Optical Waveguide Well Screen Flow Control
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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 across 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 monitor and control fluid flow between the completion string and multiple earth formation zones, allowing for precise management of fluid flow and pressure measurement.
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 is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The completion string is divided into multiple discrete zones with individual flow control devices (FCDs) for each zone. This segmentation allows independent control and monitoring of fluid flow from each zone, enabling determination of fluid communication between specific zones and the completion string while maintaining production from all zones.
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 FCD. This feedback mechanism enables monitoring of fluid communication status for each zone individually, even when fluids are commingled, by detecting pressure changes that indicate zone activation or plugging.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flow control devices are used to manage fluid flow through well screens, then fluid management capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control devices are designed as multi-functional components that combine flow restriction, pressure sensing, and diagnostic capabilities within a single integrated assembly. Each FCD serves multiple purposes: controlling zone flow, providing pressure measurement points, and enabling well diagnostics, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The completion string employs a nested structure where FCDs are positioned within the completion string alongside pressure sensors and optical waveguides. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to occupy the same spatial envelope, managing complexity through compact integration rather than separate external components.
3Measurement precision
If optical waveguides and pressure sensors are added to sense fluid properties, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Optical waveguides and pressure sensors are merged with the flow control devices and completion string structure. The pressure sensors are integrated into the FCD assemblies, and optical waveguides are positioned to closely monitor fluid properties at the well screen interface. This merging reduces the number of separate sensing systems and simplifies the overall architecture while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguides serve as intermediaries that transmit fluid property information (such as composition or temperature) from the well screen interface to remote sensing locations. This intermediary approach enables precise measurement of fluid properties without requiring complex sensor assemblies directly in the high-pressure, high-temperature zone environment.
4Ease of operation
If variable flow restriction is implemented through multiple FCDs, then fluid flow control is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring fluid communication increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors positioned across each FCD provide continuous feedback on pressure differentials that indicate fluid communication status. When an FCD is open and fluid is flowing, the pressure differential reflects normal operation; when plugged or closed, the pressure differential changes distinctly. This feedback enables easy detection of fluid communication status for each zone despite the presence of multiple variable flow restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes optical waveguides that can detect changes in fluid properties such as composition or temperature, providing visual or electronic indicators of fluid communication status. These optical indicators serve as straightforward signals that complement pressure measurements, making it easier to detect and measure fluid communication without complex instrumentation.
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 modeling of fluid characteristics and flow paths, enhancing well diagnostics and improving fluid management by allowing selective control of flow through well screens, thereby optimizing production or injection operations.
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
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.