A natural gas drilling and sand production monitoring system

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the field related to monitoring equipment for mineral collection, and provides a sand production monitoring system for natural gas drilling and production. It includes a detection pipe section arranged in an evaluation pipeline. By setting relevant detection structures based on packers used during natural gas collection, the effect of sand production monitoring at the collection end is achieved. Compared with the ground monitoring method in the prior art, the time node for data acquisition is earlier, and the sand production state at the corresponding underground position can be obtained in the first time. At the same time, the problem of inaccurate monitoring data caused by the settlement of some particles when the water-mixed natural gas reaches the surface can be effectively avoided. Moreover, based on the indirect monitoring method of mechanical structure, it is more stable and reliable than the existing direct monitoring methods based on sensors such as vision, reducing the risk of monitoring failure caused by the loss or damage of sensing equipment in the underground environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of monitoring equipment for mineral collection, and particularly relates to a sand production monitoring system for natural gas drilling and production. Background Art

[0002] In the collection of natural gas, sand grains in the formation may enter the wellbore along with the collected water or gas flow. Sand production can cause accelerated equipment wear, blockage, and a series of direct or induced safety hazards.

[0003] The existing technologies for sand production monitoring include two types: ground and underground. The use environment of ground equipment is relatively safe and easy to maintain. However, due to the relatively long distance from the sand production location, there is a certain reaction lag in monitoring. In case of sudden severe sand production, it is impossible to monitor and feedback in a timely manner. For underground types, although they can respond in a timely manner, the equipment environment is relatively harsh. At the same time, most of the existing technologies adopt direct sensor monitoring methods. In a harsh sand production environment, it is difficult to guarantee the service life of the sensors and the maintenance is very difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a sand production monitoring system for natural gas drilling and production, aiming to solve the problems raised in the background art.

[0005] The embodiments of the present invention are implemented as follows. A sand production monitoring system for natural gas drilling and production includes a collection pipeline and an evaluation pipeline connected to the collection pipeline in the flowing direction of the mixed water and natural gas. The evaluation pipeline includes a monitoring pipe section and a return pipe section:

[0006] The monitoring pipe section is communicated with the return pipe section and is arranged at a position between the collection pipeline and the return pipe section. The diameter of the monitoring pipe section is larger than that of the return pipe section and the collection pipeline;

[0007] A plurality of partition monitoring cavities are arranged along the length direction inside the monitoring pipe section. Each partition monitoring cavity is hinged with a monitoring diaphragm in the flowing direction of the mixed water and natural gas. Each monitoring diaphragm is a dense mesh structure, and the mesh sizes of different monitoring diaphragms are different. The monitoring diaphragm is made of ceramic pressure type resistance induction material.

[0008] As a further solution of the present invention: the mesh sizes of the plurality of monitoring diaphragms are set based on the sand particle size range, and are used to divide the particle size range through different mesh size combinations, so as to allow different particle size ranges to pass through without obstruction in different partition monitoring cavities, and judge the distribution state of sand production;

[0009] Among the plurality of monitoring diaphragms, there is also a unique monitoring calibration diaphragm, and the mesh size of the monitoring calibration diaphragm is zero.

[0010] As a further solution of the present invention: it further includes a monitoring and evaluation module, specifically including:

[0011] A calibration induction unit, which is used for electrically connecting with the monitoring and calibration diaphragm to obtain its deflection angle and resistance feedback data, and the deflection angle and resistance feedback data are used to judge and evaluate the basic flow rate and sand content data in the pipeline;

[0012] A deflection monitoring unit, which is used for real-time monitoring of multiple monitoring diaphragms to obtain their deflection angle data, and the deflection angle data is associated with the basic flow rate and the amount of sand and gravel blocked by the current monitoring diaphragm through the mesh;

[0013] A resistance and pressure monitoring unit, which is used for real-time monitoring of multiple monitoring diaphragms to obtain their real-time resistance data.

[0014] As a further solution of the present invention: the evaluation pipeline further includes a mixing pipe section;

[0015] The mixing pipe section is arranged at the position between the monitoring pipe section and the collection pipeline;

[0016] A mixing impeller is rotatably arranged on one side of the mixing pipe section close to the collection pipeline, and the mixing impeller rotates with the flow of the mixed water and natural gas;

[0017] A plurality of guide vanes are arranged on one side of the mixing pipe section close to the monitoring pipe section and are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of guide vanes are arranged along the length direction of the pipeline.

