Gas Vent Valve Control for Horizontal Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal wells with terrain-induced slugging issues face challenges in gas venting due to unsteady flow regimes and mechanical valve reliability, leading to reduced pumping rates and potential pump damage.
Innovation Solution
A gas vent system with a controller that determines the initial operating mode by measuring downhole pressure and gas venting rate, generating control signals to open or close gas vent valves, thereby controlling the gas venting rate to prevent slug formation and maintain stable pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical valves are used in the gas vent tube to control gas venting, then gas venting control is achieved, but valve reliability deteriorates due to unsteady flow regimes and terrain-induced slugging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical valves with an electronic control system consisting of a controller, actuator, and sensor. The controller receives signals from the sensor detecting downhole pressure and gas venting rate, then sends control signals to the actuator to open or close the gas vent valve. This electronic control system eliminates the reliability issues of mechanical valves in unsteady flow conditions while maintaining precise gas venting control.
2Ease of operation
If active mechanical valves with sensors are used to control gas venting, then gas venting control precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to power supply and power delivery requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the power supply function into the existing wellbore infrastructure by utilizing the electrical submersible pump (ESP) system. The controller draws power from the ESP motor, and the actuator receives powered signals from the controller. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate power supply systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining precise electronic control of the gas vent valve.
3Productivity
If gas venting rate is increased to remove gas from the wellbore, then slug formation is reduced, but pressure buildup is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the sensor continuously monitors downhole pressure and gas venting rate, transmitting signals to the controller. The controller processes this feedback information and adjusts the actuator position accordingly to open or close the gas vent valve. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to increase gas venting rate when needed while automatically reducing it when pressure buildup occurs, maintaining optimal balance between gas removal efficiency and pressure control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a gas vent system to vent gas from a wellbore that includes a substantially horizontal portion. The method includes determining an initial operating mode of the gas vent system; generating one or more control signals established for the determined initial operation mode; and transmitting the one or more control signals to a gas vent valve that commands the closing or opening of the gas vent valve. A controller for use in venting gas from a wellbore is additionally disclosed.