Beam Pumped Well Productivity Assessment Without Shut-In
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for assessing the productivity of intermittently produced beam pumped hydrocarbon producing wells are costly and time-consuming, requiring well shut-in periods, which is not economically viable for aging oilfields with hundreds of wells.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that monitor pressure and production rate signals during normal operation, using a type curve algorithm to calculate well properties like formation permeability and skin without the need for shut-in, allowing for the identification of well properties and potential enhancements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pressure buildup survey methods are used to assess well productivity, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity worsen due to required well shut-in periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors pressure and production rate data during normal well operation, accumulating the information needed for productivity assessment before any analysis is performed. This eliminates the need for shut-in periods because the data collection happens during productive operation, not after cessation.
Solution Approach 2:
The method enables continuous productivity assessment during normal well production without interruption. The pressure and rate monitoring occurs continuously during pump operation, allowing productivity evaluation to proceed without stopping the well, thereby maintaining continuous useful production action.
2Measurement precision
If conventional pressure buildup survey methods are used to assess well productivity, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity worsens due to production loss during shut-in
Solution Approach 1:
All necessary data for productivity assessment is collected during normal production operation before analysis begins. The pressure and rate signals are monitored continuously during pump operation, so the assessment is based on preliminary data gathered while the well is producing, not after shut-in.
Solution Approach 2:
The assessment method maintains continuous hydrocarbon production while simultaneously collecting assessment data. The well remains operational throughout the entire assessment process, eliminating production loss while maintaining measurement capability through continuous pressure and rate monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If conventional pressure buildup survey methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but cost worsens due to operational disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data collection during normal operation, so no additional shut-in time or operational disruption is required for assessment. The pressure and rate data are gathered as part of routine monitoring, eliminating the need for separate costly assessment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The well operates continuously during the assessment process, maintaining production and avoiding the energy loss and operational disruption associated with shut-in periods. The assessment is integrated into normal production operations, eliminating additional cost centers.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods and systems for characterizing an intermittently produced beam pumped hydrocarbon producing well that is controlled by a Type II pump off controller. The well is operated at production pumping conditions while a pressure signal and/or a production rate signal is monitored, without the need for a conventional pressure-buildup shut in period to obtain well data. A set of theoretical type curves is plotted using a type curve algorithm that successively solves for the duration of each producing time (ΔtpN). A dimensionless curve of the percentage run time versus the number of production cycles for the well is also plotted. The theoretical type curve closest matching the dimensionless curve is identified. From the closest matching type curve, Δtp1/Δts is determined wherein Δtp1 is the amount of time for a first production period of the well and Δts is an operator defined shut in period, and Δtp1 is calculated. A well property selected from the group consisting of formation permeability, skin, productivity index and combinations thereof can be calculated using the well data and Δtp1.