Characteristics of helical flow in slim holes and calculation of hydraulics for ultra-deep wells

Due to the slim hole at the lower part of the ultra-deep and deep wells, the eccentricity and rotation of drill string and drilling fluid properties have great effects on the annular pressure drop. This leads to the fact that conventional computational models for predicting circulating pressure drop are inapplicable to hydraulics design of deep wells. With the adoption of helical flow theory and H-B rheological model, a computational model of velocity and pressure drop of non-Newtonian fluid flow in the eccentric annulus was established for the cases where the drill string rotates. The effects of eccentricity, rotation of the drill string and the dimensions of annulus on pressure drop in the annulus were analyzed. Drilling hydraulics was given for an ultra-deep well. The results show that the annular pressure drop decreases with an increase in eccentricity and rotary speed, and increases with a decrease in annular flow area. There is a great difference between static mud density and equivalent circulating density during deep well drilling.

High-Sensitivity Ozone Sensing Using 280 nm Deep Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diode for Detection of Natural Hazard Ozone

Recently ozone is one of natural hazards which comes from cars, industry using ozone for sterilization of organic and inorganic materials and for water purification. So, ozone sensing becomes very important, and convenient and accurate ozone sensor is required. A new high sensitivity ozone sensing system using an deep ultra-violet light emitting diode (DUV-LED) operated at the wavelength of 280 nm has been successfully constructed. The fabrication of diode operated at 280 nm is much easier than that of DUV-LED operated at Hg lamp wavelength of 254 nm. The system is compact and possible to sense the ozone concentration less than 0.1 ppm with an accuracy of 0.5% easily with low power DUV-LED of around 200 micro Watts operated at 280 nm without any data processing circuit.

Theoretical Progress and Key Technologies of Onshore Ultra-Deep Oil/Gas Exploration

Oil/gas exploration around the world has extended into deep and ultra-deep strata because it is increasingly difficult to find new large-scale oil/gas reservoirs in shallow–middle buried strata. In recent years, China has made remarkable achievements in oil/gas exploration in ultra-deep areas including carbonate and clastic reservoirs. Some (ultra) large-scale oil and gas fields have been discovered. The oil/gas accumulation mechanisms and key technologies of oil/gas reservoir exploration and development are summarized in this study in order to share China’s experiences. Ultra-deep oil/gas originates from numerous sources of hydrocarbons and multiphase charging. Liquid hydrocarbons can form in ultradeep layers due to low geothermal gradients or overpressures, and the natural gas composition in ultra-deep areas is complicated by the reactions between deep hydrocarbons, water, and rock or by the addition of mantle- or crust-sourced gases. These oils/gases are mainly stored in the original highenergy reef/shoal complexes or in sand body sediments. They usually have high original porosity. Secondary pores are often developed by dissolution, dolomitization, and fracturing in the late stage. The early pores have been preserved by retentive diageneses such as the early charging of hydrocarbons. Oil/gas accumulation in ultra-deep areas generally has the characteristics of near-source accumulation and sustained preservation. The effective exploration and development of ultra-deep oil/gas reservoirs depend on the support of key technologies. Use of the latest technologies such as seismic signal acquisition and processing, low porosity and permeability zone prediction, and gas–water identification has enabled the discovery of ultra-deep oil/gas resources. In addition, advanced technologies for drilling, completion, and oil/gas testing have ensured the effective development of these fields.

Optimum Design and Global Analysis of Flexible Jumper for An Innovative Subsurface Production System in Ultra-Deep Water

The study focuses on the flexible jumper issue of Subsurface Tension Leg Production （STLP） system concept, which is considered as a competing alternative system to support well completion devices and rigid risers in ultra-deep water for offshore petroleum production. The paper presents analytical and numerical approaches for the optimum design and global analysis of the flexible jumper. Criteria using catenary concept are developed to define the critical length for optimum design. Based on the criteria, detailed hydrodynamic analyses including quasi-static analysis, modal analysis, and dynamic analysis are performed. Modal analysis with respect to the quasi-static analysis shows that the existence of resonant modes requires special consideration. The results of dynamic analysis confirm the effectiveness of the de-coupled effect from the jumper on STLP system. The approaches developed in the study also have wide application prospect in reference to the optimum design and analysis of any Hybrid Riser （HR） concept.

