Borehole Pressure Control via Surface Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the exact position of the mirror depth in a borehole is challenging due to the complex and changing mixture of gases and liquids, making it difficult to automate and maintain oil or gas production efficiently, especially in remote and costly locations.
Innovation Solution
A system that measures pressure at the borehole head and uses the determined mirror depth position to regulate the pumping performance, allowing for real-time pressure determination and control without the need for sensors deep within the borehole, utilizing surface-based devices and numerical methods to calculate pressure gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are installed deep within the borehole to measure fluid pressure directly, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using surface-based pressure sensors to measure pressure at the borehole head, then using acoustic signals to determine fluid level position, and finally calculating the depth pressure through numerical methods that account for pressure gradients in the fluid column. This mediator approach avoids direct sensor placement in the borehole while achieving accurate pressure measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically installing pressure sensors deep in the borehole with a combined acoustic-numerical method. Acoustic signals are used to detect fluid level position, and numerical calculations based on fluid mechanics principles (pressure gradients) substitute for direct mechanical measurement, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Reliability
If operators frequently visit the borehole for checks and maintenance, then reliability is improved, but loss of time and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring and feedback by using surface-based sensors to measure pressure and acoustic signals to detect fluid level position in real-time. This feedback system allows the control device to automatically adjust pump performance and detect potential issues before they become critical, maintaining reliability without requiring frequent physical operator visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation by automatically monitoring borehole conditions through surface-based measurements and autonomously adjusting pump performance based on detected parameters. The system can detect and respond to issues such as declining fluid levels or pressure changes without human intervention, reducing the need for operator visits while maintaining reliable operation.
3Productivity
If pump performance is increased to maximize oil extraction, then productivity is improved, but the risk of well dryness and reduced permeability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic control by continuously adjusting pump performance based on real-time measurements of fluid level position and pressure. Rather than operating at fixed high capacity, the system dynamically modulates pump speed and intake to match actual reservoir conditions, maximizing productivity while preventing harmful effects like well dryness and permeability reduction through adaptive response to changing conditions.
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 precise automation of oil or gas production, reducing operational costs and maintaining optimal production rates by continuously monitoring and controlling pressure and mirror depth, avoiding issues like well dryness and reduced permeability.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure measurement of the pressure at the head of the borehole is carried out
Implementation Method 2
the position of a surface depth is determined in the borehole
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A method and arrangement for operating a fluid pump in a borehole are optimized. In deep drilling, the location of a surface level (13) is determined in the borehole (10). A pressure measurement is taken at the borehole head (10). From the measured pressure at the borehole head (10) and the determined location of the surface level (13), the pressure in the fluid below the surface level (13) in the borehole (10) is determined. This pressure is used to control the output of a pumping device (30) for the fluid being pumped.