Matrix Temperature Logging Tool for Wellbore Production Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well logging tools face challenges in providing precise temperature measurements of produced fluids along the wellbore, particularly due to mechanical reliability issues with spinner type flow meters and the inability of distributed temperature sensing to accurately measure inflow temperatures, which affects the accuracy of production rate calculations.
Innovation Solution
A matrix temperature production logging tool with a core structure and extendible, pivotally mounted arms equipped with temperature sensors that can measure uphole, downhole, and inflow temperatures at multiple locations along the wellbore, allowing for precise temperature data collection and calculation of production rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If distributed temperature sensing (DTS) is used to measure temperature along the wellbore, then temperature measurement coverage is improved, but measurement precision of inflow temperature deteriorates due to spatial averaging over approximately 1 meter lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature measurement function by deploying multiple discrete temperature sensors at different locations (inflow, uphole, downhole) rather than using a single continuous DTS measurement. This segmentation allows precise measurement of inflow temperature at specific points while maintaining overall temperature coverage along the wellbore.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by placing temperature sensors at specific critical locations (inflow, uphole, downhole) rather than uniform distribution. This ensures high measurement precision at these specific locations where temperature data is most critical for production calculations, while maintaining overall temperature monitoring coverage.
2Measurement precision
If spinner type flow meters with attached temperature sensors are used, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to mechanical wear of the impeller bearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature sensing function from the mechanical spinner flow meter system. Temperature sensors are mounted separately on the logging tool body or on extendible arms, independent of the flow meter mechanism. This extraction eliminates the reliability issue of mechanical wear while maintaining temperature measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spinner flow meter system with a non-mechanical or minimally mechanical alternative for temperature measurement. By using stationary temperature sensors or sensors on extendible arms rather than sensors attached to a rotating impeller, the system eliminates mechanical wear while maintaining measurement functionality.
3Measurement precision
If spinner flow meters are used to measure fluid velocity, then velocity measurement capability is improved, but logging time increases due to required calibration runs at various logging speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration of the flow meter system in advance, before actual production logging. By completing calibration procedures during tool deployment or in a separate preliminary operation, the actual production logging can proceed without time-consuming calibration runs at various speeds, significantly reducing logging time while maintaining measurement accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are deployed at different locations, then production allocation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple temperature sensors and measurement functions into an integrated logging tool system. The sensors for inflow, uphole, and downhole temperature measurements are integrated into a single deployable tool, along with flow metering capabilities and data processing systems. This merging reduces operational complexity compared to using separate tools for each measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal logging tool that performs multiple functions: temperature measurement at multiple locations, fluid velocity measurement, and production rate calculation. This multi-functional tool eliminates the need for separate specialized tools for each measurement type, reducing device complexity from an operational perspective while maintaining high measurement precision through multiple sensors.
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
The tool provides accurate and reliable temperature measurements, enabling precise allocation of production rates to different sections of the wellbore, optimizing production and reducing intervention costs by improving reservoir management.
Implementation Method 1
At least one temperature sensor is attached to the arm, wherein the temperature sensor is located at a tip of the arm
Data Source
AI summary
A matrix production logging tool for measuring the temperature of produced fluids in a wellbore is described. Accurate production allocation to the pathways between the oil/gas well and the reservoir provides required data for the economic optimization of the techniques and procedures used to complete future wells and optimize the existing well. The low maintenance tool provides precise uphole, downhole and inflow temperature measurements of produced fluids within the wellbore. These are obtained at a plurality of locations along the oil/gas well as the tool is withdrawn, thus providing a matrix of temperature measures along the length of the well. From the temperature traces, inflow as well as up and downhole temperature, can be determined, and mass contribution at each inlet determined. With this method, a production profile along the entire well can be determined as used in further well optimization efforts.