Parametric Study on the Behavior of An Innovative Subsurface Tension Leg Platform in Ultra-Deep Water

This study focuses on a new technology of Subsurface Tension Leg Platform （STLP）, which utilizes the shallow- water rated well completion equipment and technology for the development of large oil and gas fields in ultra-deep water （UDW）. Thus, the STLP concept offers attractive advantages over conventional field development concepts. STLP is basically a pre-installed Subsurface Sea-star Platform （SSP）, which supports rigid risers and shallow-water rated well completion equipment. The paper details the results of the parametric study on the behavior of STLP at a water depth of 3000 m. At first, a general description of the STLP configuration and working principle is introduced. Then, the numerical models for the global analysis of the STLP in waves and current are presented. After that, extensive parametric studies are carried out with regarding to SSP/tethers system analysis, global dynamic analysis and riser interference analysis. Critical points are addressed on the mooring pattern and riser arrangement under the influence of ocean current, to ensure that the requirements on SSP stability and riser interference are well satisfied. Finally, conclusions and discussions are made. The results indicate that STLP is a competitive well and riser solution in up to 3000 m water depth for offshore petroleum production.

Parametric Dimensional Analysis on the Structural Response of An Innovative Subsurface Tension Leg Platform in Ultra-Deep Water

The innovative Subsurface Tension Leg Platform(STLP), which is designed to be located below Mean Water Level(M.W.L) to minimize direct wave loading and mitigate the effect of strong surface currents, is considered as a competitive alternative system to support shallow-water rated well completion equipment and rigid risers for large ultra-deep water oil field development. A detailed description of the design philosophy of STLP has been published in the series of papers and patents. Nonetheless, design uncertainties arise as limited understanding of various parameters effects on the structural response of STLP, pertaining to the environmental loading, structural properties and hydrodynamic characteristics. This paper focuses on providing quantitative methodology on how each parameter affects the structural response of STLP, which will facilitate establishing the unique design criteria as regards to STLP. Firstly, the entire list of dimensionless groups of input and output parameters is proposed based on VaschyBuckingham theory. Then, numerical models are built and a series of numerical tests are carried out for validating the obtained dimensionless groups. On this basis, the calculation results of a great quantity of parametric studies on the structural response of STLP are presented and discussed in detail. Further, empirical formulae for predicting STLP response are derived through nonlinear regression analysis. Finally, conclusions and discussions are made. It has been demonstrated that the study provides a methodology for better control of key parameters and lays the foundation for optimal design of STLP. The obtained conclusions also have wide ranging applicability in reference to the engineering design and design analysis aspects of deepwater buoy supporting installations, such as Grouped SLOR or TLR system.

Deep and Ultra-Deep Earthquakes Worldwide, Possible Anomalies in South America

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the worldwide variation of deep and ultra-deep earthquakes (DQ and UDQ) during the period 1996-2017. This project found only three locations around the globe presenting this kind of seismicity. Although there are other global settings showing deep seismicity, they are not periodical and cannot be considered by a statistical view. The three areas with intense activity for DQ and UDQ events are located mostly in subduction areas. The largest variations of DQ and UDQ border the Pacific Ocean and include the North Pacific, South Pacific, and South America. The major difference in this set is that the first two sites are subduction zones and the South American occurrences happened in the interior of the continent. Another anomaly is an internal layer between 300 - 500 km in South America that shows no tremors in the period studied. However, below 500 km activity reappears, even at extreme depths of up to 650 km. We suggested that the reason for those occurrences would be due to an anomaly in the asthenosphere in this region. This anomaly would probably be presenting a breakable material that was pushed by the Nazca platform against the South America plate. Other depths below 100 km in all the regions are discussed as well. We suggested that the reason for those occurrences was an anomaly created in the asthenosphere as part of the process of the South America collision with the Nazca plate. Part of the Nazca plate has subducted below South America, creating a slab as deep as 500 km. The convergent slab is still moving against South America and sinking due to the gravity and rotation of the Earth. The discrepancies in the occurrences we tracked at different locations indicated that this slab had different thicknesses around South America. We found similar results for Vanuatu and Fiji;in these regions UDQ events occur at the subduction zones under the ocean with depths greater than 700 km. Here, a possible explanation is that part of the lithosphere is subducted at these depths and is causing tremors.

