Instrumented Pipe Couplings for Sand Buildup Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for monitoring sand deposition in lateral wells are inadequate as they fail to estimate the location and magnitude of sand buildup, and cannot determine the origin of entrained gas or water from the reservoir.
Innovation Solution
The use of instrumented couplings with sensors and a communications device that release tracer compounds, such as fluorescent dyes or radioactive isotopes, to monitor well parameters like sand levels, fluid pressure, and flow rates, and communicate these through ultrasonic or power line communications to the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current sand monitoring techniques are used, then sand deposition can be detected at the surface, but the location and magnitude of sand buildup cannot be estimated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tracer compound that is released into the fluid flow at a known location. By measuring the concentration of this tracer downstream, the system can calculate sand deposition characteristics. The tracer acts as a mediator between the sand deposition event and the surface detection system, enabling precise location and magnitude estimation that would otherwise be impossible with direct surface monitoring alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being measured by introducing a tracer compound with detectable properties (fluorescence, radioactivity). Instead of directly measuring sand properties at the surface, the system measures tracer concentration, which has been modified by sand deposition events. This parameter transformation enables precise quantification of sand buildup location and magnitude.
2Measurement precision
If instrumented couplings with multiple sensors and communications devices are installed, then accurate monitoring of well parameters is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrumented coupling is designed as a multi-functional device that combines sand detection, fluid parameter sensing (pressure, temperature, flow rate), tracer release, and communication capabilities in a single integrated unit. This universal design achieves accurate multi-parameter monitoring while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices by consolidating functions into one coupling component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensor array, tracer release mechanism, processor, and communication device into a single integrated instrumented coupling. By combining these previously separate components into one unified device, the system achieves accurate monitoring capability while reducing overall system complexity and improving ease of installation and maintenance.
3Loss of information
If tracer compounds are released into fluid flow for communication, then well parameters can be transmitted to surface, but additional substances are introduced into the well system
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the state or form of the tracer compound to optimize its detectability while minimizing the quantity required. By selecting tracers with high signal-to-noise ratios (fluorescent dyes, radioactive isotopes), the system can transmit well parameter information effectively using very small amounts of tracer material, thus resolving the contradiction between information transmission and substance introduction.
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 accurate monitoring and communication of well parameters, allowing for timely intervention to prevent sand buildup and understand fluid composition, thereby improving well performance and production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may include a surface acoustic wave sensor or a thin-film bulk acoustic resonator sensor
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may include a surface acoustic wave sensor or a thin-film bulk acoustic resonator sensor
Implementation Method 3
communicating with the instrumented coupling through an ultrasonic transceiver
Implementation Method 4
detecting compounds in the fluid flow by fluorescence
Implementation Method 5
detecting compounds in the fluid flow by fluorescence or based, at least in part, on radioactivity of the compounds
Data Source
AI summary
An instrumented coupling for pipe joints is described herein. The instrumented coupling includes a first threaded end configured to thread to a first pipe joint and a second threaded end configured to thread to a second pipe joint. The instrumented coupling also includes a sensor configured to obtain a measurement of a parameter of a well and a communications device configured to communicate to a receiving device outside of the well. The instrumented coupling further includes a processor configured to execute instructions in a data store. The instructions direct the processor to read the measurement from the sensor, compare the measurement from the sensor to a preset limit, and generate a signal within the communications device based, at least in part, on the measurement.