Modified Gathering Manifold for Frequent Well Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deliverability tests in the petroleum industry are infrequent due to the difficulty of mobilizing and installing separators at wells, which limits the frequency of assessing well performance and hydrocarbon production.
Innovation Solution
A modified gathering manifold with a sampling header, diverters, and a three-phase separator allows for selective and frequent testing of individual wells without disrupting overall production, enabling continuous monitoring of fluid components and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separator is installed at the well to perform deliverability testing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to difficulty of mobilizing and installing the separator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separator functionality with the existing gathering manifold structure. The sampling header is integrated into the gathering manifold, and the three-phase separator is positioned at the gathering manifold rather than at each individual well. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate separator installations at wells while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The gathering manifold is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a flow distribution device for production lines, a sampling system for deliverability testing, and a housing for the three-phase separator. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separator installations at each well while providing accurate measurement capabilities.
2Productivity
If separator testing is performed frequently, then productivity and monitoring frequency are improved, but device complexity increases due to need for multiple separators
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple well flows are consolidated into a single gathering manifold that houses one three-phase separator. The sampling header allows any well to be tested by diverting its flow through the separator, eliminating the need for separate separators at each well while enabling frequent testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic diverters that can route flow from any well to the separator for testing. This dynamic flow distribution allows flexible, frequent testing of individual wells without requiring permanent separator installations at each well, thereby increasing testing frequency while reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If individual well testing is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to mobilization and installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The three-phase separator and sampling header are pre-installed at the gathering manifold during the initial system setup. This preliminary installation eliminates the need for time-consuming mobilization and installation of separators at each well during subsequent testing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator is permanently integrated into the gathering manifold infrastructure rather than being a temporary mobile unit. This integration allows rapid connection of wells to the sampling system without time-consuming installation procedures, enabling frequent and efficient deliverability testing.
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
This solution enhances safety, reduces operational costs, and allows for more frequent testing of wells, maximizing hydrocarbon production while maintaining steady total fluid production, enabling precise monitoring of reservoir productivity and potential issues like water encroachment and corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
a three-phase separator coupled to the sampling header downstream of the plurality of diverters, the three-phase separator being configured to separate the production fluid into crude oil, water, and gas
Data Source
AI summary
A modified gathering manifold is disclosed, including a sampling header coupled to each of multiple production lines of wells, and a plurality of diverters, each coupled to one of the production lines, upstream of a relief header coupled to each of the plurality of production lines and a production header associated with the manifold and coupled to each of the plurality of production lines. The sampling header receives a production fluid diverted by a diverter in the open position. The manifold also includes a three-phase separator coupled to the sampling header downstream of the plurality of diverters that separates the production fluid into crude oil, water, and gas, and detects a volume flow rate for each. A return header passes the crude oil, the water, and the gas from the three-phase separator into the production header where they are combined into a hydrocarbon fluid flow.