External Pipe Sensors for Real-Time Wellsite Flow Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well operations lack effective methods for monitoring fluid and solids transport through well surface pipe assemblies, leading to insufficient detection of downhole events and loss of valuable operational insights.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive system using ultrasonic and acoustic sensors mounted on the exterior of pipes to measure fluid and solids transport, providing real-time monitoring and data acquisition for wellsite automation, enabling retrofitting to existing assemblies without interrupting pipe connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted inside the pipe to measure fluid and solids transport, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting sensors inside the pipe to directly contact the fluid and solids, the patent inverts the approach by mounting sensors on the exterior surface of the pipe. The sensors detect vibrations and acoustic signals transmitted through the pipe wall from the flowing materials, enabling measurement without internal installation. This resolves the contradiction by achieving measurement capability while eliminating the complexity of internal sensor mounting.
2Loss of information
If sensors are installed internally in existing pipe assemblies, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of operation and retrofitting capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables retrofitting of measurement capability to existing pipe assemblies by inverting the sensor mounting location from internal to external. Sensors are attached to the outer surface of existing pipes, allowing operational information to be captured without modifying the internal pipe structure or interrupting pipe connections. This resolves the contradiction by making the system easily retrofittable while maintaining full measurement capability.
3Device complexity
If conventional detection methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and detection capability of downhole events worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the pipe wall itself as an intermediary medium to transmit information from the flowing fluids and solids to the externally mounted sensors. The pipe wall acts as a mediator that conducts vibrations and acoustic signals generated by downhole events to the sensor surface, enabling precise detection without requiring complex internal detection systems. This resolves the contradiction by achieving high measurement precision through a simple external sensor configuration.
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
Enables real-time quantification of fluid and solids flow, facilitating improved well operation performance by allowing for automated adjustments based on downhole conditions and enhancing the efficiency of wellsite operations.
Implementation Method 1
mounting sensors to the exterior of pipes, thus enabling retrofitting of the sensor system to existing assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates monitoring of events related to various well operations. According to an embodiment, the technique provides a non-invasive approach to measuring fluid and solids transport through well surface pipe assemblies. The desired information may be detected and obtained by mounting sensors to the exterior of pipes, thus enabling retrofitting of the sensor system to existing assemblies at a desired time during a given operation. Additionally, the technique may utilize a combination of sensors and systems for measuring fluid and solids transport through well flow path assemblies. The measurements obtained may be used to provide real-time monitoring of surface flow conditions as well as of downhole wellbore conditions and of the status of downhole equipment.