Intelligent well selection and metering device for multiphase produced fluid

Abstract

The utility model relates to oil and gas field exploitation technical field especially, it relates to a kind of intelligent well selection metering device of produced fluid multiphase flow, to solve the technical problem of big structure, low degree of automation, cumbersome operation and easy to make mistake caused by relying on complex manifold valve group to carry out manual well selection metering.The device includes a plurality of for introducing multiple produced fluid branch pipes, well selection device, separating device and control device.Its core is that the well selection device includes fixed shell and rotatable rotating member in it, the control device is rotated by driving rotating member, so that fluid passage on rotating member selectively connects one of branch pipes introduced produced fluid to separating device, to complete the metering well switching of automation.The utility model replaces traditional complex valve group by integrated rotating well selection structure, simplifies equipment structure, saves floor space, realizes the remote intelligent control of well selection metering process, improves work efficiency and operation reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of oil and gas field development technology, and in particular to an intelligent well selection and metering device for multiphase flow of produced fluid. Background Technology

[0002] In the production process of oil and gas fields, in order to grasp the production dynamics of individual wells, assess the reservoir status, and optimize the exploitation plan, it is necessary to regularly or continuously measure the produced fluids (usually multiphase mixtures of oil, gas, water, etc.) from different oil wells.

[0003] Currently, metering of multiple oil wells typically employs the following methods: One approach is to configure a separate metering and separation device for each well. This method involves significant equipment investment and a large footprint, making it unsuitable for well site spaces or cost-sensitive scenarios. Another approach uses a single test separator, with manual switching via a complex manifold valve assembly to sequentially introduce produced fluids from different wells into the separator for testing. While the latter method reduces the number of separators, its manifold valve assembly is bulky, with complex pipelines and a large footprint. Furthermore, valve switching requires manual on-site operation, resulting in high labor intensity, low efficiency, and a high risk of production safety issues due to human error. In addition, traditional manual switching methods are slow to respond, hindering remote automated control and intelligent production management.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide a device with a compact structure that can achieve automated intelligent well selection, improve metering efficiency, and reduce operational complexity is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, specifically the issues of large size, low automation, cumbersome operation, and susceptibility to errors resulting from manual well selection and metering relying on complex manifold valve assemblies, this invention provides an intelligent well selection and metering device for multiphase flow of produced fluid, comprising:

[0006] Multiple branch pipes are used to introduce multiple streams of produced fluid separately;

[0007] A well selection device is connected to the multiple branch pipes;

[0008] The separation device is connected to the well selection device;

[0009] Control device for automatically controlling the switching action of the well selection device;

[0010] The well selection device includes a fixed shell, a rotating component rotatably disposed within the fixed shell, and a driving device for driving the rotating component to rotate.

[0011] The fixed shell is provided with multiple liquid inlets that are respectively connected to the multiple branch pipes;

[0012] The rotating component is provided with a fluid channel, which is used to connect a selected liquid inlet to the separation device when the rotating component rotates to a predetermined position.

[0013] The control device is electrically connected to the drive device and is used to control the drive device to drive the rotating member to rotate to the predetermined position in order to switch the source of the produced fluid introduced into the separation device.

[0014] Furthermore, the rotating component is provided with a vertical groove for engaging the liquid inlet and an annular groove communicating with the vertical groove; the fixed shell is provided with a well selection liquid outlet pipe that cooperates with the annular groove, and the fluid channel is at least partially composed of the vertical groove, the annular groove and the well selection liquid outlet pipe.

[0015] Furthermore, the separation device is a cyclone separator.

[0016] Furthermore, the cyclone separator includes a vertically arranged fixed pipe and a separation inlet pipe tangentially connected to the fixed pipe, the separation inlet pipe being connected to the outlet of the well selection device.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes a separation controller connected to the separation device, the separation controller being equipped with a gas flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the separated gas phase and a mass flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the separated liquid phase.

[0018] Furthermore, the separation controller includes a fixed cylinder, inside which is provided a float. The float is used to adjust the flow area of ​​the gas phase outlet and the liquid phase outlet in conjunction with the liquid level in the fixed cylinder.

[0019] Furthermore, at least one of the plurality of branch pipes is provided with a control valve controlled by the control device.

[0020] Furthermore, the branch pipe is also equipped with a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure inside the pipe; the control device is also electrically connected to the pressure sensor and is configured to: when the pressure sensor detects an abnormal pressure, control the corresponding control valve to close.