Zoned Zircon from Eclogite Lenses in Marbles from the Dabie-Sulu UHP Terrane,China: A Clear Record of Ultra-deep Subduction and Fast Exhumation

Eclogite lenses in marbles from the Dabie-Sulu ultrahigh-pressure （UHP） terrane are deeply subducted meta-sedimentary rocks. Zircons in these rocks have been used to constrain the ages of prograde and UHP metamorphism during subduction, and later retrograde metamorphism during exhumation. Inherited （detrital） and metamorphic zircons were distinguished on the basis of transmitted light microscopy, cathodoluminescence （CL） imaging, trace element contents and mineral inclusions. The distribution of mineral inclusions combined with CL imaging of the metamorphic zircon make it possible to relate zircon zones （domains） to different metamorphic stages. Domain 1 consists of rounded, oblong and spindly cores with dark-luminescent images, and contains quartz eclogite facies mineral inclusion assemblages, indicating formation under high-pressure （HP） metamorphic conditions of T = 571-668℃ and P =1.7-2.02 GPa. Domain 2 always surrounds domain 1 or occurs as rounded and spindly cores with white-luminescent images. It contains coesite eclogite facies mineral inclusion assemblages, indicating formation under UHP metamorphic conditions of T = 782-849℃ and P 〉 5.5 GPa. Domain 3, with gray-luminescent images, always surrounds domain 2 and occurs as the outermost zircon rim. It is characterized by low-pressure mineral inclusion assemblages, which are related to regional amphibolite facies retrograde metamorphism of T = 600- 710℃ and P = 0.7-1.2 GPa. The three metamorphic zircon domains have distinct ages; sample H1 from the Dabie terrane yielded SHRIMP ages of 245 ± 4 Ma for domain 1, 235 ± 3 Ma for domain 2 and 215± 6 Ma for domain 3, whereas sample H2 from the Sulu terrane yielded similar ages of 244 ± 4 Ma, 233 ± 4 Ma and 214 ± 5 Ma for Domains 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The mean ages of these zones suggest that subduction to UHP depths took place over 10-11 Ma and exhumation of the rocks occurred over a period of 19-20 Ma. Thus, subduction from - 55 km to 〉 160 km deep mantle depth took place at rates of approximately 9.5-10.5 km/Ma and exhumation from depths 〉160 km to the base of the crust at -30 km occurred at approximately 6.5 km/Ma. We propose a model for these rocks involving deep subduction of continental margin lithosphere followed by ultrafast exhumation driven by buoyancy forces after break-off of the UHP slab deep within the mantle.

Possible Connections between Seasons and Ultra-Deep Earthquakes Worldwide

The aim of this investigation is to find possible changes in ultra-deep earthquakes (UDQ) during different seasons of the year. In the acquisition of data for our previous work we observed an inexplicable pattern of growth of ultra-deep tremors (UDQ) during the studied period. Apparently, there is no viable explanation for growth occurring at such a level, presumably in the asthenosphere. Current research and theories developed for the inner layers of the Earth do not explain such variations. Therefore, a possible explanation would be in external factors such as the seasons of the year, which are determined by changes in the Earth’s axial tilt, and therefore the portion of the earth that is angled toward the sun. This paper focuses exclusively on UDQ events. To simplify the calculations, we consider four main locations;this includes one more region than our previous paper but includes only UDQ data. The results showed that during spring and autumn UDQ events grew slightly in both Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It is also suggested that a contributor to UDQ events is friction from the subducting lithosphere against the continental plates.

