Multi-Lateral Well Cleanup Using Real-Time Fluid Composition Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Removing drilling fluids from multi-section wells, particularly large or complex ones, is challenging, leading to inefficient cleanup processes that can result in permanent damage and reduced hydrocarbon recovery.
Innovation Solution
A system with sensors and flow control devices in multi-lateral wells that monitor fluid composition and flow rates in real-time, allowing for dynamic control of the cleanup process, enabling section-by-section recovery of drilling fluids and transition to production fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If real-time monitoring and automated control systems are implemented in multi-lateral wells, then cleanup efficiency and hydrocarbon recovery are improved, but device complexity and initial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The well is divided into multiple laterals (first, second, and third laterals) with independent flow control devices at each branch point. This segmentation allows individual control of fluid removal from each lateral, enabling targeted cleanup operations and real-time monitoring of specific sections without affecting the entire well system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous monitoring of fluid composition and flow rates with real-time data transmission to surface equipment. This feedback mechanism allows operators to adjust flow control devices based on actual conditions, optimizing the cleanup process and detecting when drilling fluid has been completely removed from each lateral.
2Loss of time
If manual cleanup processes are used in multi-section wells, then device complexity is reduced, but cleanup time and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated monitoring and control where the well essentially monitors and regulates its own cleanup process. Flow control devices automatically respond to real-time data about fluid composition and flow rates, reducing the need for continuous manual intervention and significantly decreasing overall cleanup time.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual monitoring and control operations are replaced with electronic sensors, data transmission systems, and automated flow control mechanisms. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated systems reduces cleanup time while managing complexity through technological integration.
3Productivity
If drilling fluid is not completely removed from multi-lateral wells, then productivity is maintained, but permanent damage to formation occurs and hydrocarbon recovery decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Visual inspection and manual sampling methods are replaced with continuous electronic monitoring of fluid composition and flow rates. This substitution provides objective, real-time data that reliably detects the complete removal of drilling fluid from each lateral, ensuring formation protection while optimizing hydrocarbon recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The real-time feedback system continuously monitors fluid properties and provides immediate information about cleanup progress. This allows operators to confidently determine when drilling fluid has been completely removed from each lateral, preventing formation damage while maximizing hydrocarbon recovery by knowing exactly when to transition to production operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, computing systems, and computer-readable media for removing fluid from a structure. The system may include sensors disposed within the structure (such as a multi-lateral well) that measure properties of the fluid at the location of the sensors and generate data representing the properties. A computing system receives the data and, using the data, monitors the composition of the fluid at the locations of the sensors. The computing system also displays information about the composition of the fluid at the locations of the sensors. The computing system may, in response to a change in the composition, indicate that the removal process is complete for a particular section and stop the flow for that section.