Multi-well Controller Synchronization for Production Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Managing multiple hydrocarbon wells efficiently is challenging due to asymmetrical production rates, leading to bottlenecks, under-utilization of shared facilities, and inaccuracies in gas allocation, which result in costly downtime and production inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An automated distributed control system, including a master well controller and slave well controllers, that allows for remote monitoring and synchronization of wells, optimizing production by categorizing wells based on production levels and synchronizing cycle times to balance production across groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wells are managed with individual time-based algorithms and no common link, then each well can operate independently, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates and overlapping production occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual well controllers into a centralized control system with a master controller that coordinates all slave controllers. This merging approach maintains independent well operation through modular slave controllers while achieving precise synchronization through centralized timing and coordination from the master controller, resolving the contradiction between independence and synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The master controller acts as an intermediary between individual well controllers and the central management system. It receives timing signals and coordination commands, then distributes them to slave controllers, enabling precise synchronization while preserving individual well operation capabilities through this intermediary layer.
2Ease of operation
If manual monitoring and recording of each well cycle time is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but labor requirements increase and synchronization precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-service by automatically monitoring, recording, and synchronizing well cycle times without requiring manual operator intervention. The slave controllers autonomously track their own cycle times and receive automated coordination commands from the master controller, eliminating manual labor while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual monitoring and recording system with an electronic automated control system. Sensors, microprocessors, and communication networks substitute for manual gauging and recording, dramatically improving management efficiency and synchronization precision while maintaining ease of operation through automated interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wells are not synchronized, then individual well production flexibility is maintained, but facility utilization deteriorates and bottlenecks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements dynamic synchronization that adapts to changing well conditions and production rates. The master controller continuously monitors well status and adjusts timing commands in real-time, allowing wells to maintain production flexibility while being dynamically coordinated to optimize facility utilization and prevent bottlenecks through adaptive scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from well performance data to continuously optimize synchronization. The master controller receives real-time data from slave controllers about production rates and cycle times, then adjusts timing commands to balance facility utilization across all wells, maintaining flexibility while improving overall productivity through closed-loop control.
4Measurement precision
If a centralized control system is implemented, then synchronization precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into modular components: a master controller for central coordination and multiple slave controllers for individual well management. This segmentation distributes system complexity across independent modules, each with simplified functions, while the master-slave architecture maintains precise synchronization through standardized communication protocols and timing signals.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved multi-well control system (MWCS) has a centrally based multi-well controller (MWC) in communication with one or more slave controllers and one or more electronic flow measurement devices (EFMs) for instant data monitoring and control of individual wells. The system also provides for an application host sub-system (AHSS) in communication with the MWC for historical and instant data retention. The system is capable of assigning one or more wells to a group for allocation purposes and organizing groups dependent on production levels of individual wells. The MWC is capable of tracking gas volumes produced by each well independent of groupings and communicating such data to the AHSS. The MWC provides monitoring and tracking data from one or more EFM devices and assigns total flow volume to individual wells. The entire MWCS can result in the reduction of manpower and an increase in overall production efficiency.