Geochemical characteristics of ultra-deep natural gas in the Sichuan Basin, SW China

The natural gas components and geochemistry of 38 ultra-deep gas wells(burial depth greater than 6 000 m) in the Sichuan Basin were analyzed to determine the genesis of ultra-deep natural gas in the basin. The ultra-deep natural gas components of the basin have the following characteristics: Methane has an absolute advantage, which can be up to 99.56% with an average of 86.6%; ethane is low, with an average of 0.13%; there is nearly no propane and butane. So it is dry gas at over-mature thermal stage. The content of H2 S can be up to 25.21%, with an average of 5.45%. The alkane gas isotopes are: the carbon isotope varies from-32.3‰ to-26.7‰ for methane and from-32.9‰ to-22.1‰ for ethane. There is nearly no carbon isotopic reversal among methane and its homologues. Hydrogen isotope varies from-156‰ to-114‰ for methane, and from-103‰ to-89‰ for some ethane. The carbon isotope of CO_2 varies from-17.2‰ to 1.9‰ and most of them fall within the range of 0±3‰. According to the δ^(13)C_1-δ^(13)C_2-δ^(13)C_3 plot, except some wells, all other ultra-deep gas wells are dominated by coal-derived gas. Based on the CO_2 origin distinguishing plot and δ^(13)C_(CO_2), except some individual wells, most of the ultra-deep CO_2 are of carbonate metamorphic origin. H2 S in the ultra-deep layer of Longgang and Yuanba gas fields belongs to thermochemical sulfate reduction(TSR), while H2 S from Well Shuangtan belongs to thermal decomposition of sulfides(TDS).

Multi-Objective Optimization of A Semisubmersible for Ultra-Deep Water

Semisubmersible will work well when oil exploitation goes to ultra-deep water because of its variable load capacities, and good motion performance in extreme waves. It is considered to be a main type of platform while the water depth is more than 3000 meters. This paper establishes a multi-objective optimization model of semisubmersible for ultra-deep water, and it is solved by a multi-objective genetic algorithm--NSGA-Ⅱ. The model is applied to a practical design, and Pareto results are obtained. The effectiveness of the method is verified by hydrodynamic analysis.

Mechanism and prevention method of drill string uplift during shut-in after overflow in an ultra-deep well

Drill string will sustain large uplift force during the shut-in period after gas overflow in an ultra-deep well, and in serious case, it will run out of the wellhead. A calculation model of uplift force was established to analyze dynamic change characteristics of the uplift force of drill string during the shut-in period, and then a management procedure for the uplift risk during the shut-in period after gas overflow in the ultra-deep well was formed. Cross section method and pressure area method were used to analyze the force on drill string after shut-in of well, it was found that the source of uplift force was the "fictitious force" caused by the hydrostatic pressure in the well. When the fictitious force is in the opposite direction to the gravity, it is the uplift force. By adopting the theory of annular multiphase flow, considering the effects of wellbore afterflow and gas slippage, the dynamic change of the pressure and fluid in the wellbore and the uplift force of drill string during the shut-in period were analyzed. The magnitude and direction of uplift force are related to the length of drill string in the wellbore and shut-in time, and there is the risk of uplift of drill string when the length of drill string in the wellbore is smaller than the critical drill string length or the shut in time exceeds the critical shut in time. A set of treatment method and process to prevent the uplift of drill string is advanced during the shut-in period after overflow in the ultra-deep well, which makes the risk management of the drill string uplift in the ultra-deep well more rigorous and scientific.

Reliability Analysis of Super 13Cr Tubing in Ultra-Deep Gas Well

Abnormal oil casing pressure appeared in the process of test production of multiple Ultra-Deep Gas Wells in Tarim Basin. The super 13Cr oil pipe string was used to analyze the causes of pipe string failure in view of the oil casing channeling well during the test and blowout period. The construction process of the well was analyzed in detail. Combined with the review of the operation flow and the detection of fracture string material and fracture morphology, the causes of pipe string fracture were analyzed and calculated in detail. Through field investigation, analysis and calculation, it was found that the main cause of cracking of super 13Cr tubing in this well is the decrease of vibration natural frequency caused by excessive fluid velocity in pipe and too long span of pipe string. At the same time, the mixed failure of stress corrosion cracking and stress load interaction occurred in Cl−1 environment and other corrosion environments.

