ESP Density Meter Rotor Diffuser Pressure Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining downhole water content in hydrocarbon production, such as gamma ray densitometers and gradiomanometers, face challenges in accurately measuring fluid density and water-to-hydrocarbon ratios in oil-water mixtures, particularly in complex wellbore environments.
Innovation Solution
An electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly with a density meter that includes a rotor and a measurement channel, where pressure sensors measure pressure differentials to calculate fluid density, allowing for precise determination of fluid density and water cut in oil-water mixtures, and can operate in any well orientation without lengthening the ESP assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a gamma ray densitometer or gradiomanometer is used to measure fluid density, then density measurement capability is provided, but measurement accuracy is insufficient in complex wellbore environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from indirect gamma ray absorbance or pressure differential to direct pressure measurement at multiple radial positions. By measuring pressure at different radial distances from the rotor axis and using centrifugal force relationships, the system achieves more accurate and reliable density measurements in complex wellbore environments where traditional methods fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the gamma ray source/detector system or the simple pressure differential measurement system with a mechanical centrifugal measurement system. The rotating rotor creates controlled centrifugal forces that allow direct mechanical measurement of fluid density through pressure sensors, providing more reliable results in complex environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ESP assembly is lengthened to accommodate density measurement tools, then density measurement capability is added, but installation risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the density measurement function with the existing ESP assembly by integrating the rotor and pressure sensors into the pump's rotational mechanism. This combination eliminates the need for separate density measurement tools and avoids lengthening the ESP assembly, thereby maintaining installation simplicity and reducing installation risks while adding density measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If traditional density measurement tools are used, then density measurement is possible, but the measurement is restricted by flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic rotating rotor that creates centrifugal forces to drive fluid through the measurement channel. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain measurement capability across varying flow rates, as the rotational speed can be adjusted to ensure sufficient fluid movement through the sensors regardless of the well's production rate.
4Reliability
If the ESP assembly is configured for specific well orientations, then optimal performance is achieved, but adaptability to various orientations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the ESP assembly with a universal orientation capability by using a rotating rotor that can operate effectively in any well orientation. The centrifugal measurement system adapts to the local gravity and flow conditions regardless of orientation, making the device universally applicable to vertical, horizontal, or inclined wells without sacrificing performance.
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 ESP assembly provides accurate and compact density measurements that are not restricted by flow rate, enabling precise water cut determination and reducing installation risks, while being adaptable to various well orientations and surface use.
Implementation Method 1
rotating a shaft, by a motor, at a predetermined angular velocity such that a rotor of the ESP, rotationally coupled to the shaft, rotates about an axis relative to a diffuser of the ESP assembly
Implementation Method 2
sensing, by a first pressure sensor, a first pressure indicative of the pressure at a first location in a measurement channel. The first location is at a first radial distance from the axis. The method also includes sensing, by a second pressure sensor, a second pressure indicative of the pressure at a second location in a measurement channel
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to an electric submersible pump assembly to measure a density of a fluid in a wellbore. The ESP assembly includes a density meter having a diffuser with an interior volume defined by an inner surface, a rotatable rotor arranged in the interior volume, a measurement channel, and a sensor sub-assembly configured to measure pressures in the measurement channel. The rotor includes a rotor channel defined by a first face of a partition of the rotor and an interior wall of the rotor, extends from an inlet to an outlet. The inlet is arranged at a first radial distance from an axis and the outlet is arranged at a second radial distance from the axis, greater than the first radial distance. The measurement channel, defined by the inner surface of the diffuser and a second face of the partition, extends from the outlet to the inlet.