Closed-to-atmosphere flow check system for wellbore influx detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current open-to-atmosphere flow check methods in wellbore operations are inadequate for accurately and quickly identifying self-sustained influxes of formation fluids, often leading to costly and inefficient false alarms and delayed drilling operations due to motion and thermal effects.
Innovation Solution
A closed-to-atmosphere system utilizing a flow rate measurement device and flow control device, controlled by sensors and software, to measure and manage annular return flow rates, allowing for rapid confirmation or ruling out of self-sustained influxes by monitoring and controlling fluid flow through the wellbore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If open-to-atmosphere flow check methods are used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the accuracy of identifying self-sustained influxes is poor due to motion and thermal effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow measurement system into separate components: a flow check valve assembly, a flow meter, and a control system. This allows the measurement function to be isolated and protected from atmospheric interference while maintaining operational simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a closed-to-atmosphere flow check system as an intermediary between the wellbore and the measurement devices. This intermediary isolates the measurement process from atmospheric motion and thermal effects, enabling accurate detection of self-sustained influxes without direct exposure to environmental disturbances.
2Productivity
If conventional flow check procedures are performed with minimum time requirements, then productivity is maintained, but false alarms occur due to inadequate detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the flow meter continuously monitors annular return flow rate and provides real-time data to the control system. This feedback loop enables rapid confirmation or ruling out of self-sustained influxes, allowing drillers to make quick, reliable decisions without unnecessary delays or false alarms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical flow observation methods with electronic flow measurement and control systems. This substitution enables more precise and rapid detection of flow conditions, improving both the speed and reliability of influx identification while maintaining drilling productivity.
3Measurement precision
If flow check procedures are extended to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but time loss and operational delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary flow measurement and analysis using the closed-to-atmosphere system and flow meter before committing to extended flow check procedures. This preliminary action provides rapid initial assessment that can confirm or rule out self-sustained influxes quickly, avoiding unnecessary time loss while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical observation procedures with electronic flow measurement and automated control systems. This substitution enables rapid data collection and analysis, achieving high measurement precision without the time delays associated with conventional extended flow check procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of identifying a self-sustained influx of formation fluids into a wellbore includes the steps of closing an annular shut-off device and diverting an annular return flow from the wellbore through a first flow rate measurement device, measuring a flow rate of said annular return flow, measuring an inlet flow rate of fluids entering the well through a second flow rate measurement device in a fluid injection line, and identifying a self-sustained influx of formation fluids if a non-decreasing measured annular return flow rate is greater than said measured inlet flow rate.