Annular Pressure Control Assembly for Adaptive Perforation Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perforation assemblies for wellbores lack the ability to dynamically adjust pressure settings during a perforating event, leading to deviations from the intended pressure profile, which can result in suboptimal production, equipment damage, and reduced well integrity due to unaccounted factors downhole.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous annular pressure control assembly that includes sensors, pressure adjusting devices, and a controller to form a feedback control loop, allowing real-time adjustments of annular pressure to match a reference time-pressure profile, ensuring optimal perforation conditions by actuating pressure increasing and decreasing devices based on measured pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If pressure control assembly is assembled and set before being extended downhole based on reference time-pressure profile, then the assembly can be prepared in advance with predetermined pressure settings, but the assembly cannot adjust settings if unknown factors arise downhole causing deviation from reference profile
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control assembly transitions from a static, pre-configured system to a dynamic, adaptive system by implementing real-time pressure monitoring and automated adjustment mechanisms. Sensors continuously measure downhole pressure conditions, and the control system dynamically modifies pressure settings based on actual measurements, enabling the assembly to adapt to unknown factors and maintain optimal pressure control throughout the perforation operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback control loop where pressure sensors monitor the actual pressure profile during the perforation event, compare it against the reference time-pressure profile, and automatically adjust pressure settings through actuators. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables real-time corrections when unknown factors cause deviations, ensuring the assembly maintains the desired pressure control despite initial pre-setting limitations.
2Ease of manufacture
If pressure control settings are predetermined based on reference profile, then assembly preparation is simplified, but actual downhole pressure may deviate from reference profile resulting in equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains the benefit of pre-preparation by establishing a reference time-pressure profile and pre-configuring basic pressure control settings before deployment. However, it supplements this preliminary action with real-time monitoring and automated adjustment capabilities, allowing the system to start from a prepared state while still adapting to actual downhole conditions to prevent deviations and equipment damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control assembly incorporates safety mechanisms and automated adjustment capabilities that act as a cushion against potential deviations from the reference profile. By continuously monitoring pressure and automatically correcting deviations before they reach critical levels, the system prevents equipment damage that could result from unaccounted factors, thereby protecting the investment in predetermined assembly preparation.
3Device complexity
If pressure control assembly uses fixed settings, then device complexity is reduced, but the assembly cannot respond to unaccounted factors causing suboptimal production
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control assembly implements self-service capabilities through automated pressure monitoring and adjustment systems. Rather than requiring complex external control systems or manual intervention, the assembly autonomously monitors its own pressure conditions using integrated sensors and automatically adjusts settings through built-in actuators controlled by onboard logic, enabling responsive pressure control while minimizing external complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical pressure adjustment mechanisms with automated control systems that use sensors, electronic controllers, and actuators. This substitution allows for more precise and responsive pressure control compared to purely mechanical systems, enabling the assembly to adapt to unaccounted factors and optimize hydrocarbon production without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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
This solution enables precise control of the dynamic pressure profile during perforation, enhancing perforation tunnel stability, sand control, and wellbore integrity, leading to improved hydrocarbon production and reduced risk of equipment failure.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, using a pressure sensor of the perforation assembly, downhole pressure within the wellbore
Implementation Method 2
sensors, pressure adjusting devices, and a controller to form a feedback control loop, allowing real-time adjustments of annular pressure to match a reference time-pressure profile
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of controlling a dynamic time-pressure profile associated with a perforation event that includes extending a perforation assembly within a casing string; firing a perforation gun of the perforation assembly; measuring, using a sensor of the perforation assembly, pressure within the casing string, wherein the measured pressure forms the dynamic time-pressure profile; identifying a first measured pressure within the dynamic time-pressure profile; identifying, using a controller of the perforation assembly, a first difference between the first measured pressure and a first reference pressure; and adjusting, using a first pressure generator of the perforation assembly, the pressure in response to the first difference to control the dynamic time-pressure profile; wherein the sensor, the controller, and the first pressure generator provide a feedback control loop.