[0018] As a further solution of the present invention: it further includes a locking assembly, specifically including:

[0019] A locking sliding sleeve sleeved on the collection pipeline along the sliding direction, and a plurality of locking sliders sliding radially are arranged on one side of the locking sliding sleeve on the evaluation pipeline, and the plurality of locking sliders are evenly distributed on the circumference;

[0020] The connection part of the collection pipeline at the evaluation pipeline is set as a variable diameter structure. When the locking sliding sleeve slides towards the evaluation pipeline, the plurality of locking sliders slide radially outwards along the variable diameter pipeline.

[0021] As a further solution of the present invention: a plurality of guide and limit grooves are further arranged on the surface of the collection pipeline in the variable diameter area along the length direction;

[0022] The locking sliding sleeve is slidably arranged in the guide and limit grooves.

[0023] As a further solution of the present invention: a locking control groove is further arranged on the collection pipeline;

[0024] The locking assembly further includes a locking guide ring rotatably arranged in a fixed guide cavity, the fixed guide cavity is fixedly connected with the locking sliding sleeve, and a pair of guide protrusions slidably matched with the locking control groove are arranged on the inner wall of the locking guide ring.

[0025] The embodiment of the present invention provides a sand production monitoring system for natural gas drilling and production. By setting relevant detection structures based on a packer used in natural gas collection, the effect of sand production monitoring at the collection end is realized. Compared with the ground monitoring method in the prior art, the time node of data acquisition is earlier, and the sand production state at the corresponding underground position can be obtained in the first time. At the same time, the problem of inaccurate monitoring data caused by the settlement of some particles when the mixed water natural gas reaches the surface can be effectively avoided. And based on the indirect monitoring method of mechanical structure, it is more stable and reliable than the existing direct monitoring method based on sensors such as vision, reducing the risk of monitoring failure caused by the loss or damage of sensing equipment in the underground environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a sand production monitoring system for natural gas drilling and production provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 It is a partial schematic diagram of the pipeline structure in a sand production monitoring system for natural gas drilling and production provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of an evaluation pipeline in a sand production monitoring system for natural gas drilling and production provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 It is an internal schematic diagram of an evaluation pipeline in a sand production monitoring system for natural gas drilling and production provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a monitoring pipe section in a sand production monitoring system for natural gas drilling and production provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 It is an internal schematic diagram of a mixing pipe section in a sand production monitoring system for natural gas drilling and production provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of a locking assembly in a sand production monitoring system for natural gas drilling and production provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between a fixed guide and a locking guide ring in a sand production monitoring system for natural gas drilling and production provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] In the accompanying drawings: 1 - collection pipeline, 110 - guiding and limiting groove, 120 - locking control groove, 2 - evaluation pipeline, 210 - return pipe section, 220 - monitoring pipe section, 221 - partitioned monitoring chamber, 222 - monitoring diaphragm, 230 - mixing pipe section, 231 - mixing impeller, 232 - guiding vane, 3 - locking assembly, 310 - locking sliding sleeve, 320 - locking sliding block, 330 - fixed guiding chamber, 340 - locking guiding ring. Detailed implementation mode

[0035] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer and more understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0036] The following describes the specific implementation of the present invention in detail with reference to specific embodiments.

[0037] As Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 5 shown, a natural gas drilling and sand production monitoring system provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes a collection pipeline 1 and an evaluation pipeline 2 connected to the collection pipeline 1 in the flowing direction of the water-mixed natural gas. The evaluation pipeline 2 includes a monitoring pipe section 220 and a return pipe section 210:

[0038] The monitoring pipe section 220 is communicated with the return pipe section 210 and is arranged at a position between the collection pipeline 1 and the return pipe section 210. The diameter of the monitoring pipe section 220 is larger than that of the return pipe section 210 and the collection pipeline 1;

[0039] A plurality of partitioned monitoring chambers 221 are arranged inside the monitoring pipe section 220 along the length direction. A monitoring diaphragm 222 is hinged in each partitioned monitoring chamber along the flowing direction of the water-mixed natural gas. Each monitoring diaphragm 222 is a dense mesh structure, and the mesh sizes of different monitoring diaphragms 222 are different. The monitoring diaphragm 222 is made of a ceramic pressure-type resistance induction material.

