Capillary Steam Injection Control for Reservoir Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steam injection systems for enhanced oil and gas recovery suffer from poor control over steam flow, leading to inefficient energy distribution and increased costs due to higher Steam Oil Ratio (SOR) and operating expenses.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising at least two capillaries in fluid communication with a boiler, each capillary equipped with a flow control device, such as a control valve, to enable precise, continuous, and real-time control of steam injection in a chamber or well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed flow steam splitters are used in current steam injection systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision of steam flow deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed flow steam splitters with dynamically adjustable flow control devices (valves) on each capillary. These valves can be remotely adjusted to vary steam flow rates, transforming the static system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing reservoir conditions and optimizes chamber formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables continuous adjustment of steam flow parameters (flow rate, distribution pattern) through electronically controlled valves. This allows operators to change flow parameters remotely without physical intervention, achieving precise control over steam injection characteristics and chamber development.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple adjustable capillaries with flow control devices are installed in each injector, then the control precision of steam flow is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal control system that can manage multiple capillaries through a single electronic interface. The flow control devices are standardized components that can be adjusted remotely, providing multi-functional capability to control steam distribution across numerous capillaries without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical adjustment of flow control devices with electronic/automated control systems. Valves can be adjusted remotely via electronic signals, eliminating the need for physical access to each capillary and reducing operational complexity despite increased device count.
3Ease of operation
If steam is injected without precise flow control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of energy increases due to poor chamber formation and steam diversions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where steam flow through each capillary is monitored and adjusted based on actual chamber formation performance. Temperature sensors and flow meters provide real-time data to the control system, which automatically adjusts valve positions to optimize energy distribution and prevent steam losses to diversions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically manages steam distribution without requiring continuous manual intervention. The electronic control valves self-adjust based on pre-programmed parameters and real-time feedback, maintaining optimal energy efficiency while simplifying operator tasks to monitoring and high-level decision making.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for enhanced oil and gas recovery. The system can comprise a boiler. The system can further comprise at least two capillaries in fluid communication with the boiler. The at least two capillaries can be disposed in an injector pipe and each one of the capillaries can include a flow control device for controlling an injection of steam in at least one of a chamber and a well for enhanced oil and gas recovery.