Acoustic Wireless Sensor Network for Wellbore Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring post-stimulation operations in hydrocarbon wells are inefficient, relying on surface measurements and physical cables that are difficult to install and prone to leakage, especially in horizontal wells, and lack real-time multiphase flow metering capabilities to determine proppant distribution and settlement.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using an acoustic wireless sensor network with communication nodes installed along tubular members in the wellbore to transmit and receive acoustic signals, allowing for real-time monitoring of fluids and solids, and adjusting operations based on analyzed data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surface measurement technologies are used to monitor post-stimulation operations, then monitoring coverage is provided, but real-time data on proppant distribution and settlement cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore is divided into multiple monitoring segments with communication nodes distributed at different depths. Each node independently monitors local conditions (pressure, temperature, acoustic signals) and transmits data to surface, enabling localized measurement of proppant distribution and settlement at specific wellbore sections rather than bulk surface measurements only.
Solution Approach 2:
Acoustic signals serve as intermediaries to transmit information about proppant presence and movement from downhole communication nodes to surface monitoring systems. The acoustic wireless communication network acts as an intermediary channel, carrying real-time data about proppant distribution and settlement without requiring physical cable connections.
2Reliability
If physical cables are used for downhole monitoring, then real-time data transmission is achieved, but installation difficulty and leakage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical cable-based data transmission system is replaced with an acoustic wireless communication system. Communication nodes transmit data acoustically through the wellbore fluid or tubular walls without physical cable connections, eliminating installation complexity and leakage risks associated with cables while maintaining real-time data transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable component is extracted/removed from the monitoring system. Communication nodes are designed to operate without cable connections, using acoustic signals for data transmission. This extraction eliminates the harmful factors (leakage, installation difficulty) associated with cables while preserving the essential function of real-time data transmission.
3Device complexity
If accumulated liquid volume measurement is used, then simple monitoring is provided, but determination of proppant source and settlement location is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore is segmented into multiple monitoring zones with distributed communication nodes at different depths. Each node provides localized measurements of pressure, temperature, and acoustic signals, enabling identification of proppant sources and settlement locations at specific wellbore sections rather than relying on bulk accumulated volume measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback from distributed communication nodes provides continuous information about proppant movement and settlement at different wellbore locations. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic monitoring and determination of proppant distribution patterns, allowing operators to track proppant from source to settlement location throughout the stimulation process.
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, real-time monitoring and adjustment of post-stimulation operations, improving wellbore management and reducing the risk of cement seal failures by accurately tracking proppant distribution and flowback processes.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic signal is transmitted from a first of the plurality of communication nodes. The transmitted acoustic signal is received by a second of the plurality of communication nodes
Implementation Method 2
During post-stimulation operations, an acoustic signal is transmitted from a first of the plurality of communication nodes. The transmitted acoustic signal is received by a second of the plurality of communication nodes
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are described for monitoring post-stimulation operations using a plurality of communication nodes disposed along tubular members in a wellbore. The method includes constructing a communication network and installing the communication nodes along the tubular members. The communication nodes are used to monitor for the presence and/or quantity of solids and/or fluids associated with post-stimulation operations in the tubular members by analyzing how the contents of the tubular members acoustically affect the signals transmitted between the communication nodes. Hydrocarbon operations may be modified based on the analysis.