Liner Outlet Configuration for Reservoir Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the outlet configuration of a liner for reservoir stimulation are computationally complex and require significant resources due to iterative processes, complicating the effective distribution of fluids like acid along the reservoir section.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the outlet configuration of a liner by predefining outlet size and fluid outflux distribution, using pressure differences and desired fluid flow rates to calculate the number of outlets directly, without iterative optimization, ensuring efficient and accurate fluid distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If iterative optimization techniques are used to determine outlet configuration, then the fluid distribution accuracy is improved, but the computational complexity and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the outlet size before determining the outlet configuration. This preliminary specification of outlet dimensions allows the subsequent calculation of outlet spacing to be performed directly using analytical formulas rather than requiring iterative optimization, thus reducing computational complexity while maintaining accuracy in fluid distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the outlet size parameter from the optimization process and treats it as a given input. By removing this variable from the iterative determination process, the problem is simplified to calculating outlet spacing based on fixed outlet dimensions, pressure differential, and desired fluid outflux distribution, eliminating the need for complex iterative optimization
2Measurement precision
If iterative optimization techniques are used to determine outlet configuration, then the fluid distribution accuracy is improved, but the computational resources required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By pre-defining outlet size as a preliminary design parameter, the patent eliminates the need for iterative optimization loops that consume significant computational resources. The direct analytical calculation method requires minimal processing power while achieving the same fluid distribution accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive computational iterations with a simple direct calculation approach. The computational 'cost' is reduced from multiple iterative cycles to a single analytical solution, making the determination of outlet configuration computationally inexpensive and efficient
3Manufacturing precision
If iterative optimization techniques are used to determine outlet configuration, then the outlet distribution accuracy is improved, but the operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by specifying outlet size in advance, which enables the outlet spacing to be calculated directly through analytical formulas. This eliminates time-consuming iterative optimization processes while maintaining precise outlet distribution according to the desired fluid outflux pattern
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the iterative optimization phase entirely by using a direct analytical approach. The outlet configuration is determined in a single calculation step rather than through multiple iterative cycles, significantly reducing the operational time required for design while achieving the same precision in outlet distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining an outlet configuration of a liner usable for stimulating a reservoir comprises the steps of (a) obtaining a desired fluid outflux distribution along one or more segments of the reservoir, each segment corresponding to a portion of the liner; (b) determining, for each portion, a number of outlets according to: the desired fluid outflux distribution (Q), a predefined outlet size and a difference between an annulus pressure and a liner pressure within the portion; (c) evaluating, for each portion, whether an outlet distribution according to the number of outlets of the predefined outlet size satisfies one or more outlet distance constraints within the portion; (d) repeating, if the outlet distribution of at least one portion does not satisfy the one or more outlet distance constraints, the steps (b) and (c) for the at least one portion with an adjusted outlet size as the predefined outlet size.