Perforated Liner Inflow Profile Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for hydrocarbon production using non-cemented perforated liners optimized for acid stimulation result in suboptimal hydrocarbon production profiles along the wellbore, as the original perforation patterns do not adequately account for pressure variations and hydrocarbon flow requirements post-acid stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the injection of hydrocarbon displacement fluids to measure inflow and production profiles, followed by adaptation of the perforation pattern to optimize hydrocarbon production, including selective plugging of holes to adjust the total hole area per length unit from the heel to the toe section, maintaining a continuous annular space for efficient hydrocarbon recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the liner has an original perforation pattern optimized for acid stimulation with varying total hole area per length unit from heel to toe, then pressure loss during acid stimulation is counteracted and formation is treated equally, but hydrocarbon production after acid stimulation becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The perforation pattern is transformed from a static configuration optimized for acid stimulation to a dynamic configuration optimized for hydrocarbon production. This is achieved by selectively plugging certain perforations after acid stimulation, thereby adapting the flow characteristics to match post-stimulation production requirements rather than relying on the original static pattern
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the liner receive different treatments to optimize local flow characteristics. By selectively plugging specific perforations in certain zones while leaving others open, the system creates locally optimized flow paths that account for pressure variations and hydrocarbon distribution along the wellbore length, rather than applying a uniform approach
2Manufacturing precision
If the total hole area per length unit of the liner varies from heel to toe to counteract pressure loss during acid stimulation, then uniform formation treatment is achieved, but the perforation pattern results in less optimal hydrocarbon production along the wellbore
Solution Approach 1:
The acid stimulation is performed first with the original perforation pattern to achieve uniform formation treatment and create the desired permeability enhancement. Subsequently, the perforation pattern is modified by selective plugging to optimize hydrocarbon production. This sequential approach allows the preliminary acid stimulation to establish uniform formation properties before adapting the perforation pattern for production optimization
3Productivity
If selective plugging of perforations is performed to optimize hydrocarbon production, then inflow profile is improved and pressure losses are balanced, but additional intervention steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system modifies the flow parameters by selectively plugging perforations to change the distribution of hole area along the liner length. This parameter change transforms the inflow profile from suboptimal to optimized, balancing pressure losses and improving hydrocarbon production. The approach uses measurable parameters (inflow profiles, pressure losses) to guide the modification process
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 approach enhances hydrocarbon production by optimizing the perforation pattern to balance pressure losses and flow rates, leading to more uniform and efficient hydrocarbon recovery with reduced intervention, while maintaining a large contact area between the wellbore and the formation.
Implementation Method 1
acid or the like aggressive liquid is supplied for decomposing material in the wellbore
Implementation Method 2
injecting a hydrocarbon displacement fluid into the perforated liner in said wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
In a wellbore (1) provided with a non-cemented perforated liner (6) forming a continuous annular space (7) between the liner and the formation (2), the liner having an original perforation pattern being optimized for acid stimulation of the wellbore, the following steps are performed: injecting a hydrocarbon displacement fluid and measuring parameters relevant for inflow profiling, on the basis thereof, determining an actual inflow profile (P a) over the length of the wellbore, comparing the determined actual inflow profile (Pa) with a preferred inflow profile (Pp) over the length of the wellbore, estimating, on the basis of the difference between the actual inflow profile (Pa) and the preferred inflow profile (Pp), a modified perforation pattern for the liner, determining how the original perforation pattern of the liner may be adapted to form said modified perforation pattern for the liner, and adapting the perforation pattern of the liner accordingly.