Judgment device and judgment method for wellhead liquid property of heavy oil well

Abstract

The invention provides a heavy oil well wellhead liquid property judgment device which comprises a sleeve and a detection mechanism arranged in the sleeve, a channel allowing well liquid to pass through is formed in the sleeve, and the detection mechanism comprises a detection piece used for making contact with the well liquid and a magnet connected with the detection piece and moving synchronously with the detection piece. And the judging mechanism is arranged at the end part of the sleeve and is used for recording the magnetic force change of the magnet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of oil and gas field drilling, and more specifically to a device for determining the fluid properties at the wellhead of heavy oil wells, and a method for doing so. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the method for monitoring the fluidity of produced fluids in oil well production typically relies on data such as pressure, temperature, and current provided by instruments like wellhead temperature transmitters, pressure transmitters, current transformers in the electrical control cabinet, and downhole sensors. This data is used to analyze and determine the fluidity at the wellhead, combined with observation of the released fluid's condition during wellhead drainage. This comprehensive analysis yields a complete assessment of the fluidity. While this method is technically mature and widely applicable, playing a crucial role and making significant contributions to crude oil production, it also has the following drawbacks: First, it suffers from a time lag. If, during production, analysis based on current instrument data concludes that the produced fluid has poor fluidity, adjusting production parameters can lead to difficulties in restoring normal production in some wells. Second, if analysis based on current instrument data concludes that the produced fluid has thin fluidity, adjusting production parameters can result in a time lag and unnecessary costs associated with adding thinner oil.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable in the art to provide a device for judging the fluid properties at the wellhead of heavy oil wells, so as to directly monitor the fluidity of the produced fluid at the wellhead and directly reflect the fluidity of the produced fluid at the wellhead. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device for judging the fluid properties at the wellhead of heavy oil wells. It can determine the fluidity state of the flowing well fluid in real time, i.e., "thin" or "thick", by monitoring, analyzing and judging the cutting force of the flowing well fluid. This can effectively avoid problems such as difficulty in restoring normal production of some oil wells after adjusting production data due to the lag of detection data, or unnecessary costs of adding thin oil.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a device for determining the fluid properties at the wellhead of a heavy oil well is provided, comprising a sleeve having a channel formed inside to allow well fluid to pass through.

[0006] The detection mechanism, housed within the sleeve, includes a detection element for contact with the well fluid, and a magnet connected to and moving synchronously with the detection element.

[0007] A judgment mechanism is provided at the end of the sleeve and is used to record changes in the magnetic force of the magnet.

[0008] In one embodiment, a first and a second centralizer are provided at intervals within the sleeve.

[0009] The detection element includes a cutter head concentrically arranged in the channel, a connecting rod disposed between the cutter head and the magnet and extending sequentially through the first and second centralizers, and a spring sleeved on the connecting rod and located between the first and second centralizers, wherein the magnet is fixed at the free end of the connecting rod.

[0010] The cutter head is configured to reciprocate under the combined action of the well fluid and the spring to change the axial position of the magnet.

[0011] In one embodiment, the cutting head consists of at least three blades arranged at equal angles along the circumference.

[0012] In one embodiment, the blade is configured as a double-edged blade.

[0013] In one embodiment, the detection assembly further includes a third stabilizer arranged at a distance from the second stabilizer, and a stabilizing tube disposed between the second stabilizer and the third stabilizer.

[0014] The inner wall of the straightening tube is provided with a track groove adapted to the blade to allow the blade head to slide axially.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first centralizer, the second centralizer, and the third centralizer are all provided with fluid flow channels that are arranged overlappingly along the axial direction and allow well fluid to flow, and the blade is located within the range of the fluid flow channels in the circumferential direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, the detection mechanism further includes a sealing connecting pipe fitted outside the sleeve, wherein the connecting pipe includes an inlet end connected to the production valve of the wellhead and an outlet end connected to the oil pipeline.

[0017] In one embodiment, the determining mechanism includes an electromagnetic sensor for sensing changes in the magnetic force of the magnet, an amplifier connected to the electromagnetic sensor, and a meter connected to the amplifier via a data line for displaying the well fluid flow status.

[0018] In one embodiment, the output end of the meter is provided with a remote transmission antenna connected to the production command center.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for determining well fluid flowability using the determination device described above is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0020] S1. Connect the assembled judgment device to the production valve of the oil well and the oil pipeline respectively.

