Multi-Zone Intelligent Well Completion with Optical Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining fluid communication between multiple zones in a subterranean well and managing fluid flow in well completion systems is challenging, especially when fluids are commingled or injected into multiple zones, limiting the effectiveness of existing well completion systems.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating multiple well screens with variable flow control devices, optical waveguides to sense fluid properties, and pressure sensors to manage and measure fluid flow between the completion string and multiple earth formation zones, allowing for selective control and monitoring of fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple zones are produced with commingled fluids in a completion string, then production from multiple zones is achieved, but the ability to determine fluid communication between zones and completion string deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The completion string is divided into multiple discrete zones with individual flow control devices, allowing each zone to be controlled and monitored separately. This segmentation enables tracking of fluid communication for each zone independently while maintaining overall multi-zone production capability
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure sensors are installed at multiple locations within the completion string to provide real-time feedback on pressure differentials across each zone's flow control device. This feedback mechanism enables determination of fluid communication status for each zone while maintaining commingled production
2Adaptability or versatility
If flow control devices are added to enable selective zone control, then fluid flow control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control devices are designed with universal functionality to provide both flow restriction and pressure sensing capabilities within a single integrated component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and minimizes overall system complexity while maintaining versatile flow control
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control devices are nested within the completion string structure, with pressure sensors integrated into the flow control device housing. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple functions into a compact configuration, reducing device complexity while enabling selective zone control
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensors and optical waveguides are integrated into the completion string, then fluid property monitoring precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Optical waveguides are pre-installed in the completion string during manufacturing, with sensor ports and connection points prepared in advance. This preliminary action allows for precise fluid property monitoring while simplifying the manufacturing process by integrating sensors during initial fabrication rather than requiring post-installation modifications
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 system enables precise control and monitoring of fluid flow, allowing for accurate modeling of fluid characteristics and flow paths, enhancing well diagnostics and preventing issues like water or gas encroachment, thereby improving the operation of subterranean well completion systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical waveguide which senses at least one property of the fluid as it flows between the completion string and at least one of the zones
Implementation Method 2
multiple pressure sensors which sense pressure of the fluid which flows through respective ones of the multiple well screens
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A system for use with a well having multiple zones can include multiple well screens which filter fluid flowing between a completion string and respective ones of the zones, at least one optical waveguide which senses at least one property of the fluid as it flows between the completion string and at least one of the zones, multiple flow control devices which variably restrict flow of the fluid through respective ones of the well screens, and multiple pressure sensors which sense pressure of the fluid which flows through respective ones of the well screens. A completion string for use in a subterranean well can include at least one well screen, at least one flow control device which selectively prevents and permits substantially unrestricted flow through the well screen, and at least one other flow control device which is remotely operable, and which variably restricts flow through the well screen.