Patent attributes
A method of monitoring a well state with intermittent well state sampling includes determining a measured volume differential by measuring flow out of a wellbore, measuring flow into the wellbore, and calculating a difference between the measured flow out and the measured flow in. The method includes determining an expected volume differential by calculating a fluid volume of the wellbore system, determining a wellbore pressure difference, determining a well system bulk modulus, and multiplying the fluid volume of the wellbore by the wellbore pressure difference and dividing a result by the well system bulk modulus. If the expected volume differential is not substantially equal to the measured volume differential, reporting to the user that the well state is experiencing a significant change requiring user intervention.