[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, a sand production monitoring system for natural gas drilling and production is provided. By setting relevant detection structures based on the packers used during natural gas collection, the effect of sand production monitoring at the collection end is achieved. Compared with the ground monitoring method in the prior art, the time node for data acquisition is earlier, and the sand production state at the corresponding underground location can be obtained in the first time. At the same time, the problem of inaccurate monitoring data caused by the settlement of some particles when the water-mixed natural gas reaches the surface can be effectively avoided. Moreover, based on the indirect monitoring method of mechanical structure, it is more stable and reliable than the existing direct monitoring methods based on sensors such as vision, reducing the risk of monitoring failure caused by the loss or damage of sensing equipment in the underground environment.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, during the collection of natural gas, it is possible for sand grains in the formation to enter the wellbore along with the collected water or gas flow. Sand production can lead to accelerated equipment wear, blockages, and a series of direct or induced safety hazards. Therefore, it is very necessary to monitor the sand production situation and implement appropriate safety management. In the prior art, the methods for sand production monitoring include two types: surface and underground. For surface equipment, the operating environment of the equipment is relatively safe and maintenance is relatively convenient. However, due to the relatively long distance from the sand production location, there will be a certain reaction lag in monitoring. In case of sudden severe sand production, it is impossible to monitor and give feedback in a timely manner. For underground types, although they can respond in a timely manner, the operating environment is relatively harsh. Moreover, in the prior art, the direct monitoring method of sensors is mostly used. In a harsh sand production environment, it is difficult to guarantee the service life of the sensors and maintenance is extremely difficult. The solution of this embodiment is to implement a mechanical indirect monitoring method based on a packer, that is, by setting corresponding mechanical structures to mechanically feedback the sand production situation, and then the sensor evaluates the mechanical reaction to judge the sand production situation. The advantage of this is that it reduces the direct contact of the sensor, can protect the sensor to a certain extent and increase the service life of the sensor. Moreover, based on the setting method of the packer, it is also more convenient to remove the sensor on the ground. Specifically, here the evaluation pipeline 2 (the diameter of the evaluation pipeline 2 is increased to reduce the flow velocity in this part) is divided into multiple passing spaces (i.e., partitioned monitoring cavities 221) in the monitoring pipe section 220. When the gas flow or water flow passes through, it will act on the surface of the monitoring diaphragm 222 hingedly arranged, causing the monitoring diaphragm 222 to rotate and tilt at a certain angle. When the structures of the monitoring diaphragms 222 are exactly the same, under ideal conditions, the rotation angle of the monitoring diaphragm 222 should only be related to the flow velocity (because the density distribution of the sand grains is consistent). Therefore, holes are drilled in the monitoring diaphragms 222 in different passing spaces to make their surfaces covered with holes, and the hole diameters of different monitoring diaphragms 222 are different. This will cause different sizes of sand grains to directly pass through the monitoring diaphragms 222 with different hole diameters during use. This will change the total amount of sand grains that impact and roll on the surfaces of different monitoring diaphragms 222 (the diaphragm is tilted, and the sand grains blocked and impacted will roll on the surface of the monitoring diaphragm 222 and finally directly pass through the partitioned monitoring cavity at the end of the monitoring diaphragm 222). Therefore, by monitoring and recording the tilt angles of different monitoring diaphragms 222, it is possible to indirectly judge the content of sand grains in different particle size diameter ranges and achieve the monitoring of the sand production situation. Additionally, the monitoring diaphragm 222 here is also made of a ceramic piezoresistive sensing material to establish an additional backup monitoring scheme. When impacted by sand grains, the cross-section of this material will become thinner, causing the resistance to increase. Furthermore, the sand production can be calculated based on the measurement of the resistance change.

[0042] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mesh sizes of the plurality of monitoring diaphragms 222 are set based on the sand production particle size range, and are used to divide the particle size range through different combinations of mesh sizes, so as to allow different particle size ranges to pass through unobstructed in different partition monitoring chambers 221, and to judge the distribution state of the sand production;

[0043] Among the plurality of monitoring diaphragms 222, there is also a unique monitoring calibration diaphragm, and the mesh size of the monitoring calibration diaphragm is zero.

