Electrical Submersible Pump as Seismic Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seismic reservoir monitoring is costly and disrupts production due to the need for specialized equipment and the lack of variable frequency seismic sources for well bore use, making frequent and regular surveys economically infeasible.
Innovation Solution
A downhole electrical submersible pump driven by a variable speed drive generates a family of fundamental and harmonic frequencies, acting as a seismic source, with sensor modules in another well or at the surface detecting these vibrations with minimal interference to well operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional independent seismic equipment is used, then seismic survey capability is achieved, but cost and production disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical submersible pump is designed to perform dual functions: oil production and seismic source generation. By equipping the pump with a variable speed drive, it can operate as both a production device and a seismic source, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the seismic source function with the existing electrical submersible pump system. The pump motor and drive mechanism are merged with seismic source capabilities, allowing a single device to perform both oil production and seismic survey functions simultaneously
2Measurement precision
If specialized seismic equipment is deployed, then seismic survey accuracy is improved, but operational disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical submersible pump serves itself by generating seismic waves during its normal operation. The variable speed drive enables the pump to generate controlled vibrations for seismic surveys without requiring external specialized equipment or interrupting production operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous production operation while performing seismic surveys. The electrical submersible pump continues to produce oil while simultaneously generating seismic waves through controlled vibration, allowing both production and survey activities to occur without interruption
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable frequency seismic sources are introduced, then survey flexibility is improved, but equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The variable speed drive on the electrical submersible pump provides frequency control for seismic surveys using existing production equipment. This approach achieves survey flexibility without requiring separate specialized variable frequency seismic sources, thereby avoiding additional complexity and cost
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 method allows for regular and frequent seismic surveys with reduced costs and operational disruption, enabling more accurate analysis of fluid distribution changes over time in reservoirs.
Implementation Method 1
a down hole electric submersible pump that is rotated by a variable speed drive acts the seismic source. By sweeping the frequency of the drive, a family of fundamentals and harmonics may be produced
Data Source
AI summary
Seismic data is collected by using an electrical submersible pump assembly in a well that is producing well fluid. By sweeping the rotational speed of the pump assembly through a selected range at selected intervals, seismic waves of varying frequency are emitted. These seismic waves are then picked up with a seismic sensor located at the surface or located in another well. If the seismic sensors are located in another well, the signal from the sensor may be transmitted to the surface by superimposing the data onto the power cable leading to the pump located in that other well. The seismic survey may be repeated at regular intervals, and the results will reveal the changes that have taken place over time in the reservoir.