Float-Based Layered Water Injection Control Without Wireline
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional layered water injection methods in oil fields require time-consuming wireline operations and are inefficient due to the use of cables for power and data transmission, which are prone to damage and high maintenance costs, and are affected by wellbore and formation conditions, limiting their adaptability to complex reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A water injection regulation system using a float limiting device at the wellhead, a ground water delivery device, and downhole water distribution devices that allow for intelligent, wireless data transmission and regulation through a float that moves up and down the wellbore, collecting and transmitting production data and distribution instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireline operations are used to realize layered regulation, then water injection control is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wireline operation system with an intelligent control system that uses electromagnetic signals to communicate with downhole devices. The intelligent water injection device receives control instructions via electromagnetic waves and automatically adjusts water injection parameters, eliminating the need for time-consuming wireline trips while maintaining precise layered control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole intelligent water injection device autonomously monitors formation conditions and automatically adjusts injection parameters without requiring constant wireline intervention. The device self-regulates water injection based on real-time data from sensors, reducing operational time and improving productivity.
2Ease of operation
If cables are used for power supply and data transmission in downhole devices, then control and monitoring are enabled, but the tripping process becomes complicated and operation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based power and data transmission system with an electromagnetic wave-based wireless communication system. The downhole device receives power and control instructions via electromagnetic signals transmitted through the wellbore, eliminating the need for physical cable tripping operations and simplifying the overall system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic wave transmission system serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides both power supply and data transmission capabilities through a single medium, eliminating the need for separate cable systems and reducing operational complexity.
3Ease of operation
If electromagnetic waves or pressure pulses are used for command control and data transmission, then cable-based tripping is avoided, but the transmission is greatly affected by wellbore and formation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The downhole intelligent water injection device continuously monitors formation conditions such as pressure, temperature, and fluid properties, and feeds this information back to the surface control system. The surface system uses this feedback to dynamically adjust electromagnetic transmission parameters, compensating for variations in wellbore and formation conditions to maintain stable and reliable data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes electromagnetic wave parameters (frequency, amplitude, modulation scheme) based on real-time monitoring of wellbore and formation conditions. This adaptive parameter adjustment ensures optimal data transmission stability despite variations in the operating environment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional water injection methods are used, then simple operation is maintained, but adaptability to complex and deep reservoirs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water injection system into multiple independent intelligent devices positioned at different depths and locations within the wellbore. Each device can independently monitor and control water injection to specific formation zones, allowing the system to adapt to complex reservoir geometries and multiple target layers without requiring a completely complex centralized control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic, real-time adjustment capabilities where downhole devices continuously monitor formation conditions and automatically modify injection parameters. This dynamic response enables the system to adapt to changing reservoir conditions and complex geological structures while maintaining operational flexibility.
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 efficient, stable, and cost-effective intelligent water injection with real-time data monitoring and regulation, reducing environmental impact and operational complexity, suitable for complex reservoirs.
Implementation Method 1
the float is configured to receive a water distribution instruction to regulate water distribution of each downhole water distribution device under water distribution condition, enter the water-injection string with water flow after being released, and spontaneously float upwards to the wellhead after data collection is completed
Data Source
AI summary
A water injection regulation system for water injection well has a float limiting device (A) provided at a wellhead configured to release and capture a float; a ground water delivery device (B) having an outlet in communication with the float limiting device (A), and is configured to inject water into well through the float limiting device (A); and a plurality of downhole water distribution devices, each arranged in a target layer and outside a sidewall of a water-injection string, and configured to monitor production data of the target layer. The float is configured to receive a water distribution instruction to regulate water distribution of each downhole water distribution device, enter the water-injection string (11) with water flow, and float upwards to the wellhead after completing data collection. Each downhole water distribution device is configured to exchange the production data with the water distribution instruction carried by the float.