[0044] Furthermore, a monitoring and evaluation module is further included, specifically including:

[0045] A calibration induction unit, which is used to be electrically connected to the monitoring calibration diaphragm to obtain its deflection angle and resistance feedback data, and the deflection angle and resistance feedback data are used to judge and evaluate the basic flow rate and sand content data in the pipeline 2;

[0046] A deflection monitoring unit, which is used to monitor the plurality of monitoring diaphragms 222 in real time to obtain their deflection angle data, and the deflection angle data is associated with the basic flow rate and the amount of sand and gravel blocked by the current monitoring diaphragm 222 through the mesh;

[0047] A pressure resistance monitoring unit, which is used to monitor the plurality of monitoring diaphragms 222 in real time to obtain their real-time resistance data.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, the structure of the monitoring diaphragm 222 is further described, and the system logic function modules set for the realization of the relevant monitoring process are supplemented. Specifically, the mesh size of the monitoring diaphragm 222 is correspondingly set according to the sand production particle size range in the production environment. Therefore, in different usage scenarios, the corresponding hole diameters should be set to divide the sand production particle size range into multiple intervals, so as to realize the monitoring of the sand production amount of different interval particle sizes. Compared with the direct sensing measurement method of the prior art, because the effect is converted through a mechanical structure, it is not necessary to directly evaluate the content of sand grains with different particle diameters in a certain passing flow based on the sensor detection data, but is indirectly judged by the deflection amount difference of different monitoring diaphragms 222. Therefore, the accuracy requirements and computing power requirements for the sensor will be greatly reduced, and the simpler sensor structure is more stable and reliable, while reducing the capital investment in the monitoring equipment; the main purpose of the supplementary monitoring calibration diaphragm with a mesh size of zero (i.e., no mesh is set) is to judge the current fluid flow rate and total sand content to correct the inclination of the plurality of monitoring diaphragms 222, which is convenient for processing the data of the plurality of monitoring diaphragms 222 and converting them into sand production data.

[0049] Such as Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 6As shown, as another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the evaluation pipeline 2 further includes a mixing pipe section 230;

[0050] The mixing pipe section 230 is arranged at the position between the monitoring pipe section 220 and the collection pipeline 1;

[0051] A mixing impeller 231 is rotatably arranged on one side of the mixing pipe section 230 close to the collection pipeline 1, and the mixing impeller 231 rotates with the flow of the sand-containing natural gas;

[0052] On one side of the mixing pipe section 230 close to the monitoring pipe section 220, a plurality of guide vanes 232 are arranged evenly in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of guide vanes 232 are arranged along the length direction of the pipeline.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present invention, the structure of the evaluation pipeline 2 is supplemented. During the collection process, the sand distribution in the pipeline cross-section may be uneven, which will affect the subsequent monitoring data judgment. The function of setting the mixing pipe section 230 is to stir and mix through the mixing impeller 231, making the sand distribution in the pipeline more uniform and optimizing the accuracy of the subsequent monitoring data. The guide vanes 232 are used to guide the mixed fluid, guide its oblique movement, and make it more stable when entering the partition monitoring cavity 221.

[0054] As Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a locking component 3, which specifically includes:

[0055] A locking sliding sleeve 310 slidably sleeved along the collection pipeline 1, and a plurality of locking sliders 320 sliding radially are arranged on one side of the locking sliding sleeve 310, and the plurality of locking sliders 320 are evenly distributed on the circumference;

[0056] The connection part of the collection pipeline 1 with the evaluation pipeline 2 is set as a reduced-diameter structure. When the locking sliding sleeve 310 slides towards the evaluation pipeline 2, the plurality of locking sliders 320 slide radially outwards along the reduced-diameter pipeline.

[0057] Furthermore, a plurality of guide limiting grooves 110 are arranged along the length direction on the surface of the collection pipeline 1 in the reduced-diameter area;

[0058] The locking sliding sleeve 310 is slidably arranged in the guide limiting grooves 110.

[0059] Furthermore, a locking control groove 120 is also arranged on the collection pipeline 1;

[0060] The locking assembly 3 further includes a locking guide ring 340 rotatably disposed in a fixed guide cavity 330. The fixed guide cavity 330 is fixedly connected to the locking sliding sleeve 310. A pair of guide protrusions slidably engaged with the locking control groove 120 are provided on the inner wall of the locking guide ring 340.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present invention, the locking assembly 3 and related structures are supplemented. Since the packer is disposed in a channel drilled underground, the placement is completed by mechanical control. To achieve its stability in the channel and convenience during installation, two parts of the structure are provided here. One is used for locking in the channel. The implementation method is that when the locking sliding sleeve 310 slides, it drives the locking slider 320 to slide along the guiding and limiting groove 110 and slide on the outer wall of the pipeline in the variable diameter area of the collecting pipeline 1. Finally, a plurality of locking sliders 320 move radially outwards and abut against the wall surface of the underground channel to achieve locking. The other is used for the control and unlocking of the locking process. Since the underground space is small and the environment is complex, a complex electric drive structure, etc. cannot ensure the availability of the structure for a long time. Here, it is achieved by the cooperation of the locking guide ring 340 and the locking control groove 120. When the guide protrusions of the locking guide ring 340 are located at the two vertex positions on the side of the locking control groove 120 close to the guiding and limiting groove 110, they respectively correspond to the locking and release states. There is a certain distance between the two fixed points along the length direction of the pipeline, and the position closer to the guiding and limiting groove 110 corresponds to the locking state.