[0021] S2. The cutter head reciprocates under the combined action of the well fluid and the spring to change the axial position of the magnet. The judgment mechanism records the magnetic force change of the magnet and displays the well fluid flow status through the meter.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0023] Firstly, by monitoring, analyzing, and judging the cutting force of the flowing well fluid, this invention can determine the fluidity state of the flowing well fluid in real time, i.e., whether it is "thin" or "thick". This can effectively avoid problems such as difficulty in restoring normal production of some oil wells after adjusting production data due to the lag of detection data, or the unnecessary cost of adding thin oil.

[0024] Secondly, the cutter head in this invention can reciprocate axially under the combined action of the well fluid and the spring, thereby changing the axial position of the magnet to form a change in magnetic force. Furthermore, the change in magnetic force of the magnet can be sensed by an electromagnetic sensor to display the flow status of the well fluid in real time on the display of the instrument head.

[0025] In addition, during the above process, the time difference between the movement of the cutter head and spring, the recording and transmission process of the electromagnetic sensor, and the display of the fluid flow status is greatly shortened. This ensures that the device for judging the fluid properties at the wellhead of heavy oil wells can directly monitor the fluid flow and reflect its fluid state, which has a positive effect on saving the amount of diluted oil added during the well drainage stage.

[0026] Thirdly, this invention uses oilfield communication methods to transmit the measured data to the production command center in real time, guiding the adjustment of various parameters of oil well production and effectively improving the oil well production level. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 The schematic diagram illustrates the structure of a device for determining the fluid properties at the wellhead of a heavy oil well according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial view, which schematically shows the specific structure of the cutter head;

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A partial view, schematically showing the internal structure of the straightening tube.

[0031] In the accompanying drawings, the same parts use the same reference numerals. The drawings are not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not an exhaustive list of all embodiments. Furthermore, without conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0034] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", "linking", "fixing", etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components.

[0035] Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 The schematic diagram illustrates the structure of the wellhead fluid determination device 100 for heavy oil wells according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial view, which schematically shows the specific structure of the cutter head 21;

[0039] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A partial view, schematically showing the internal structure of the straightening tube 31.

[0040] like Figure 1As shown, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a device 100 for judging the fluid properties at the wellhead of a heavy oil well is provided, mainly comprising a sleeve 11, a detection mechanism, and a judgment mechanism 40. A channel for allowing well fluid to pass through is formed inside the sleeve 11; the detection mechanism is disposed inside the sleeve 11 and includes a detection element for contacting the well fluid, and a magnet 12 connected to and moving synchronously with the detection element; the judgment mechanism 40 is disposed at the end of the sleeve 11 and is capable of recording changes in the magnetic force of the magnet 12 (the change in magnetic force is due to a change in the axial position of the magnet 12) to aid in subsequent judgment of the fluid flow state (i.e., thick or thin).

[0041] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, a first stabilizer 101 and a second stabilizer 102 are provided at intervals inside the sleeve 11. Preferably, the outer peripheral surfaces of the first stabilizer 101 and the second stabilizer 102 are both sealed to the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve 11, thereby helping to provide a stable movement space for the spring 23 (described below).

[0042] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the device 100 for judging the fluid properties at the wellhead of a heavy oil well also includes a transition pipe 14 concentrically arranged within the sleeve 11. Preferably, the outer circumferential surface of the transition pipe 14 forms a sealed connection with the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve 11, and the transition pipe 14 is located between the first centralizer 101 and the second centralizer 102. It is worth noting that both ends of the transition pipe 14 axially abut against the first centralizer 101 and the second centralizer 102, respectively, thereby effectively limiting the first centralizer 101 and the second centralizer 102, further ensuring that the spring 23 has sufficient displacement space.

[0043] Preferably, a radially inwardly extending step is formed at the junction of the sleeve 11 and the second centralizer 102. Preferably, the second centralizer 102 can form axial contact with the step to further improve the stability of the second centralizer 102 within the sleeve 11.