Efficient development strategies for large ultra-deep structural gas fields in China

Through analyzing the development of large ultra-deep structural gas fields in China,strategies for the efficient development of such gas fields are proposed based on their geological characteristics and production performance.According to matrix properties,fracture development degree and configuration between matrix and fractures,the reservoirs are classified into three types:single porosity single permeability system,dual porosity dual permeability system,and dual porosity single permeability system.These three types of gas reservoirs show remarkable differences in different scales of permeability,the ratio of dynamic reserves to volumetric reserves and water invasion risk.It is pointed out that the key factors affecting development efficiency of these gas fields are determination of production scale and rapid identification of water invasion.Figuring out the characteristics of the gas fields and working out pertinent technical policies are the keys to achieve efficient development.The specific strategies include reinforcing early production appraisal before full scale production by deploying high precision development seismic survey,deploying development appraisal wells in batches and scale production test to get a clear understanding on the structure,reservoir type,distribution pattern of gas and water,and recoverable reserves,controlling production construction pace to ensure enough evaluation time and accurate evaluation results in the early stage,in line with the development program made according to the recoverable reserves,working out proper development strategies,optimizing pattern and proration of wells based on water invasion risk and gas supply capacity of matrix,and reinforcing research and development of key technologies.

Seasonality and Tectonic Influences on Subduction Zones for Ultra-Deep Earthquakes

Our previous research has found that deep or very deep earthquakes can be influenced by different seasons of the year. It also indicates that other factors may impact the seasonality in addition to these external parameters. This would explain why the response from Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere for the seasons is different. In the current research, we will focus on very deep earthquakes over a very long period, 1950-2017, which have high magnitude of M ≥ 6 with depth ≥ 500 km and named ultra-deep earthquakes (UDQ). We will separate such events by coordinates of each subduction area located in the Pacific Ring of Fire to find which effects the seasons have on these specific areas. Former tomographic studies in such regions pointed out that each area mentioned had systematic differences in the slab configuration along arcs. Our conclusions showed that those discrepancies may influence the enhancement of earthquakes in some seasons or months.

Actions of negative bias temperature instability （NBTI） and hot carriers in ultra-deep submicron p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors （PMOSFETs）

Hot carrier injection （HCI） at high temperatures and different values of gate bias Vg has been performed in order to study the actions of negative bias temperature instability （NBTI） and hot carriers. Hot-carrier-stress-induced damage at Vg = Vd, where Vd is the voltage of the transistor drain, increases as temperature rises, contrary to conventional hot carrier behaviour, which is identified as being related to the NBTI. A comparison between the actions of NBTI and hot carriers at low and high gate voltages shows that the damage behaviours are quite different： the low gate voltage stress results in an increase in transconductance, while the NBTI-dominated high gate voltage and high temperature stress causes a decrease in transconductance. It is concluded that this can be a major source of hot carrier damage at elevated temperatures and high gate voltage stressing of p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors （PMOSFETs）. We demonstrate a novel mode of NBTI-enhanced hot carrier degradation in PMOSFETs. A novel method to decouple the actions of NBTI from that of hot carriers is also presented.

Wellbore Engineering Technologies for Ultra-deep Oil and Gas Exploration：Challenges and Trend

Ultra-deep formations hold abundant oil and gas resources.As the demand for oil and gas increases with economic development,more and more efforts are putting into the exploration and development of oil and gas reservoirs in deep formations around the world.In China,the exploration and development of deep oil and gas are pacing up,especially in ultra-deep formations in the Sichuan Basin,Tarim Basin and Ordos Basin.The reservoirs in these basins feature extremely large depth(over 7000 m),super high temperature(150°C-210°C),super high pressure(over 150 MPa),high acid gas content(H_2S and CO_2),strong heterogeneity,and multiple pressure systems,which pose a series of challenges to wellbore engineering technologies including drilling,drilling fluid,cementing,logging,and completion testing.Therefore,it is necessary to delve into core drilling and testing technologies for deep formations.

