Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.

Tim Wiemers

Paul F Rodney

James Robert Birchak

Wei Han

Jean Michel Beique

Alan Terry Hemphill

Michael H Johnson

James L Hunt

Stephen Rester

Rob L Allen

John J Baldauff

Edgar Chacon

An apparatus and system are disclosed for in situ measurement of downhole fluid flow using Doppler techniques. First, a baseline speed of sound is established as close to the desired measurement point as possible. This speed of sound measurement is then used in Doppler calculations for determining flow velocities based from induced Doppler shift resulting from fluid flow. A heterodyne receiver arrangement is preferably used for processing so that the flow direction can be determined and the detection sensitivity for low flow velocities can be enhanced. From in situ measurements, well kicks may be spotted and dealt with in real-time. In addition, current theoretical models of rheological properties may be verified and expounded upon using in situ downhole measurement techniques. Furthermore, the velocity measurements described herein can be used to recognize downhole lost circulation and/or gas/water/oil influxes as early as possible, even when the mud recirculation pumps are turned off.

Acoustic doppler downhole fluid flow measurement

apparatus and system are disclosed for in situ measurement of downhole fluid flow using Doppler techniques. First, a baseline speed of sound is established as close to the desired measurement point as possible. This speed of sound measurement is then used in Doppler calculations for determining flow velocities based from induced Doppler shift resulting from fluid flow. A heterodyne receiver arrangement is preferably used for processing so that the flow direction can be determined and the detection sensitivity for low flow velocities can be enhanced. From in situ measurements, well kicks may be spotted and dealt with in real-time. In addition, current theoretical models of rheological properties may be verified and expounded upon using in situ downhole measurement techniques. Furthermore, the velocity measurements described herein can be used to recognize downhole lost circulation and/or gas/water/oil influxes as early as possible, even when the mud recirculation pumps are turned off.

Acoustic Doppler downhole fluid flow measurement

A novel method, system and tool for performing formation and well evaluation while drilling are disclosed. These inventions determine the properties of a particular formation within a reservoir as the reservoir is being intersected during well construction. In one form of the invention, the formation evaluation is made using a direct measurement of the formation's ability to flow fluids. The flow potential of a reservoir during underbalanced well construction is determined as the well is being constructed. The methods produce an understanding of the volumes and types of fluids such as oil, gas, and/or water, that can be produced out of discrete sections of a formation within a reservoir as the reservoir is intersected. The trajectory and path of the wellbore through the reservoir are modified to intersect formation having more desirable permeability and productivity to decrease the time to market of the hydrocarbon reserves within a reservoir without the time delay inherent when conventional formation evaluation techniques are applied. A downhole flow measurement instrument is used to obtain actual flow ratios. The instrument is integrated into a near-bit stabilizer and can be used for early kick and benign &ldquo;breathing&rdquo; fractures detection in the open hole wellbore.

Method, system and tool for reservoir evaluation and well testing during drilling operations

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Houston, TX, United States of America

Tim Wiemers