Multi-Zone Downhole Testing With Closed-Loop Fluid Disposal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Well testing in hydrocarbon reservoirs with multiple zones is costly and complex due to the need for extensive surface equipment, environmental concerns from fluid disposal, and challenges in wireless communication systems, particularly in deploying numerous acoustic repeaters.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop well testing system using reduced acoustic repeaters and a hub-based Multiple Hop Query (MHQ) technique for efficient data transmission, enabling automated well testing with fluid disposal in a downhole zone and simplified acoustic communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If numerous acoustic repeaters are deployed for wireless communication in multi-zone well testing, then communication coverage is improved, but device complexity and capital expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple acoustic repeaters into a single hub device that can handle multiple zones and fluid paths. The hub device integrates the communication and control functions that would otherwise require multiple separate repeaters, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining communication coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub device is designed with multi-functionality to perform the roles of multiple acoustic repeaters. It can communicate with and control multiple downhole tools across different zones simultaneously, eliminating the need for dedicated repeaters for each zone and reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive surface equipment is used for well testing operations, then testing capability and control are improved, but capital expenditure and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the well testing and control functions from the surface environment and relocates them downhole. The hub device and downhole tools perform testing operations autonomously underground, eliminating the need for extensive surface equipment while maintaining full testing capability and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole system is designed to be self-sufficient, with the hub device autonomously controlling multiple fluid paths and testing operations without requiring continuous surface intervention. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex surface equipment while maintaining testing versatility.
3Stress or pressure
If fluid is disposed at surface during well testing, then pressure control is improved, but environmental harm and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful practice of surface fluid disposal into a beneficial downhole fluid transfer operation. Fluid from tested zones is automatically transferred to other downhole zones for disposal or reuse, eliminating environmental harm while maintaining pressure control through the hub device's automated valve management.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub device acts as an intermediary that manages fluid flow between different downhole zones. It controls automated valves to redirect fluid flow paths, enabling pressure control without surface disposal and eliminating environmental impact associated with surface fluid handling.
4Ease of operation
If manual well testing procedures are used for multi-zone reservoirs, then operational flexibility is improved, but productivity and time efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic, automated control of fluid paths and testing parameters through the hub device. The system can automatically adjust valve positions and fluid flow paths based on real-time conditions, providing both operational flexibility and high productivity by eliminating manual intervention delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub device is pre-programmed with testing sequences and can automatically execute multi-zone testing procedures without manual intervention. This preliminary automation of testing protocols maintains operational flexibility while significantly improving productivity by eliminating the time required for manual操作流程.
Data Source
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AI summary
A well testing system and method is disclosed that reduces the surface equipment needed for well testing by providing a closed loop fluid flow path where the fluids produced during the well test are not brought to the surface for storage or flaring but instead are disposed in a downhole zone. The system and method are implemented using a simplified acoustic communications network where a hub device generates and transmits a single multiple hop query that includes multiple commands or queries directed to targeted downhole tools.