Memory Tool for Retrievable Flow Meter Acoustic Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring multi-phase fluids in wellbores is challenging due to the difficulty in interpreting phase combinations, and existing solutions like distributed acoustic sensing systems require optical fibers, are resource-intensive, and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A flow meter device with a memory tool that records and analyzes multi-phase measurements using acoustic devices like fluidic oscillators and hole-tone whistles, allowing for data collection without a distributed acoustic sensing system, and can be deployed and retrieved using various tools like coiled tubing or wireline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If distributed acoustic sensing systems are used to measure multi-phase fluid, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the complex distributed acoustic sensing system by using a simple, detachable memory tool that records acoustic signals during a single wellbore visit. This eliminates the need for extensive optical fiber infrastructure while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory tool is designed as a simple, inexpensive, single-use device that is deployed with the flow meter and retrieved together. It records data during the wellbore visit and then becomes waste, eliminating the need for expensive, complex permanent installation systems.
2Measurement precision
If distributed acoustic sensing systems are deployed, then measurement capability is improved, but deployment time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The memory tool is pre-programmed with the necessary measurement parameters and is ready to record data immediately upon deployment. This eliminates the time-consuming setup and configuration processes required for distributed acoustic sensing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the time-consuming optical fiber installation and system configuration steps by using a self-contained memory tool that requires no infrastructure deployment, enabling rapid wellbore visits.
3Ease of operation
If simple flow meter devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement capability for multi-phase fluid deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the simple flow meter device with an attached memory tool that records acoustic signals. This combination maintains operational simplicity while adding multi-phase measurement capability through the synergistic function of the two components working together.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory tool serves multiple functions: it records acoustic signals, stores data temporarily, and enables post-processing analysis. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single simple device that attaches to the flow meter, enhancing capabilities without complicating operation.
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 efficient recording and retrieval of multi-phase fluid data, determining flow characteristics such as phase-specific flow rates and viscosities without the need for extensive resource deployment, facilitating experimental wellbore designs and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
one or more acoustic devices positionable to generate acoustic signals in a wellbore
Implementation Method 2
one or more sensors positionable to detect the acoustic signals from the flow meter device for making multi-phase measurements of fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-phase measurements of a fluid in a wellbore can be received and stored by a memory tool for determining flow characteristics of fluid flowing in the wellbore. A system can include a flow meter device, one or more sensors, and a memory tool The flow meter device can include one or more acoustic devices that can be positioned to generate acoustic signals in a wellbore. The one or more sensors can be positioned to detect the acoustic signals from the flow meter device for making multi-phase measurements of fluid with respect to the wellbore. The memory tool can be communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors to receive and store the multi-phase measurements for a predetermined amount of time for determining flow characteristics of the fluid.