[0044] According to the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the detection component includes a cutter head 21, a connecting rod 22, and a spring 23. The cutter head 21 is concentrically arranged within the channel; the connecting rod 22 is positioned between the cutter head 21 and the magnet 12; in other words, the first end of the connecting rod 22 is connected to the cutter head 21, and the second end of the connecting rod 22 extends sequentially through the first stabilizer 101 and the second stabilizer 102 before being fixedly connected to the magnet 12; the spring 23 is sleeved around the connecting rod 22 and is located between the first stabilizer 101 and the second stabilizer 102.

[0045] In this invention, the magnet 12 is fixed at the free end of the connecting rod 22, and the cutter head 21 can reciprocate axially under the combined action of the well fluid and the spring 23. This makes it easier to change the axial position of the magnet 12, which helps the judgment mechanism 40 to record the magnetic force change of the magnet 12, thereby facilitating the judgment of the well fluid flow state. Preferably, the cutting force of the cutter head 21 is small when the produced fluid (i.e., well fluid) is a dilute liquid (e.g., water), and large when the produced fluid is a viscous liquid (e.g., oil pumping). Therefore, as the cutting force changes, the magnet 12 will reciprocate axially within the casing 11 (i.e., move between point A and point B), which helps in judging the well fluid flow state.

[0046] Preferably, a spring seat is provided on the side of the connecting rod 22 near the first centralizer 101. Therefore, the first end of the spring 23 can be connected to the spring seat, while the second end of the spring 23 abuts against the second centralizer 102.

[0047] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the cutter head 21 consists of at least three blades 211 arranged at equal angles along the circumference. This arrangement allows the cutter head 21 to simultaneously contact at least three points of well fluid at the same axial position, effectively increasing the contact area between the cutter head 21 and the well fluid, thereby further improving the accuracy of judging the fluid flow status.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the blade 211 is constructed as a double-edged blade. In this invention, the use of a double-edged blade not only reduces the flow resistance of the produced liquid but also effectively avoids problems such as abnormal back pressure or foreign matter adhesion caused by the device itself, which could affect the sensitivity of subsequent monitoring.

[0049] According to the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the detection assembly also includes a third centralizer 103. The third centralizer 103 is disposed inside the sleeve 11, and is arranged in parallel and at intervals with the first centralizer 101 and the second centralizer 102. Preferably, the third centralizer 103 is located at the end of the first centralizer 101 away from the second centralizer 102.

[0050] Preferably, such as Figure 1 and 3 As shown, the detection assembly also includes a centralizing tube 31 disposed between the second centralizer 102 and the third centralizer 103. However, the centralizing tube 31 can be adapted to the blade 211. In other words, a track groove 32 adapted to the blade 211 is provided on the inner wall of the centralizing tube 31, so that the blade 21 can smoothly complete the axial reciprocating sliding work along the track groove 32, which helps to determine the flow state of the well fluid in the subsequent work.

[0051] Preferably, a limiting seat is provided at the junction of the sleeve 11 and the third centralizer 103. Preferably, the limiting seat and the centralizer tube 31 enable the third centralizer 103 to have a stable working environment within the sleeve 11.

[0052] In one embodiment, the first centralizer 101, the second centralizer 102, and the third centralizer 103 are all provided with fluid flow channels 104 arranged axially overlappingly to allow well fluid flow. Preferably, the blade 211 is located within the fluid flow channel 104 in the circumferential direction, and the blade 211 corresponds one-to-one with the fluid flow channel 104. Thus, the well fluid will inevitably pass through the blade 211 in the flow path, thereby enabling real-time judgment of the well fluid flow status through the cooperation of the detection element, the magnet 12, and the judgment mechanism 40.

[0053] Compared to existing technologies, this invention monitors, analyzes, and judges the cutting force of the flowing well fluid, thereby determining the fluidity state of the flowing well fluid in real time, i.e., whether it is "thin" or "thick". Therefore, this invention can effectively avoid problems such as inaccurate measurement data caused by hysteresis and difficulties in restoring normal production to some oil wells after adjusting production data.

[0054] In other embodiments of the present invention, the detection element can be replaced by a steel wire (not shown in the drawings) instead of a cutter head 21. Preferably, during the detection process, the steel wire needs to be tightened to cut the flowing well fluid, and the axial position of the magnet 12 will also change. The change in magnetic force of the magnet 12 can be recorded by the judgment mechanism 40 to further determine the flow state of the well fluid. Its specific working principle is similar to that described above and will not be repeated here.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the detection mechanism also includes a sealing connecting pipe 13 fitted over the sleeve 11. The connecting pipe 13 includes an inlet end 131 and an outlet end 132. Preferably, the inlet end 131 of the connecting pipe 13 is connected to a production valve of the wellhead (not shown in the figures), while the outlet end 132 of the connecting pipe 13 is connected to an oil pipeline (not shown in the figures). Preferably, an outlet valve is installed between the outlet end 132 and the oil pipeline.

