Methods for evaluating inflow and outflow in a subterraean wellbore
US10190407B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 8, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V3/38
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method for evaluating inflow or outflow in a subterranean wellbore includes acquiring first and second axially spaced pressure measurements in the wellbore. The pressure measurements may then be processed to obtain an interval density of drilling fluid between the measurement locations. A tool string including a large number of axially spaced pressure sensors (e.g., four or more or even six or more) electronically coupled with a surface processor via wired drill pipe may be used to obtain a plurality of interval densities corresponding to various wellbore intervals. The interval density may be measured during static conditions or while drilling and may be further processed to compute a density of an inflow constituent in the annulus. Changes in the computed interval density with time may be used as an indicator of either an inflow event or an outflow event.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.