Fluid Production Network Leak Detection via Simulation Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complexity in simulating and optimizing fluid production networks in oil and gas systems, which involve multiphase flow and large-scale infrastructure, limits the ability to accurately model and manage production bottlenecks, optimize equipment performance, and detect leaks effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a flow simulation model that builds a network model, assigns equations to sub-networks, provides data, transfers data to the network model, and simulates physical phenomena to analyze production systems, including equipment performance and fluid properties, while also employing leak detection frameworks using pressure-flow and flow-pressure models to identify and locate leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow simulation model is used to simulate physical phenomena in fluid production networks, then the accuracy of production system analysis is improved, but the device complexity and computational resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid production network is divided into multiple sub-networks, each simulated with appropriate complexity level. This allows accurate simulation of critical sections while simplifying less important areas, resolving the contradiction between overall accuracy and model complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different simulation approaches and equation complexities are applied to different sub-networks based on their specific characteristics and importance. High-accuracy models are used where needed, while simplified models are used elsewhere, optimizing the balance between accuracy and complexity.
2Reliability
If leak detection frameworks are implemented in fluid production networks, then the reliability of the system is improved, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors and compares actual measurements with simulated expectations before leaks occur, establishing a baseline for normal operation. This preliminary action enables early leak detection without requiring complex real-time analysis of every parameter change.
Solution Approach 2:
The leak detection framework uses feedback from the flow simulation model to continuously update expectations of normal system behavior. When actual measurements deviate from these dynamic expectations, leaks are detected. This feedback mechanism improves reliability while keeping the system architecture manageable.
3Productivity
If comprehensive data collection and simulation are performed for fluid production networks, then the productivity of production optimization is improved, but the loss of time for data processing and simulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into sub-networks that can be simulated independently and in parallel. This reduces the total computation time compared to simulating the entire network as a single system, while still providing comprehensive optimization insights.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs simulation and analysis on the most critical sub-networks and parameters in detail, while using simplified approaches for less critical areas. This partial action approach achieves sufficient optimization productivity without the excessive time cost of comprehensive detailed simulation everywhere.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes receiving measurement information from a hydrocarbon fluid production network where the measurement information includes pressure data and fluid flow data; receiving simulated information from a model-based framework for the hydrocarbon fluid production network that includes boundary conditions based at least in part on at least a portion of the measurement information; comparing the measurement information and the simulated information to detect a fluid leak in the hydrocarbon fluid production network; determining a location of the fluid leak in the hydrocarbon fluid production network; and outputting the location of the fluid leak in the hydrocarbon fluid production network.