Multi-Conduit Production String for Liquid Loading Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for addressing liquid loading and conduit blockages in hydrocarbon wells require costly and complex interventions, such as replacing or inserting separate velocity strings, which disrupt production and increase operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A production string with a cylindrical, one-piece solid core defining multiple non-intersecting conduits is used, allowing selective fluid flow through individual conduits, transforming into a velocity string by closing conduits in response to liquid loading, and maintaining production without removing or adding additional tubing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a velocity string is inserted inside the well to resolve liquid-loading problems, then liquid carrying capability is improved, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The production string is segmented into multiple independent conduits (first conduit, second conduit, third conduit) within a single string structure. Each conduit can be independently controlled to open or close, allowing the system to function as a velocity string by closing the first conduit and utilizing only the second and third conduits, thereby resolving liquid loading without inserting a separate velocity string
Solution Approach 2:
The production string is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple conduits that can serve different purposes under different operating conditions. The same production string can operate in normal mode (all conduits open) or velocity string mode (first conduit closed, second and third conduits open), eliminating the need for separate equipment and reducing device complexity
2Reliability
If production tubing is removed and replaced to remediate blockage, then flow conduit blockage is resolved, but productivity and time are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The production string is divided into multiple independent conduits, allowing selective closure of blocked conduits while maintaining flow through alternative open conduits. This segmentation enables the system to bypass blockages without removing the entire production string, thus maintaining productivity while resolving flow conduit patency issues
Solution Approach 2:
When a conduit becomes blocked, the system discards the blocked conduit by closing it and recovers productivity by redirecting flow through the remaining open conduits. This allows the production string to continue operating without requiring removal and replacement, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A production string includes one or more segments each including a solid core defining a plurality of non-intersecting production conduits. Flow through the conduits can be selected such that, as a first instance, substantially all of the fluid flowing from the subterranean zone to the surface location is permitted to flow through one or more of the plurality of production conduits. In response to a liquid loading event, as a second instance, flow is prevented through at least one of the plurality of production conduits, such that a total cross-sectional area of the production conduits in the second instance is less than a total cross-sectional area of the production conduits in the first instance.