Downhole Water Control Valve with Density Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing water production in oil and gas wells are inefficient, particularly in gas production, as they require significant energy and equipment, and existing autonomous inflow control devices are limited in their application and cannot effectively handle gas production due to their response to fluid viscosity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that autonomously vary fluid flow in the wellbore based on quantitative water content measurements, using a valve arrangement and sensor system to control water ingress into the production conduit, allowing for real-time optimization of water production and reducing the need for surface separation facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous inflow control devices are used to close when exposed to water inflow, then water production control is improved, but the device cannot be used for gas production due to viscosity-based operation principle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from fluid viscosity to fluid density. By using a density-based sensor instead of a viscosity-based sensor, the autonomous control device can now distinguish between water and hydrocarbons in gas production where viscosity differentiation is not effective, thereby extending applicability to gas wells while maintaining water production control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal water detection and control system that functions across different production types (oil and gas) by using a density-based detection mechanism that works for both liquid and gas phase hydrocarbons, making the device multi-functional rather than limited to specific production scenarios
2Reliability
If surface water separation equipment is used, then water production management is improved, but energy consumption and equipment footprint increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water detection and control function from the surface facility and places it downhole, eliminating the need for large surface separation equipment. By taking the water management capability directly to the production zone, the system removes the requirement for energy-intensive surface processing while maintaining reliable water production management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service system where the wellbore apparatus autonomously detects water presence and adjusts flow control without requiring external surface equipment or energy input. The system uses downhole sensors and actuators that operate independently, making the production system self-managing regarding water control
3Reliability
If preset choking devices are distributed along the production completion, then water coning control is improved, but the preset choking may no longer match production conditions over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static preset choking devices with dynamic, autonomously controllable flow control elements. These devices can adjust their choking level in real-time based on downhole sensor feedback regarding water presence and production conditions, maintaining optimal water coning control as reservoir conditions evolve over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where downhole sensors continuously monitor production fluid composition and provide signals to actuators that adjust flow control element positions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the system adapts to changing production conditions automatically, maintaining reliable water coning control without manual intervention
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 provides greater control over water production, optimizing oil recovery in oil wells and enabling additional capabilities in gas production, such as reducing water ingress and maintaining optimal hydrocarbon extraction, while minimizing the need for surface equipment and optimizing the use of resources.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor arrangement may comprise a sensor configured to detect one or more property of the production fluid indicative of the presence of water and/or the water content within the production fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (10) for controlling water production in a wellbore (B) comprises a body in the form of a base pipe (12), the base pipe (12) having an axial flow passage in the form of axial throughbore (14) and a lateral flow passage in the form of radial port (16). A shroud (18) is disposed around the base pipe (12) and forms a housing of the apparatus (10). In use, the apparatus (10) forms part of a completion string (CS) for location in the wellbore (B), the apparatus (10) configured to direct production fluid into a production conduit (P) for recovery to surface (S), perform a quantitative measurement of water content within the production fluid, and vary the fluid flow in the fluid flow path based on the quantitative measurement of water content within the production fluid to maintain water production at or below a predetermined threshold.