Multi-Well Tube Wave Detection for Subsurface Fluid Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring subsurface conditions in underground well systems is challenging due to the difficulty in tracking and measuring conditions far beneath the earth's surface, and tube waves generated by surface equipment are complex signals that are hard to analyze for precise condition determination.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing tube waves generated passively or actively to determine subsurface conditions by converting them into electrical signals, analyzing pressure fluctuations, and employing machine learning modules to interpret these signals for operational adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tube waves are used to monitor subsurface conditions, then measurement capability is improved, but signal complexity increases making analysis difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex tube wave signal into distinct components by analyzing reflections at different depths and locations. By dividing the subsurface into multiple zones and analyzing wave reflections from each zone separately, the system simplifies the overall complex signal into manageable segments that can be individually characterized and interpreted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between the complex tube wave signal and the final subsurface condition determination. This intermediary involves using reference signals, transfer functions, and computational models that mediate the transformation from raw complex signals to interpretable subsurface characteristics, making the analysis more manageable.
2Productivity
If multiple well systems are monitored simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but fluid communication detection becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the monitoring of multiple well systems into a unified analysis framework. By combining tube wave signals from multiple wells and analyzing them simultaneously using the same processing methodology, the system efficiently detects fluid communication between wells while maintaining high productivity through parallel processing of multiple datasets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a universal analysis method that can be applied across multiple well systems with different configurations. The same reference signal generation, transfer function calculation, and fluid communication detection algorithms work universally across different well setups, enabling efficient multi-well monitoring without requiring system-specific complex analysis procedures.
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
Enables accurate determination of subsurface conditions, including fracture complexity and fluid communication between well systems, allowing for optimized operational adjustments such as altering fluid paths and proppant concentration to enhance production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Tube waves are converted into electrical signals using devices such as pressure transducers installed in a well system
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for determining subsurface conditions in a multi-well system may include detecting, at time t1, a tube wave at a first well system of the multi-well system. The techniques may further include detecting, at time t2, the tube wave at a second well system of the multi-well system. The techniques may further include determining a time differential td between t1 and t2. The techniques may further include determining, based at least in part on td, that the first well system and the second well system are in fluid communication via a formation.