[0056] In this invention, the wellhead can have dual-wing production capability, thereby facilitating the monitoring of the fluid properties at the wellhead of heavy oil wells by the wellhead determination device 100. Preferably, the wellhead includes a first valve (i.e., the aforementioned wellhead production valve) and a second valve.

[0057] When used in production, open the first valve and the outlet valve, and close the second valve. The device 100 for judging the fluid properties at the wellhead of heavy oil wells can then work normally. When not in use during production or when maintenance is being carried out, first open the second valve, and then close the first valve and the outlet valve. At this time, the fluidity of the produced fluid is transmitted.

[0058] According to the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the judgment mechanism 40 includes an electromagnetic sensor 41, an amplifier 42, data lines 45 and 46, and a meter head 43. A display 431 is provided on the meter head 43. In this invention, the electromagnetic sensor 41 is adapted to the magnet 12. Therefore, when the axial position of the magnet 12 changes, the electromagnetic sensor 41 can sense the change in the magnetic force of the magnet 12. The signal is then amplified by the amplifier 42 and transmitted to the meter head 43 via the data lines 45 and 46. After calculation by the electronic components within the meter head 43, the fluid flow status (thin or thick) is displayed on the display 431.

[0059] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, a remote transmission antenna 44 connected to the production command center is provided at the output end of the meter head 43. Preferably, the signal in the meter head 43 can also be received wirelessly by the "RTU" through the remote transmission antenna 44, and then transmitted to the production command center through equipment such as a bridge or DTU, thereby helping to guide the adjustment of various parameters of oil well production and effectively improving the oil well production level.

[0060] In this invention, RTU stands for Remote Terminal Unit, a special computer measurement and control unit with a modular structure designed for long communication distances and harsh industrial environments; DTU is a wireless terminal device specifically used to convert serial port data into IP data or IP data into serial port data for transmission through a wireless communication network.

[0061] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for determining well fluid flowability using a well fluid determination device 100 for heavy oil wellhead fluid properties is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0062] First, the inlet end 131 and outlet end 132 of the assembled wellhead fluid determination device 100 for heavy oil wells are connected to the production valve of the wellhead and the oil pipeline, respectively, so as to allow the well fluid to flow smoothly in the pipeline.

[0063] Then, the cutter head 21 comes into contact with the well fluid, and the cutter head 21 moves axially back and forth under the combined action of the well fluid and the spring 23, thereby changing the axial position of the magnet 12 to form a change in magnetic force.

[0064] Finally, the electromagnetic sensor 41 senses the change in magnetic force of the magnet 12, and the signal is amplified by the amplifier 42 and sent to the meter head 43. After calculation by the electronic components in the meter head 43, the fluid flow status of the well fluid, whether thin or thick, can be displayed on the display 431.

[0065] Preferably, the cutting force of the cutter head 21 is small when the produced fluid is a dilute fluid (e.g., water) and large when the produced fluid is a viscous fluid (e.g., oil extraction). Therefore, as the cutting force changes, the magnet 12 will reciprocate axially, which helps to determine the fluidity status of the well fluid.

[0066] It is worth noting that the signal inside the meter 43 can also be received wirelessly by the "RTU" through the remote transmission antenna 44, and then transmitted to the production command center via a network bridge or DTU, which helps to guide the adjustment of various parameters of oil well production and effectively improve the oil well production level.

[0067] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are:

[0068] Firstly, by monitoring, analyzing, and judging the cutting force of the flowing well fluid, this invention can determine the fluidity state of the flowing well fluid in real time, i.e., whether it is "thin" or "thick". This can effectively avoid problems such as difficulty in restoring normal production of some oil wells after adjusting production data due to the lag of detection data, or the unnecessary cost of adding thin oil.

