Real Time Kick Detection and Also Increasing Ultrasonic Caliper Accuracy by Measuring Speed of Sound within Drilling Fluid in the Downhole Condition

摘要

To be alerted in determining early warning signs in well control is one of the most important to wellbore safety.Careful observance and positive reaction to these signs will keep the well under control and prevent the occurrence of a well flow situation. Developing an accurate ultrasonic caliper with a special design helps the drilling engineer not only to detect a kick in real time drilling but also monitor the wellbore shape and profile. 4D image of the borehole is the result of ultrasonic calipers measurement,which helps the driller to make proper decisions such as reaming a critical zone,changing the flow rate to reduce erosion or modifying the string rotation speed to reduce vibrations and also detecting a kick when an influx enter to the borehole while drilling. This paper reviews tests and experiments which have been performed by using an accurate ultrasonic caliper sensor in different drilling fluids(Water based mud)and wellbore conditions.Results show that the new design of the caliper tool increases the accuracy of the measurement by recording the sound velocity under downhole condition. To simulate the kick condition,pressured air was injected while measuring borehole profile to simulate a kick situation.According to the results,with the special design of the tool it is possible to detect the kick while drilling as well as during wellbore diameter measurement procedure under downhole condition.