Cross-Lateral Logging for Multilateral Well Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multilateral wells with multiple lateral branches, effective monitoring and management of fluid injection and production operations are challenging due to the complexity of fluid flow paths and high costs associated with injected fluids, necessitating a method to optimize these operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of equipment in respective lateral branches for cross-lateral logging, which involves using signal emitters and sensors to monitor properties of the subterranean structure by emitting signals and receiving data affected by the structure, allowing for efficient monitoring of fluid injection and production operations across different branches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If equipment is provided in multiple lateral branches for monitoring fluid operations, then monitoring precision and operational optimization are improved, but device complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring function into separate components deployed in different lateral branches. Signal emitters are placed in one lateral branch while sensors are placed in another, allowing the monitoring system to be segmented across multiple locations rather than requiring a single complex system in one location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cross-lateral logging as an intermediary method to monitor fluid operations. Instead of directly monitoring in each lateral branch, the system uses signal transmission through the subterranean structure between lateral branches, providing indirect monitoring that reduces complexity while maintaining precision.
2Loss of information
If cross-lateral logging is performed using signal emitters and sensors in different lateral branches, then fluid flow path identification and operational optimization are improved, but loss of time for signal transmission and data collection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic signal transmission between lateral branches, where signal emitters send signals at regular intervals and sensors collect data during these periodic transmissions. This allows for efficient data collection over time without requiring continuous signal transmission, reducing overall time loss while maintaining comprehensive fluid flow path identification.
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 approach enables cost-effective injection operations by identifying fluid flow paths and optimizing fluid distribution, enhancing the accuracy of monitoring and management of fluid injection and production processes in multilateral wells.
Implementation Method 1
Cross-lateral logging is performed using the first and second equipment in the corresponding first and second lateral branches
Data Source
AI summary
First equipment is provided in a first lateral branch of a well, and second equipment in a second lateral branch of the well. Cross-lateral logging is performed using the first and second equipment in the corresponding first and second lateral branches.