Multi-Channel System for Petroleum Well Liquid Loading Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing petroleum well extraction technologies face challenges in maintaining efficient gas-liquid flow and preventing liquid loading, leading to reduced production and increased costs as reservoir pressure declines, particularly in the final stages of gas well extraction.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel system (MCS) with selectively operable passageways, allowing for the adjustment of flow rates by opening or closing individual channels, is employed to maintain sufficient gas velocity and prevent liquid loading, utilizing a manifold with stopping valves to control fluid flow and consolidate flows from multiple passageways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a single passageway tubing is used for fluid flow, then the flow resistance is lower, but the interaction between gas and liquid phases is reduced leading to poorer liquid removal
Solution Approach 1:
The single passageway is divided into multiple parallel passageways within the tubing. This segmentation increases the gas-liquid interaction by creating more interfaces between phases, improving liquid removal efficiency while distributing the flow resistance across multiple channels
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the tubing diameter is reduced to increase gas velocity for liquid removal, then the gas-liquid interaction improves, but the flow capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tubing is segmented into multiple smaller passageways that collectively provide the same or greater total flow capacity than a single large tubing. Each small passageway maintains high gas velocity for effective liquid removal while the combined cross-sectional area preserves overall flow capacity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reducing the single passageway diameter, the solution transitions to a multi-dimensional approach with multiple parallel passageways. This allows maintaining high velocity in each channel while increasing total flow capacity through the parallel arrangement
3Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple passageways are used to segment flow for better liquid removal, then the gas-liquid interaction increases, but the flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow is segmented into multiple parallel passageways, each contributing to liquid removal. The total flow resistance is managed by optimizing the number and size of passageways so that the combined resistance remains acceptable while benefiting from increased gas-liquid interaction
4Productivity
If all passageways remain open throughout well production, then the flow capacity is maximized, but the gas velocity decreases as reservoir pressure declines leading to liquid loading
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where passageways can be selectively opened or closed. As reservoir pressure declines, certain passageways are closed to maintain adequate gas velocity in the remaining open passageways, preventing liquid loading while preserving sufficient flow capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The effective number of open passageways is changed as a parameter in response to declining reservoir pressure. This parameter change maintains the optimal balance between gas velocity and flow capacity throughout the well's production lifecycle
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 approach enables sustained steady-state flow in gas wells from high to low production rates without external energy, extending the natural flowing phase of oil wells and reducing the need for artificial lift, thereby increasing overall petroleum recovery and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The multi-channel system or 'MCS' may comprise one or more lengths or segments of extruded, molded or otherwise manufactured or assembled components made from elastomeric, metallic, composite or multi-component material and having two or more side-by-side passageways (the terms passageways, tubes and channels are herein used interchangeably) for the fluid to flow through
Data Source
AI summary
The devices and methods for controlling flow through a multi-channel system deployed in a petroleum well are disclosed. The devices of the invention feature a manifold with a plurality of inlets operably connected to the passageways of the multi-channel system. Individual flows of the multi-phase petroleum fluid from the parallel passageways of the multi-channel system towards the inlets of the manifold are controlled by opening or closing of corresponding stopping valves installed on each inlet or group of inlets. After exiting the inlets through the stopping valves, the flows of the multi-phase fluid are consolidated and directed towards single or multiple outlets of the manifold and ultimately towards the outlet of the petroleum well. Individual opening or closing of the stopping valves has the effect of increasing or decreasing the total cross-sectional area available for producing fluid flow through the well.