Downhole Blower Control for Well Production Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Well production declines over time due to declining reservoir pressures, making it challenging to maintain efficient gas flow to the surface, especially as natural gas wells reach the end of their life cycle.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a controller communicably coupled to multiple blower systems, both downhole and surface-based, which monitors gas characteristics and adjusts operating parameters such as speed and pressure ratios to optimize gas flow by maintaining a pressure differential within the wellbore, ensuring efficient production even when reservoir pressures are insufficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a top side compressor is used to decrease pressure at the top of the well, then well production can be extended, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single surface compressor system into multiple downhole blower systems positioned at different depths in the wellbore. Each blower operates independently to create localized pressure differentials, segmenting the pressure boosting function throughout the wellbore rather than relying on a single surface device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces downhole blowers as intermediary devices between the reservoir and the surface compressor. These blowers act as mediators that locally enhance gas flow by creating pressure differentials at specific depths, reducing the burden on the surface compressor and enabling extended production.
2Productivity
If multiple blower systems are deployed at different depths in the wellbore, then gas flow efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wellbore into multiple zones with blowers positioned at different depths, allowing each blower to address specific flow challenges in its local zone. This segmentation enables targeted pressure enhancement where needed most while maintaining overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of multiple blowers through a controller that monitors gas characteristics and adjusts operating parameters in real-time. This dynamic coordination allows the system to adapt to changing well conditions and optimize gas flow efficiency while managing the complexity of multiple devices.
3Productivity
If the controller monitors and adjusts operating parameters of multiple blower systems, then production optimization is achieved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the controller continuously monitors gas characteristics (pressure, temperature, flow rate) at various depths and adjusts blower operating parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic optimization of production while the controller manages the complexity of coordinating multiple blowers.
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
The system effectively boosts well production by maintaining optimal pressure differentials and flow rates, extending the life of gas wells by enhancing gas flow to the surface even when reservoir pressures are low.
Implementation Method 1
The blower system includes a blower and an electric machine. The blower is configured to receive a gas from a wellbore at a first pressure and output the gas at a second, higher pressure
Implementation Method 2
The first blower system includes a first blower and a first electric machine configured to drive the first blower
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes various implementations of a downhole-blower system that can be used to boost production in a wellbore. The downhole-blower system includes a blower and an electric machine coupled to the blower that can be deployed in a wellbore, and that can, in cooperation, increase production through the wellbore.