest, in a formation having low permeability, by intermittently collecting a portion of fluid at a constant drawdown rate. The drawdown pressure is monitored until a maximum differential pressure is reached between the formation and the tester. Then the piston is stopped until the differential pressure increases to a set value, at which time the piston is restarted. The controlled intermittent operation of the piston continues until a set pretest volume is reached. The modulated drawdown allows for an accurate collection of pressure versus time data that is then used to calculate the formation pressure and permeability. The present invention also finds applicability in logging-while-drilling and measurement-while drilling applications where power conservation is critical.
摘要:
The current invention provides a process and apparatus for determining the density of a flowing fluid without requiring knowledge of the fluid's Theological properties. The process of the current invention is capable of providing continuous “real time” analysis of fluid density. The apparatus of the current invention comprises at least two pressure assessment zones fitted with fluid pressure sensing points. Pressure sensing devices connected to the pressure sensing points provide the data necessary to enable the calculation of fluid density.
摘要:
This invention provides a closed-loop system for in situ testing of formation fluid conditions and for selectively collecting substantially mud filtrate free formation fluid samples at original formation conditions. The system contains an elongated member having a probe that is sealingly placed against the wellbore formation to withdraw formation fluids. A surface controlled pump controls the flow of a fluid from the formation into a flowline placed in the elongated member. A pressure sensor provides downhole hydrostatic pressure and an acoustic density cell provides the speed of sound in the fluid, acoustic impedance of the fluid and acoustic absorption coefficient of the fluid in the flowline. The system determines the density and compressibility of the formation fluid in the flowline from the speed of sound in the fluid and acoustic impedance of the fluid. The formation of the bubbles are identified or detected from the acoustic absorption coefficient of the fluid in the flowline. The system controls the movement of fluid into the flowline to selectively collect the formation fluid samples that are substantially free from any mud filtrates while maintaining the fluid pressure above the bubble point pressure of the formation fluid. This invention provides a method for retrieving and collecting formation fluids from a zone of interest in a wellbore at the original formation conditions.
摘要:
An improved formation testing method increases the accuracy of in-situ formation pressure measurements by characterizing the mudcake properties. Specifically, after a formation tester is lowered to a desired depth within a wellbore, a pad is extended to gently abut and seal against the mudcake without disturbing the mudcake. When pressed against the mudcake, the pad experiences momentarily higher pressures, which are measured by a probe housed by the pad. These pressures may be enhanced by briefly rejecting fluids through the probe, so as to avoid disturbing the mudcake. The probe continues to measure pressure, which eventually decreases relative to hydrostatic pressure in the wellbore, due to the flow of high-pressure wellbore fluids through the mudcake. Since the rate of fluid flow outward into the formation is governed by the permeability of the mudcake, measuring the rate of pressure decline during this initial period provides useful data to more accurately estimate properties such as formation compressibility. Additionally, indicia of the mudcake properties themselves may be generated. After the initial mudcake tests, the formation tester may be used to perform drawdown and/or buildup tests, by a process of withdrawing or injection fluids into the formation through the mudcake.
摘要:
An improved formation testing method for measuring initial sandface pressure and formation permeability in tight zone formations exhibiting formation permeabilities on the order of 1.0-0.001 millidarcies based on pressure transients which occur shortly after the tester enters its pressure buildup cycle and substantially before reaching final buildup pressure. The method makes an estimate of formation permeability based on fluid decompression transients which occur in the formation tester flowlines which occur shortly after the tester begins its buildup cycle. The method further estimates initial sandface pressure based on the change in pressure over time shortly after beginning the buildup phase. The method of the present invention thereby permits accurate estimates of formation permeability and initial sandface pressure to be made relatively early in the buildup cycle, thus substantially reducing the time required to make the pressure and permeability measurements.