Acoustic Sensor Array for Perforation Flow Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack the ability to effectively monitor and analyze the behavior of individual perforations in cased hole wells, particularly in terms of flow characteristics and fluid composition, due to limitations in existing tools which are not applicable to cased hole environments.
Innovation Solution
A sensor array with sensors mounted on a mesh-like structure or extending arms is moved within the wellbore casing to detect flow properties in an azimuthal or radial direction, providing high spatial resolution and mapping location-based data to assess perforation behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If downhole video cameras are used to view perforations, then visual inspection of perforations is possible, but the well must be shut-in and filled with filtered fluid which limits operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical video cameras with acoustic sensors that detect flow-induced vibrations and sounds from perforations. This substitution eliminates the need for well shut-in and filtered fluid, allowing continuous operation while detecting perforation behavior through acoustic signals in the flowing fluid environment.
2Quantity of substance
If temperature logs and production logging tools are used in cased holes, then some production data can be obtained, but the tools have no azimuthal sensitivity and insufficient depth resolution to detect problems with individual perforations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple acoustic sensors positioned at different azimuthal locations around the wellbore. This segmentation enables individual perforation detection by assigning specific sensors to monitor specific perforation zones, providing both comprehensive production data coverage and perforation-level measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds azimuthal dimension to production logging by positioning sensors around the circumference of the wellbore. This dimensional expansion transforms single-point temperature logs into multi-directional acoustic monitoring, enabling identification of individual perforation behavior while maintaining overall production data coverage.
3Measurement precision
If Kinley calipers or similar tools are used to map damage or holes in casing, then mechanical sensing of casing conditions is possible, but the tools cannot detect flow characteristics or fluid composition at individual perforations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional acoustic sensing system that simultaneously performs casing condition mapping and flow characteristic detection. The same acoustic sensors that detect perforation locations also identify fluid flow patterns, fluid composition through acoustic properties, and sand production, eliminating the need for separate specialized tools.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus an methods for detecting the behavior of perforations in a wellbore casing, the apparatus including a sensor array movable within the internal diameter of the casing, the sensor array having one or more sensors located proximate the internal surface of the casing with the sensors being located or oriented such that properties of flow from a proximate perforation can be distinguished from properties of a main flow through the wellbore.