Downhole Card Plunger Velocity Detection for Rod-Pumped Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole cards lack information on plunger velocity during a pumping stroke, which is crucial for accurately diagnosing and controlling the operation of rod-pumped wells.
Innovation Solution
Determine plunger velocity using position data from a downhole card and plot normalized plunger velocity over the card, enabling real-time control of well operations through systems like POC, SCADA, Integrated VFD, or Cloud-based control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If downhole card is used to determine pump performance, then pump performance can be assessed, but plunger velocity information is missing which is needed for accurate diagnosis and control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts plunger velocity information from position data obtained during downhole card operations. By processing the position data to calculate velocity, the system extracts the specific missing parameter needed for accurate diagnosis without requiring additional measurement equipment downhole.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement of plunger velocity with a computational approach. Instead of using mechanical velocity sensors downhole, the system uses position data from existing sensors and computationally derives velocity information, eliminating the need for complex downhole velocity measurement equipment.
2Ease of operation
If traditional downhole card method is used, then pump performance can be monitored, but real-time control capability is limited due to lack of velocity data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by calculating plunger velocity from position data and using this information to monitor and control pump operations. The velocity information provides real-time feedback on pump performance, enabling operators to adjust operations based on actual plunger movement characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the downhole card system multi-functional by enabling it to provide both traditional performance monitoring and new velocity-based control capabilities. The same position data infrastructure is used for both diagnostic purposes and real-time control decisions.
3Measurement precision
If plunger velocity is determined from position data, then accurate velocity information is obtained, but additional processing and normalization plotting are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary normalization of the plunger velocity data before plotting. By normalizing the velocity data in advance, the system prepares the information for meaningful comparison and analysis, reducing the complexity of subsequent interpretation and control decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining plunger velocity in a rod pumped well using position data from a downhole card to determine plunger velocity during a pump stroke and plotting normalized plunger velocity over a downhole card.