Predicting Caliper Log Data for Descaled Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing descaling operations in hydrocarbon production are often difficult and insufficient in fully restoring well integrity, as they fail to effectively address scaling issues such as iron sulfide, chloride, and sulfate scaling, leading to reduced hydrocarbon flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a descaling model and caliper log data to predict the outcome of scale treatments, determining whether a well has met predetermined criteria for tubing integrity, and implementing either a scale treatment or tubular replacement based on the analysis, ensuring the well's operational parameters are within safe limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If descaling operations are performed to remove scale formation, then hydrocarbon flow rate is improved, but the well may fail to be fully restored to prescaled state due to insufficient descaling effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing virtual descaling operations and predicting outcomes before actual field operations. The system uses descaling models to simulate various descaling scenarios and predict whether the well will meet predetermined criteria, allowing operators to plan and prepare appropriate remedial actions in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using predicted caliper log values to determine whether the descaled well satisfies predetermined criteria. This feedback mechanism allows the system to evaluate the effectiveness of descaling operations and trigger appropriate responses, such as tubular replacement commands, when criteria are not met.
2Reliability
If tubular replacement is implemented for wells failing to meet criteria, then well integrity is improved, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary virtual descaling operations and predictions to identify which wells will fail to meet criteria before actual field operations. This allows operators to proactively plan tubular replacements or other remedial actions, reducing operational complexity by having predetermined response plans ready.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically determining whether tubular replacement is needed and transmitting commands to control systems without requiring manual intervention. The automated decision-making process based on predicted caliper log values reduces operational complexity by eliminating the need for manual well-by-well evaluation.
3Speed
If automated prediction systems are used to determine descaling outcomes, then decision-making speed is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical evaluation processes with automated computational systems. The descaling model and computer processor automatically predict caliper log values and determine whether wells meet criteria, replacing the need for manual well-by-well evaluation and significantly improving decision-making speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying by creating virtual representations of well conditions through predicted caliper log values. These virtual models allow operators to evaluate descaling outcomes and make decisions based on simulated data without requiring physical intervention or complex manual analysis of each well.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include obtaining caliper log data regarding a well. The method may further include determining, using a descaling model and the caliper log data, various predicted caliper log values for a descaled well. The descaled well may correspond to the well following a scale treatment. The method may further include determining whether the descaled well satisfies a predetermined criterion based on the predicted caliper log values. The method may further include determining, in response to determining that the descaled well fails to satisfy the predetermined criterion, a tubular replacement for the well. The method may further include transmitting, to a control system, a command that implements the tubular replacement.