[0021] Furthermore, the driving device is a motor.

[0022] Furthermore, the control device includes a touch screen display, which is used to set measurement parameters and / or display measurement data.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0024] (1) By setting up a control device electrically connected to the drive device, this utility model can automatically control the rotating parts in the well selection device to rotate to a predetermined position, thereby realizing the automatic switching of multiple produced fluid sources. This replaces the traditional method of manually operating valve groups for well selection, greatly reduces manual intervention, avoids human operation errors, significantly shortens the wellhead switching interval, and thus improves the overall working efficiency of the entire multi-well rotation metering.

[0025] (2) This utility model uses an integrated well selection device to replace multiple independent valves and manifolds, integrating multiple inputs into one unit. Well selection can be completed through a single action of the internal rotating parts. This "all-in-one" design allows one separate metering system to serve multiple oil wells, avoiding the huge investment required to configure metering equipment separately for each well. Therefore, the device has a more compact structure, significantly reducing the equipment footprint and substantially lowering the overall cost of equipment procurement, installation, and maintenance.

[0026] (3) The well selection device adopts a mechanical structure with internal rotating parts to switch the flow channels. Compared with the external manifold system composed of multiple independent valves, it has fewer moving parts, and the number of external connection points and potential leakage points are also reduced. This highly integrated internal switching mechanism simplifies the overall pipeline layout of the system, enhances the stability of the structure and the reliability of operation, and reduces the risk of failure and maintenance difficulty. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an intelligent well selection and metering device for multiphase flow of produced fluid proposed in this utility model.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the branch pipe of the intelligent well selection and metering device for multiphase flow of produced fluid proposed in this utility model.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of a well selection device for a multiphase flow intelligent well selection and metering device for produced fluid proposed in this utility model.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the well selection device of the intelligent well selection and metering device for multiphase flow of produced fluid proposed in this utility model;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hydrocyclone separator of the intelligent well selection and metering device for multiphase flow of produced fluid proposed in this utility model.

[0033] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the separation controller of the intelligent well selection and metering device for multiphase flow of produced fluid proposed in this utility model;

[0034] In the picture:

[0035] 1. Base; 101. Base plate; 102. Support column; 103. Support block;

[0036] 2. Control device; 201. Control unit; 202. Touch screen display; 203. Indicator lights;

[0037] 3. Branch pipe; 301. Pipe body; 302. Pressure sensor; 303. Control valve;

[0038] 4. Well selection device; 401. Fixed shell; 402. Liquid inlet; 403. Vertical groove; 404. Sealing sleeve; 405. Annular groove; 406. Well selection liquid outlet pipe; 407. First connecting pipe; 408. Second connecting pipe; 409. Motor; 410. Rotating component;

[0039] 5. Hydrocyclone separator; 501. Fixed pipe; 502. Liquid outlet; 503. Pressure transmitter; 504. Separation inlet pipe;

[0040] 6. Separator controller; 601. Fixed cylinder; 602. Block; 603. Connecting bar; 604. Float; 605. Support column; 606. Control inlet pipe; 607. Control outlet pipe; 608. Mass flow meter; 609. Fixed block; 610. Gas flow meter. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0042] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0043] like Figures 1-6 As shown in the figure, the intelligent well selection and metering device for multiphase flow of produced fluid provided in this embodiment includes a base 1, a control device 2 is fixedly connected to the left side of the top of the base 1, a well selection device 4 is fixedly connected to the middle of the top of the base 1, a branch pipe 3 is fixedly connected to the outside of the well selection device 4, a separation controller 6 is fixedly connected to the right side of the top of the base 1, and a cyclone separator 5 is fixedly connected between the separation controller 6 and the well selection device 4.

[0044] like Figure 3and Figure 4 As shown, the well selection device 4 includes a fixed shell 401 fixedly connected to the middle of the top of the base 1. The outer side of the fixed shell 401 is provided with a liquid inlet 402. A motor 409 is fixedly connected to the front side of the fixed shell 401. A rotating component 410 is fixedly connected to the output end of the motor 409. A vertical groove 403 is provided on the top of the rotating component 410. Annular grooves 405 are provided on both the front and rear sides of the outer side of the rotating component 410. A sealing sleeve 404 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the rotating component 410. Well selection liquid outlet pipes 406 are fixedly connected to both the front and rear sides of the lower part of the fixed shell 401. A first connecting pipe 407 is fixedly connected between the well selection liquid outlet pipes 406. A second connecting pipe 408 is fixedly connected to the lower part of the first connecting pipe 407.

