Multi-Well Fluid Flow Control With Node Impact Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-well systems face challenges in dynamically controlling and monitoring fluid flow across multiple wells, particularly in managing interactions and impacts between different nodes, which affect production and injection operations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-well fluid control system that utilizes fluid monitors at various nodes to gather data, generates and updates data and physics models using machine learning and physics models, determines impacts on fluid flow, and adjusts parameters to optimize operations by controlling fluid devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If real-time monitoring and control of fluid flow across multiple wells is implemented, then production efficiency and operational optimization are improved, but system complexity and computational requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the multi-well fluid flow control problem into discrete node-level monitoring and control units. Each well or well segment is equipped with independent sensors and control devices that can be individually monitored and adjusted, allowing complex system-wide optimization through manageable local components
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized control system acts as an intermediary between distributed sensors at well nodes and the fluid control devices. This intermediary processes data from multiple sources, performs computational fluid dynamics modeling, and coordinates control actions across the entire multi-well system, reducing the complexity burden on individual components
2Manufacturing precision
If dynamic adjustments to fluid flow parameters are made based on real-time data, then fluid flow control precision is improved, but response time and computational processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary computational fluid dynamics modeling and simulation during system setup and planning phases. Pre-computed flow patterns, pressure distributions, and control strategies are stored for rapid retrieval and adjustment during real-time operation, enabling precise control without extensive real-time computation
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time sensors provide continuous feedback on fluid flow parameters (pressure, flow rate, temperature) at various nodes. This feedback is processed by the control system which automatically adjusts control devices to maintain optimal flow conditions, enabling dynamic precision control with minimized response time through closed-loop control
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive sensor deployment across multiple wells is implemented, then monitoring accuracy and real-time status detection are improved, but system cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multi-functional sensor packages are deployed at well nodes that can simultaneously measure multiple fluid parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rate) and potentially detect multiple phases (oil, water, gas). This universal sensing approach achieves comprehensive monitoring accuracy without requiring separate specialized sensors for each parameter, reducing installation complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method to dynamically control fluid flow in a multi-well system includes receiving first fluid flow data indicative of fluid flow at a first node of a plurality of nodes, each node being a node along a well of a plurality of wells of a multi-well system, receiving second fluid flow data indicative of fluid flow at a second node of the plurality of nodes, analyzing the first fluid flow data and the second fluid flow data, determining an impact on fluid flow at the second node due to fluid flow at the first node, and determining, based on the impact, whether to adjust fluid flow at a node of the plurality of nodes. In response to a determination to adjust fluid flow at the node, the method further includes determining an adjustment to the fluid flow at the node; and requesting a fluid control device to make the adjustment.