Systems and Methods for Downhole Fluid Compatibility

• US 20080066537A1
• Filed: 05/09/2007
• Published: 03/20/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 09/18/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (Schlumberger NV)
• Original Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (Schlumberger NV)
• Inventors: Goodwin, Anthony R. H., Hegeman, Peter S., Yamate, Tsutomu, Vasques, Ricardo, Ayan, Cosan, O'Keefe, Michael, Muhammad, Moin
• Granted Patent: US 7,614,294 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/152.28
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 43/25 Methods for stimulating production by vibrating earth formations E21B43/003
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 49/081 with down-hole means for trapping a fluid sample E21B49/10 takes precedence

Abstract

Methods for performing downhole fluid compatibility tests include obtaining an downhole fluid sample, mixing it with a test fluid, and detecting a reaction between the fluids. Tools for performing downhole fluid compatibility tests include a plurality of fluid chambers, a reversible pump and one or more sensors capable of detecting a reaction between the fluids.

Claims

1. A method for testing fluid compatibility downhole in a wellbore, the method comprising:

lowering a testing tool downhole;

obtaining a fluid sample downhole with the testing tool;

combining the fluid sample with a test fluid;

detecting a reaction between the test fluid and the fluid sample; and

making a determination of fluid compatibility based on the detected reaction.

2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising using the testing tool to analyze the detected reaction.

3. A method according to claim 2, further comprising transmitting the results of the analysis to the surface.

4. A method according to claim 1, further comprising loading the test fluid into a chamber in the testing tool prior to lowering the testing tool.

5. A method according to claim 1, further comprising generating the test fluid in the downhole tool.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the test fluid is created by combining two or more fluids.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the fluid sample is one of a formation fluid and a drilling fluid.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein making a determination of fluid compatibility includes segregating a plurality of materials generated by the combination of the test fluid and the fluid sample by gravity.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein combining the fluid sample and the test fluid includes proportioning one of the test fluid and the sample fluid relative to the other of the test fluid and the sample fluid.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the proportioning includes manipulating a pumping system.

11. A method for testing fluid compatibility downhole in a wellbore, the method comprising:

lowering a testing tool downhole;

injecting a test fluid into a formation with the testing tool;

detecting a reaction between the test fluid and a fluid in the formation; and

making a determination of fluid compatibility based on the reaction detected.

12. A method according to claim 11, further comprising extracting a mixture of the test fluid and the formation fluid from the formation prior to detecting a reaction.

13. A method according to claim 11, wherein detecting a reaction includes detecting a change in resistivity.

14. A method according to claim 11, further comprising loading the test fluid into a chamber in the testing tool prior to lowering the testing tool.

15. A method according to claim 11, further comprising generating the test fluid in the downhole tool.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the test fluid is created by combining two or more fluids.

18. A downhole tool according to claim 13, wherein the first chamber is a mixing chamber having a mixing device to mix the contents in the mixing chamber.

19. A downhole tool according to claim 13, further comprising a third chamber fluidly connected to both the first and second chambers, wherein the means for combining includes moving the contents of the first and second chambers into the third chamber.

20. A downhole tool according to claim 13, wherein the at least one sensor measures one of a multi-depth resistivity property, a dielectric property, a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) property, and a neutron spectroscopic property.

17. A downhole tool for testing fluid compatibility with a subterranean formation fluid, the tool comprising:

an inlet disposed on an exterior of the tool for engaging a formation;

a first chamber fluidly connected to the inlet via a conduit;

a second chamber fluidly connected to the first chamber;

means for combining a sample fluid obtained from the formation and a testing fluid disposed in the second chamber;

at least one sensor arranged relative to at least one of the first and second chambers such that the sensor detects a reaction taking place between the sample fluid and the test fluid; and

a controller operatively coupled to the sensor for making a determination of the compatibility of the test fluid with the fluid sample based on the reaction.

22. A downhole tool according to claim 17, wherein the at least one sensor measures one of a multi-depth resistivity property, a dielectric property, a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) property, and a neutron spectroscopic property.

21. A downhole tool for testing fluid compatibility with a formation fluid from a subterranean formation, comprising:

means for introducing a test fluid into the formation;

at least one sensor arranged such that the sensor can detect a reaction taking place between the test fluid and the formation fluid; and

means for making a determination of the compatibility of the test fluid with the formation fluid based on the reaction.