[0045] Please see Figure 1 The overall layout of this device is clear, with all components mounted on the base 1, resulting in a compact structure. The core well selection function is achieved by the well selection device 4. Specifically, produced fluid from multiple oil wells is connected to the circumferentially distributed inlets 402 of the fixed housing 401 via their respective branch pipes 3. The control device 2 drives the motor 409 to rotate according to a preset program or operating command, thereby causing the rotating component 410 to rotate. When the vertical groove 403 at the top of the rotating component 410 is precisely aligned with a specific inlet 402, the produced fluid from that well enters the vertical groove 403. It then flows through the connected annular groove 405, diverting to the well selection outlet pipes 406 on both sides. After merging via the first connecting pipe 407 and the second connecting pipe 408, it is sent to the hydrocyclone separator 5. The sealing sleeve 404 on the outside of the rotating component 410 ensures a reliable seal between the rotating component 410 and the fixed housing 401, as well as with the non-selected inlets 402, during the rotation switching process, preventing fluid leakage and inter-well crosstalk. This design replaces the traditional, complex manual switching of valve groups with a motor-driven rotary motion, enabling automatic well switching without human intervention. This greatly improves work efficiency and reduces labor intensity. At the same time, this integrated, rotary structure occupies less space than traditional manifolds, effectively saving costs.

[0046] The base 1 includes a base plate 101, with a support column 102 fixedly connected to the middle of the top of the base plate 101, and a support block 103 fixedly connected to the right side of the top of the base plate 101. Specifically, the base plate 101 provides a stable and solid installation foundation for the entire device. The support column 102 in the middle serves as the main load-bearing structure of the well selection device 4, ensuring its stable operation under motor drive. The support block 103 on the right side is used to firmly support and fix the cyclone separator 5 and the separation controller 6. This functionally partitioned base design ensures accurate installation and positioning of the main components, a stable and reliable structure, and provides physical protection for the long-term stable operation of the entire device.

[0047] The control device 2 includes a control body 201 fixedly connected to the top left side of the base plate 101. A touch screen display 202 and indicator lights 203 are fixedly connected to the front of the control body 201. This control device 2 is the intelligent control core of this device. The control body 201 is typically a programmable logic controller (PLC) or an industrial computer. Through electrical connection, it centrally controls and collects data from all actuators and sensors in the system. Its electrical connection objects include pressure sensors 302 and control valves 303 on each branch pipe 3, motor 409 of the well selection device 4, pressure transmitter 503 at the inlet of the cyclone separator 5, and mass flow meter 608 and gas flow meter 610 at the outlet of the separation controller 6. Operators can interact with the machine through the front-mounted touch screen display 202. They can not only read and display process parameters and historical data such as liquid volume, gas volume, water content, pressure, and temperature in real time, but also easily perform operations such as well number setting, metering time modification, alarm threshold setting, and manual well selection. In addition, the control unit 201 integrates a wireless communication module, supporting remote data monitoring and parameter setting. Indicator light 203 is used to issue audible and visual alarms when system abnormalities occur (such as pressure exceeding limits). This control device enables the device to achieve a high level of automation and intelligence, realizing unattended operation, remote monitoring, and refined management.

[0048] See Figure 2 The branch pipe 3 includes a pipe body 301 fixedly connected to the outside of the fixed housing 401. A pressure sensor 302 and a control valve 303 are installed on the pipe body 301. Each branch pipe 3 corresponds to an oil well, and its pipe body 301 is used to connect to the oil well's inlet pipeline. The pressure sensor 302 is used to monitor the fluid pressure within the corresponding pipe body 301 in real time and transmit the signal to the control device 2. The control valve 303, as an independent on / off actuator, is also controlled by the control device 2.

[0049] This design provides dual safety protection: during normal well selection, the control device 2 only opens the control valve 303 of the selected branch pipe; at the same time, if the pressure sensor 302 of any pipe detects an abnormal pressure (too high or too low), the control device 2 will immediately execute a safety procedure, forcibly close the control valve 303 of that pipe, and illuminate the indicator light 203 to sound an alarm, thereby effectively preventing safety accidents caused by sudden changes in single-well operating conditions, promptly alerting on-site personnel to handle the situation, and ensuring the safety of equipment and personnel.