深层-超深层致密储层天然裂缝分布特征及发育规律

天然裂缝是深层-超深层致密储层的有效储集空间和主要渗流通道,影响着致密储层油气的运移、富集、单井产能、开发方式及开发效果。通过对近年来致密储层裂缝研究成果总结和文献综述,分析了深层-超深层致密储层天然裂缝分布特征及发育规律。将致密储层天然裂缝分为大尺度裂缝、中尺度裂缝、小尺度裂缝和微尺度裂缝4个级别。不同尺度裂缝分布具有幂律分布的特点,裂缝尺度越大,数量越少;裂缝尺度越小,数量越多。大、中尺度裂缝主要起渗流作用,小尺度裂缝主要起渗流和储集作用,而微尺度裂缝主要起储集作用。在地层埋藏过程中的应力体制演化决定了不同时期天然裂缝的类型、产状及其力学性质;构造应力大小、岩石力学层的力学性质和厚度差异控制了多尺度裂缝的形成分布及其发育程度。构造变形导致不同构造部位的局部应力和应变分布产生差异,增强了裂缝发育的非均质性。逆冲断层通过控制其上盘地层变形控制了“裂缝域”的分布规律;走滑断层的组合样式、活动方式和岩石力学层共同控制了相关裂缝的三维空间展布。裂缝形成演化过程中的开启-闭合规律决定了裂缝的储集空间,记录了裂缝有效性的演化历史。

超深、特深碳酸盐岩多场-损伤耦合破裂压力计算

超深、特深碳酸盐岩储层破裂压力高,面临压不开的难题,酸液会与储层基质反应起到扩孔增渗以及劣化岩石力学性质的作用,进而降低破裂压力,但目前缺少碳酸盐岩储层酸损伤下的破裂压力精准计算方法,难以设计针对性的降破措施。针对上述问题,通过测试钻井液浸泡、酸液驱替后岩芯动态杨氏模量建立了不同流体扰动状态下的碳酸盐岩损伤演化方程,进一步建立了酸压过程中流动场、化学场和应力损伤场多场耦合的破裂压力数值计算模型,结果表明,钻井液酸液综合扰动条件下,孔隙度低于4.32%、酸化时间小于4.08 min时损伤因子小于0,无法解除钻井液污染导致的杨氏模量升高;P1井“井筒替酸+静止浸泡+浸泡后酸压”施工第73 min时8833m附近井段达到起裂条件,此时损伤因子为0.301,破裂压力降低了29 MPa,酸损伤降破后成功压开地层;模型计算结果与实测破裂压力误差为1%∼5%,较传统解析模型降低了3∼10个百分点,对于蓬莱气区灯影组或类似碳酸盐岩储层破裂压力计算与酸损伤降破措施设计具有一定指导意义。

深层-超深层碳酸盐岩油气藏储层特征及渗流特征研究进展

深层-超深层碳酸盐岩油气资源因其储量丰富、潜力巨大,已成为全球能源供应的重要战略资源。然而,高温高压环境、复杂的孔喉结构,以及微观孔隙、宏观孔隙、溶蚀孔洞和裂缝等多介质的共存,使传统的勘探和开发技术难以应对其复杂性。随着勘探开发的深入,储层描述和渗流研究面临精确表征、复杂渗流实验和建模等难点。为此,详细阐述了深层-超深层碳酸盐岩储层的特征表征与渗流特征研究的最新进展和关键难点;系统总结了储层微观结构的精细刻画方法和基于人工智能的多属性地震表征技术;探讨了多尺度表征在复杂储层中的应用与成效,并梳理了当前储层识别与描述的主要技术路径及其发展趋势;重点汇总了高温高压条件下深层-超深层碳酸盐岩储层的渗流特性研究,涵盖了多尺度渗流理论和气-水两相渗流机理,并分析了国内外研究的实验数据和理论模型;讨论了渗流研究中面临的挑战与未来发展方向,为深层-超深层油气藏开发研究提供了重要参考。