[0069] Secondly, the cutter head 21 in this invention can reciprocate axially under the combined action of the well fluid and the spring 23, thereby changing the axial position of the magnet 12 to form a change in magnetic force, and can sense the change in magnetic force of the magnet 12 through the electromagnetic sensor 41 to display the flow status of the well fluid in real time on the display 431 of the meter 43.

[0070] In addition, during the above process, the time difference between the movement of the cutter head 21 and the spring 23, the recording and transmission process of the electromagnetic sensor 41, and the display 431 displaying the fluidity status of the well fluid is greatly shortened. This ensures that the judgment device 100 for judging the fluidity of heavy oil wellheads can directly monitor the fluidity of the well fluid and directly reflect its fluidity status, which has a positive effect on saving the amount of diluted oil added during the oil well drainage stage.

[0071] Thirdly, this invention uses oilfield communication methods to transmit the measured data to the production command center in real time, guiding the adjustment of various parameters of oil well production and effectively improving the oil well production level.

[0072] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can easily make changes or modifications within the scope of the present invention, and such changes or modifications should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A device for determining the fluid properties at the wellhead of a heavy oil well, comprising: The sleeve (11) has channels inside that allow well fluid to pass through. The detection mechanism is disposed within the sleeve (11), the detection mechanism including a detection element for contact with well fluid, and a magnet (12) connected to and moving synchronously with the detection element, and A judgment mechanism (40) is provided at the end of the sleeve (11) and is used to record the magnetic force change of the magnet (12).

2. The device for determining the fluid properties at the wellhead of heavy oil wells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sleeve (11) is provided with a first centralizer (101) and a second centralizer (102) arranged at intervals. The detection element includes a cutter head (21) concentrically arranged in the channel, a connecting rod (22) disposed between the cutter head (21) and the magnet (12) and extending sequentially through the first stabilizer (101) and the second stabilizer (102), and a spring (23) sleeved on the connecting rod (22) and located between the first stabilizer (101) and the second stabilizer (102), wherein the magnet (12) is fixed at the free end of the connecting rod (22). The cutter head (21) is configured to reciprocate under the combined action of the well fluid and the spring (23) to change the axial position of the magnet (12).

3. The device for determining the fluid properties at the wellhead of heavy oil wells according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cutting head (21) consists of at least three blades (211) arranged at equal angles along the circumference.

4. The device for determining the fluid properties at the wellhead of heavy oil wells according to claim 3, characterized in that, The blade (211) is constructed as a double-edged blade.

5. The device for determining the fluid properties at the wellhead of heavy oil wells according to claim 4, characterized in that, The detection assembly also includes a third stabilizer (103) spaced apart from the second stabilizer (102), and a stabilizer tube (31) disposed between the second stabilizer (102) and the third stabilizer (103). The inner wall of the straightening tube (31) is provided with a track groove (32) adapted to the blade (211) to allow the blade head (21) to slide axially.

6. The device for determining the fluid properties at the wellhead of heavy oil wells according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first centralizer (101), the second centralizer (102) and the third centralizer (103) are all provided with fluid flow channels (104) that are arranged in an axially overlapping manner and allow well fluid to flow. The blade (211) is located within the range of the fluid flow channels in the circumferential direction.

7. The device for determining the fluid properties at the wellhead of a heavy oil well according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The detection mechanism also includes a sealing connecting pipe (13) that is sleeved outside the sleeve (11), wherein the connecting pipe (13) includes an inlet end (131) connected to the production valve of the oil well tree and an outlet end (132) connected to the oil pipeline.

8. The device for determining the fluid properties at the wellhead of a heavy oil well according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The judgment mechanism includes an electromagnetic sensor (41) for sensing changes in the magnetic force of the magnet (12), an amplifier (42) connected to the electromagnetic sensor (41), and a meter (43) connected to the amplifier (42) via a data line for displaying the well fluid flow status.

9. The device for determining the fluid properties at the wellhead of a heavy oil well according to claim 8, characterized in that, The output end of the meter (43) is equipped with a remote transmission antenna (44) that is connected to the production command center.

10. A method for determining well fluid flowability using the determining device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps: S1. Connect the assembled judgment device to the production valve of the oil well and the oil pipeline respectively. S2. The cutter head (21) reciprocates under the combined action of the well fluid and the spring (23) to change the axial position of the magnet (12). The judgment mechanism records the magnetic force change of the magnet (12) and displays the well fluid flow status through the meter (43).

Images