Underground Gas Reservoir Probe Control via Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency and operational safety of underground gas storage facilities are heavily dependent on the experience and competence of reservoir engineers, as existing methods for controlling injection and withdrawal processes lack automation and are prone to pressure differences between probes, leading to inefficient medium distribution and potential circulation processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and control device that use a mathematical network model to minimize pressure differences between probes by determining target values for flow rates, based on real-time measurements and dynamic parameters, allowing for automated control and optimal operation of gas storage facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual control by reservoir engineer is used, then operational flexibility and experience-based adjustments are maintained, but automation extent and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mathematical model that copies and simulates the physical gas storage system, allowing virtual experimentation and optimization without complex physical control mechanisms. The model replicates reservoir behavior to determine optimal flow rates automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control by reservoir engineers with an automated computational system. The control device uses mathematical calculations and algorithms to determine flow rates, substituting human decision-making with automated computation based on the mathematical model.
2Manufacturing precision
If equal flow rates are set for all probes, then operational simplicity is maintained, but pressure differences between probes increase causing circulation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different flow rates to different probes based on their specific characteristics and positions in the reservoir. Instead of uniform treatment, each probe receives customized control parameters optimized for its local conditions, preventing pressure differences and circulation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts flow rate parameters for each probe based on the mathematical model calculations. The system changes operational parameters (flow rates) to maintain equal pressures at probe entrances, optimizing both pressure distribution uniformity and injection/withdrawal efficiency.
3Productivity
If experienced reservoir engineers determine setpoints, then operational safety and expertise are maintained, but productivity and response time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring actual flow rates and pressures, comparing them with target values calculated by the mathematical model, and automatically adjusting probe flow rates to maintain optimal operation. This closed-loop control ensures operational safety while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining and adjusting flow rates without requiring continuous human intervention. The mathematical model and control device work autonomously to optimize injection and withdrawal processes, improving productivity while maintaining safety through automated monitoring and adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating an underground gas reservoir, wherein a fluid is supplied to and discharged from said gas reservoir. A probe group of at least two probes is used for supplying and discharging the medium which flows through said probe group during introduction and discharge, each of the at least two probes is allocated to a storage layer (P1-PN) and is flow-connected to the gas reservoir via the respective probe, the medium having a pressure at said gas reservoir. The flow rate of the medium is adjusted in each of the at least two probes on the basis of set values. According to the invention, the set values (S1-SN) are determined in such a way that the difference between the probe flow pressures (pF1-2, pF2-N, pFN-1) of the medium of the probe group (21-2N) is kept to a minimum. The invention also relates to a control device for operating an underground gas reservoir. The invention thus provides a method and a control device for operating an underground gas reservoir which substantially facilitates the control of the operation of the gas reservoir by a reservoir engineer during the introduction and discharge processes and allows an optimal use of the gas reservoir with improved operational safety.