Acoustic Fluid Level Detection for Pump Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving dynamic equilibrium between reservoir inflow and artificial lift outflow in wells is challenging due to changing reservoir conditions and the inefficiencies of constant or high-capacity pumping, which can lead to wasted energy, equipment damage, and paraffin buildup.
Innovation Solution
A real-time fluid level detection system using a conduit and pressure transducer to generate and measure acoustic signals within the tubing-casing annulus, combined with a variable frequency drive for the subsurface pump, allowing for continuous operation and optimal production rate balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If constant or high-capacity pumping is used to maximize outflow, then production rate is improved, but energy waste and equipment damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pump capacity adjustable through variable frequency drive (VFD) control. The system dynamically adjusts the pump speed based on real-time fluid level measurements, transitioning from static constant-capacity pumping to dynamic adaptive pumping. This allows the system to optimize the balance between productivity and energy consumption by matching pump output to actual reservoir inflow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using real-time fluid level detection to monitor well conditions and automatically adjusting pump capacity through VFD. The fluid level sensor provides continuous feedback about the balance between inflow and outflow, and the control system uses this information to modulate pump speed, creating a closed-loop system that prevents energy waste while maintaining optimal production.
2Productivity
If constant or high-capacity pumping is used to maximize outflow, then production rate is improved, but equipment damage and paraffin buildup occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pump capacity based on real-time fluid level conditions, preventing the pump from operating in damaging dry conditions. By making the pump speed variable rather than constant, the system adapts to changing well conditions and prevents equipment damage while maintaining high productivity when conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time fluid level detection provides continuous feedback that prevents the pump from operating when fluid levels are too low. The control system uses this feedback to stop or reduce pumping before damage occurs, thereby improving equipment reliability while maintaining optimal production rates when conditions are favorable.
3Productivity
If real-time fluid level detection is implemented, then optimal production balancing is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex downhole pressure measurement systems with a simpler surface-level acoustic detection method. By using acoustic waves traveling through the tubing-casing annulus to determine fluid levels, the system achieves real-time monitoring without requiring complex electronic sensors downhole, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining productivity optimization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient well production by maintaining the fluid level for maximum drawdown, reducing wear on equipment, and allowing for coordinated reservoir management across multiple wells.
Implementation Method 1
A real-time fluid level detection system using a conduit and pressure transducer to generate and measure acoustic signals within the tubing-casing annulus
Data Source
AI summary
A system for matching the hydrocarbon reservoir inflow with the outflow of an artificial lift system utilizes an apparatus which makes real time fluid level determinations and inputs the observed fluid levels into a processor which controls the speed of a motor which operates a subsurface pump, so as to increase hydrocarbon production. The apparatus which makes real time fluid determinations is installed such that a gas emission port and a pressure wave receiving port are placed within the tubing-casing annulus.