Flow Control Assembly Using Pressure Signatures for Well Bore Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling fluid flow in oil and gas wells during hydraulic fracturing lack precision and efficiency, as they rely on traditional pressure pulse mechanisms that can lead to inadvertent activation or deactivation of downhole tools, and do not allow for nuanced control of fluid diversion and injection procedures.
Innovation Solution
A flow control assembly that utilizes pressure signatures with a minimum rate of change to trigger configuration changes in downhole valves, allowing for precise control of fluid diversion and injection, featuring a control mechanism that detects and responds to specific pressure patterns to manage the flow control device's configuration, including flappers, sleeves, and valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pressure pulse mechanisms are used to control fluid flow, then the control system is simple, but the precision of control is poor and inadvertent activation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from simple pressure pulse detection to detection of pressure signatures with specific characteristics including minimum rate of change, minimum pressure change, and minimum duration. This allows precise differentiation between intentional control signals and incidental pressure variations, achieving accurate control without requiring overly complex device architecture.
2Measurement precision
If pressure signatures with minimum rate of change are used, then the control precision is improved, but the response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by requiring only specific characteristics of pressure signatures (minimum rate of change, minimum pressure change, minimum duration) rather than complete complex verification sequences. This approach provides sufficient precision to avoid inadvertent activation while maintaining relatively quick response times compared to more elaborate control schemes.
3Reliability
If multiple pressure parameters are monitored, then the reliability of control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to monitor multiple pressure parameters (rate of change, pressure change magnitude, duration) using a unified pressure sensing and evaluation system. This universal approach achieves high reliability through comprehensive parameter monitoring while avoiding the need for separate specialized devices for each parameter, thus limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 precise and controlled fluid diversion and injection procedures, reducing the risk of inadvertent tool activation, improving the efficiency of hydraulic fracturing by allowing for tailored pressure signatures to manage fluid flow and injection processes, enhancing the effectiveness of well stimulation and production.
Implementation Method 1
a control mechanism configured to detect pressure changes in the fluid conveyed in the bore
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control method and assembly for an oil or gas well comprises generating a pressure signature in the fluid in a bore of the well comprising a minimum rate of change of pressure, and transmitting the pressure signature to a control mechanism to trigger a change in the configuration of a flow control device in the bore in response to the detection of the pressure signature in the fluid. The flow control device can comprise a barrier, such as a flapper, sleeve, valve or similar. The pressure signature is transmitted via fluid flowing in the bore, typically being injected into the well, optionally during or before frac operations, via fluid being used for the frac operations. The control mechanism typically includes an RFID reader to receive RF signals from tags deployed in the fluid flowing in the bore.