[0062] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A natural gas drilling sand production monitoring system, comprising a collection pipeline (1) and an evaluation pipeline (2) connected to the collection pipeline (1) in the flow direction of mixed water natural gas, characterized in that: The evaluation pipeline (2) comprises a monitoring pipe section (220) and a return pipe section (210): The monitoring pipe section (220) is in communication with the return pipe section (210) and is arranged at a position between the collection pipeline (1) and the return pipe section (210); the pipe diameter of the monitoring pipe section (220) is larger than that of the return pipe section (210) and the collection pipeline (1); The monitoring pipe section (220) is provided with a plurality of partition monitoring cavities (221) along the length direction inside, each of the partition monitoring cavities is hingedly provided with a monitoring diaphragm (222) along the inflow direction of the mixed water natural gas, each of the monitoring diaphragms (222) is a dense mesh structure, and the mesh sizes of different monitoring diaphragms (222) are different, and the monitoring diaphragms (222) are made of ceramic pressure-type resistance sensing material.

2. The natural gas drilling sand monitoring system according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The mesh sizes of the plurality of monitoring diaphragms (222) are set based on the sand particle size range, and are used to divide the particle size range by different mesh size combinations, so as to allow particles of different particle size ranges to pass through unimpeded in different partition monitoring chambers (221), and to judge the distribution state of the sand; The plurality of monitoring diaphragms (222) also include a single monitoring calibration diaphragm, and the mesh size of the monitoring calibration diaphragm is zero.

3. The natural gas drilling sand monitoring system according to claim 2 is characterized in that: It also includes monitoring and evaluation modules, including: A calibration sensing unit, used to electrically connect to the monitoring calibration diaphragm to obtain its deflection angle and resistance feedback data, wherein the deflection angle and resistance feedback data are used to determine the basic flow and sand content data in the evaluation pipeline (2); A deflection monitoring unit, used to monitor a plurality of monitoring diaphragms (222) in real time and obtain deflection angle data thereof, wherein the deflection angle data is associated with a basic flow rate and an amount of sand and gravel blocked by the mesh of the current monitoring diaphragm (222); The resistance pressure monitoring unit is used to monitor the plurality of monitoring diaphragms (222) in real time and obtain their real-time resistance data.

4. The natural gas drilling sand monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The evaluation pipeline (2) further includes a mixing pipe section (230); The mixing pipe section (230) is arranged at a position between the monitoring pipe section (220) and the collection pipe (1); The mixing pipe section (230) is provided with a mixing impeller (231) on a side close to the collection pipeline (1), and the mixing impeller (231) rotates along with the flow of the water-mixed natural gas; The mixing pipe section (230) is provided with a plurality of guide plates (232) evenly distributed along the circumferential direction on one side close to the monitoring pipe section (220), and the plurality of guide plates (232) are arranged along the length direction of the pipeline.

5. The natural gas drilling sand monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a locking assembly (3), which specifically includes: A locking sliding sleeve (310) is slidably sleeved along the collection pipe (1), the locking sliding sleeve (310) being provided with a plurality of locking sliding blocks (320) that slide in a radial direction on one side of the evaluation pipe (2), the plurality of locking sliding blocks (320) being evenly distributed on the circumference; The collection pipe (1) is provided with a variable diameter structure at the connection point with the evaluation pipe (2); when the locking sliding sleeve (310) slides toward the evaluation pipe (2), the plurality of locking sliding blocks (320) slide radially outward along with the variable diameter pipe.

6. The natural gas drilling sand monitoring system according to claim 5 is characterized in that: The collection pipe (1) is also provided with a plurality of guide limit grooves (110) along the length direction on the surface of the variable diameter region; The locking sliding sleeve (310) is slidably arranged in the guide limiting groove (110).

7. The natural gas drilling sand production monitoring system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The collection pipe (1) is also provided with a locking control groove (120); The locking assembly (3) further comprises a locking guide ring (340) rotatably arranged in the fixed guide cavity (330), the fixed guide cavity (330) being fixedly connected to the locking sliding sleeve (310), and the inner wall of the locking guide ring (340) being provided with a pair of guide protrusions slidably matched with the locking control groove (120).

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