Conductivity Probe Corrects Multiphase Flow Meter Salinity Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for monitoring fluid properties in oil and gas exploration, particularly during fracturing operations, face challenges in accurately tracking rapid changes in water salinity and reservoir properties due to the lack of continuous interpolation capabilities, leading to inaccurate flow rate estimates and potential damage to well reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a conductivity probe system that generates real-time brine conductivity data, which is used to correct and modify fluid flow data from multiphase flow meters, enabling continuous monitoring and adjustment of salinity changes, thereby improving the accuracy of flow rate measurements and reservoir property identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sampling and post-processing are used to track water salinity changes, then measurement precision can be achieved, but loss of time occurs and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling operations with an automated conductivity probe system that continuously measures water salinity in real-time, eliminating the need for manual sampling while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The conductivity probe provides continuous monitoring of water salinity changes throughout the fracturing operation, enabling real-time detection and response without the interruptions inherent in manual sampling methods
2Measurement precision
If event-centered changes of water-attenuations are used, then measurement precision can be maintained, but step changes are generated causing loss of information and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors water salinity changes in real-time, providing continuous calibration data that prevents step changes in flow rate computations and maintains reliable measurements throughout the entire fracturing operation
Solution Approach 2:
The conductivity probe provides continuous feedback on water salinity changes, enabling real-time adjustment of MPFM calibration parameters to maintain accurate flow rate measurements despite varying salinity conditions
3Reliability
If MPFM engineer is deployed for the entire duration of operation, then reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conductivity probe system automatically monitors and reports water salinity changes without requiring constant engineer intervention, enabling the system to self-adjust and maintain reliable measurements throughout the operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces continuous manual monitoring by engineers with an automated electronic sensing system that continuously measures and transmits salinity data, reducing the need for human presence while maintaining operational reliability
4Productivity
If real-time conductivity monitoring is implemented, then productivity and measurement precision improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductivity probe serves multiple functions including real-time salinity measurement, automatic MPFM calibration adjustment, and continuous data logging, consolidating multiple operations into a single device to minimize added 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 allows for precise monitoring and control of fluid properties, reducing the need for manual sampling and post-processing, enhancing the accuracy of flow rate measurements and reservoir property identification, and preventing damage to well reservoirs by maintaining them within a secure operating envelope.
Implementation Method 1
Conductivity probes or systems are sometimes used to measure the conductivity of water contained in oil/water/gas multiphase flows
Implementation Method 2
The MPFM 102 measures individual-phase flow rates of well fluids (e.g., gas, oil and water) during FPDO and flowback operations
Data Source
AI summary
Conductivity probe fluid property measurement systems and related methods are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a flow meter and a fluid conduit to provide a flow path for a fluid relative to the flow meter. The example apparatus includes a conductivity probe coupled to the fluid conduit to generate brine conductivity data of the fluid during flow of the fluid through the fluid conduit. The example apparatus includes a processor to modify fluid flow data generated by the flow meter based on the brine conductivity data.