[0050] See Figure 5The cyclone separator 5 includes a separation inlet pipe 504 fixedly connected to the end of a second connecting pipe 408 (or a first connecting pipe 407) at the right end of the well outlet pipe 406. A pressure transmitter 503 is installed on the separation inlet pipe 504. A fixed pipe 501 is fixedly connected to the right end of the separation inlet pipe 504, and an outlet 502 is provided on the right side of the fixed pipe 501. Figure 5 As shown, the produced fluid flowing from the well selection device 4 is injected tangentially at high speed into the vertically positioned fixed pipe 501 through a downward-angled separation inlet pipe 504. This unique entry method causes the fluid to generate strong rotational centrifugal motion within the fixed pipe 501. Under the action of the centrifugal force field, the denser liquid phase (oil and water) is thrown against the pipe wall and flows downwards along the inner wall, eventually converging at the bottom and flowing out through the outlet 502; while the less dense gas phase accumulates in the inverted conical vortex area formed at the center and moves upwards to be discharged from the top of the fixed pipe 501. The pressure transmitter 503 is used to monitor the separator inlet pressure, providing data for operational analysis. This cyclone separator design utilizes the fluid's own energy to achieve efficient gas-liquid separation, featuring no moving parts, small size, high processing efficiency, and a simple and reliable structure.

[0051] See Figure 6 The separation controller 6 includes a fixed cylinder 601 fixedly connected to the top of the support block 103. A control inlet pipe 606 is fixedly connected to the left side of the fixed cylinder 601, and a control outlet pipe 607 is fixedly connected to the right side of the fixed cylinder 601. A gas flow meter 610 is installed on the upper control outlet pipe 607, and a mass flow meter 608 is installed on the lower control outlet pipe 607. A support column 605 is fixedly connected to the inner side of the fixed cylinder 601, and a fixing block 609 is fixedly connected between the support columns 605. A connecting strip 603 is movably connected inside the fixing block 609. Blocks 602 are fixedly connected to the top and bottom of the connecting strip 603, and a float 604 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the connecting strip 603. This separation controller 6 realizes a sophisticated, purely mechanical automatic liquid level regulation.

[0052] Its working principle is based on the principle of communicating vessels: the separated gas enters the upper control inlet pipe 606 from the top of the fixed pipe 501, and the liquid enters the lower control inlet pipe 606 from the bottom outlet 502. Both are introduced into the fixed cylinder 601, so the liquid level in the fixed cylinder 601 is kept consistent with the liquid level in the fixed pipe 501 in real time. When the liquid level in the fixed pipe 501 rises, the liquid level in the fixed cylinder 601 rises accordingly. Under the action of buoyancy, the float 604 drives the connecting strip 603 and the two upper and lower blocking blocks 602 to move upward. At this time, the upper blocking block 602 will throttle the upper gas control outlet pipe 607, reducing the gas discharge; while the lower blocking block 602 will further open the lower liquid control outlet pipe 607, increasing the liquid discharge, thereby causing the liquid level to drop.

[0053] Conversely, when the liquid level drops, the float 604 sinks, increasing the gas discharge and decreasing the liquid discharge, thus causing the liquid level to rise again. Through this negative feedback regulation mechanism, the system can automatically stabilize the liquid level in the separator at a suitable height. The separated gas and liquid are accurately measured by the gas flow meter 610 and the mass flow meter 608, respectively. In particular, the mass flow meter 608 integrates viscosity, temperature, and piezoelectric sensors. By measuring multiple parameters such as the density, viscosity, temperature, and pressure of the oil-water mixture and performing compensation calculations based on a preset mathematical model, it can achieve online accurate measurement of the water content of crude oil. This design not only ensures the stability of the separation operation and creates conditions for accurate measurement, but also achieves liquid level control in a purely mechanical manner, ensuring high reliability and requiring no additional energy consumption.

[0054] The overall workflow of this multiphase flow intelligent well selection and metering device for produced fluid is as follows:

[0055] The operator can manually select the well number to be metered via the touch screen 202 of the control device 2, or the control device 2 can initiate the metering task according to the preset automatic rotation program. The control device 2 issues a command to drive the motor 409 in the well selection device 4, which drives the rotating part 410 to rotate to the position of the inlet 402 corresponding to the designated well number.

