Real time conformance
US9816336B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 8, 2015 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 8, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B49/08
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Methods and systems for identifying and sealing a water zone in a formation employ underbalanced drilling techniques and injection of a conformance fluid into a wellbore drilled thereby. A return wellbore fluid is monitored in real-time utilizing a fluid analysis system in fluid communication with return wellbore fluids in order to identify the water zone in the formation. When the water zone is identified, drilling is suspended, and the wellbore may be brought to a slightly overbalanced condition. A barrier fluid pill is injected into the wellbore via a drillstring. Immediately following the barrier fluid pill injection, a conformance fluid is injected, “chasing the barrier fluid pill”. Pressures in the drillstring and the wellbore annulus are controlled in order to position the pill. The pill functions as a barrier to contain and assist injection of the conformance fluid into the water zone, thereby sealing the water zone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.