[0056] After the rotating component 410 is accurately positioned, the control device 2 opens the control valve 303 on the branch pipe 3 corresponding to the well number. The produced fluid from the oil well then flows through the pipe body 301, the inlet 402, the internal channels (vertical groove 403 and annular groove 405) of the rotating component 410, as well as the well selection outlet pipe 406, the first connecting pipe 407 and the second connecting pipe 408, and finally flows into the cyclone separator 5.

[0057] The produced fluid rotates at high speed in the fixed tube 501 of the hydrocyclone 5 and is rapidly separated into gas and liquid phases (oil-water mixture) under the action of centrifugal force.

[0058] The separated gas and liquid phases enter the separation controller 6 respectively. The float 604 mechanism inside the fixed cylinder 601 automatically adjusts the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the gas and liquid outlets according to the real-time liquid level, dynamically stabilizing the liquid level in the separator within the optimal range. The stable gas flow is measured by the gas flow meter 610 above, and the stable liquid flow is measured by the mass flow meter 608 below. The mass flow meter also performs online analysis of the moisture content.

[0059] Throughout the metering process, control device 2 collects and records all data from pressure sensor 302, pressure transmitter 503, gas flow meter 610, and mass flow meter 608 in real time. Simultaneously, pressure sensor 302 continuously monitors the pipeline pressure; if an abnormality is detected, the system will automatically close control valve 303 and trigger indicator light 203 to sound an alarm.

[0060] When the preset metering time is reached or the metering is completed, the control device 2 closes the control valve 303 of the current wellhead, completing the metering. Subsequently, the device can automatically switch to the next well according to the instruction and repeat the above process to achieve continuous, automated, and intelligent metering of multiple oil wells.

[0061] In the description of this utility model, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0062] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0063] The term "comprising" or any other similar term is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus / device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent in such process, method, article, or apparatus / device.

[0064] The technical solution of this utility model has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the protection scope of this utility model is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of this utility model, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A smart well selection and metering device for multiphase flow of produced fluid, characterized in that, include: Multiple branch pipes (3) are used to introduce multiple sources of produced fluid respectively; The well selection device (4) is connected to the plurality of branch pipes (3); The separation device is connected to the well selection device (4); Control device (2) is used to automatically control the switching action of the well selection device (4); The well selection device (4) includes a fixed shell (401), a rotating component (410) rotatably disposed in the fixed shell (401), and a driving device for driving the rotating component (410) to rotate. The fixed shell (401) is provided with a plurality of liquid inlets (402) that are respectively connected to the plurality of branch pipes (3). The rotating component (410) is provided with a fluid channel, which is used to connect a selected liquid inlet (402) to the separation device when the rotating component (410) rotates to a predetermined position; The control device (2) is electrically connected to the drive device and is used to control the drive device to drive the rotating part (410) to rotate to the predetermined position so as to switch the source of the produced fluid introduced into the separation device.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating component (410) is provided with a vertical groove (403) for connecting to the inlet (402) and an annular groove (405) communicating with the vertical groove (403); the fixed shell (401) is provided with a well selection outlet pipe (406) that cooperates with the annular groove (405), and the fluid channel is at least partially composed of the vertical groove (403), the annular groove (405) and the well selection outlet pipe (406).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separation device is a cyclone separator (5).

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cyclone separator (5) includes a vertically arranged fixed pipe (501) and a separation inlet pipe (504) tangentially connected to the fixed pipe (501). The separation inlet pipe (504) is connected to the outlet of the well selection device (4).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a separation controller (6) connected to the separation device, the separation controller (6) being equipped with a gas flow meter (610) for measuring the flow rate of the gas phase after separation and a mass flow meter (608) for measuring the flow rate of the liquid phase after separation.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The separation controller (6) includes a fixed cylinder (601), and a float (604) is provided inside the fixed cylinder (601). The float (604) is used to adjust the flow area of ​​the gas phase outlet and the liquid phase outlet in conjunction with the liquid level in the fixed cylinder (601).

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the plurality of branch pipes (3) is provided with a control valve (303) controlled by the control device (2).

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The branch pipe (3) is also provided with a pressure sensor (302) for detecting the pressure inside the pipe; the control device (2) is also electrically connected to the pressure sensor (302) and is configured to: when the pressure sensor (302) detects an abnormal pressure, control the corresponding control valve (303) to close.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving device is a motor (409).

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device (2) includes a touch screen (202) for setting measurement parameters and / or displaying measurement data.

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