Production Logging Tool Multi-Diameter Flow Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately measuring flow rates in wellbores with low fluid contribution and low permeability formations, particularly at the toe section of horizontal wells, is challenging due to limited flow rates and velocities, which affects the precision of production logging tools.
Innovation Solution
A production logging tool with multiple testing sections of varying diameters and sensors positioned within the tool to increase fluid velocity and accuracy, using a sealing device and funnel guider to direct and seal the flow, allowing for precise measurement of flow rates and characteristics across different velocities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional production logging tools with single diameter flow paths are used in low permeability formations, then the tool structure is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to low fluid velocity and limited flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is divided into multiple testing sections with different diameters (first testing section with first diameter, second testing section with second diameter, third testing section with third diameter). Each section contains sensors that measure fluid characteristics at different velocities, allowing accurate measurement across a range of flow conditions while maintaining a manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the tool have different diameters optimized for different flow conditions. The first testing section has a larger diameter for higher flow rates, while the second and third testing sections have progressively smaller diameters for lower flow rates, creating local quality variations that match the measurement requirements at different locations in the wellbore
2Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned in larger diameter openings, then the flow path is less restricted, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient fluid velocity in low flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into multiple testing sections with different diameters. The first testing section with the larger first diameter handles higher flow rates, while the second testing section with the smaller second diameter and third testing section with the even smaller third diameter create progressively restricted flow paths that increase fluid velocity for accurate measurement in low flow conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The diameter parameter of the flow path is changed across different testing sections. By varying the diameter from the first diameter in the first testing section to the smaller second diameter in the second testing section and the smallest third diameter in the third testing section, the fluid velocity parameter is increased in the smaller diameter sections, enabling accurate measurements in low flow conditions without losing the ability to handle higher flow rates
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
The tool improves the accuracy of flow rate measurements and perforation cluster efficiency by increasing fluid velocity through reduced diameter flow paths, enhancing measurement precision in low-flow areas and reducing sensor exposure to debris, thereby minimizing errors and blinding.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing device configured to seal an annulus of a wellbore
Implementation Method 2
The second central opening is fluidly coupled to the first central opening. The second diameter can be smaller than the first diameter
Data Source
AI summary
In an example implementation, a production logging tool includes a housing that includes a first testing section defining a first central opening having a first diameter and a second testing section defining a second central opening having a second diameter different from the first diameter, a first flow sensor positioned within the first central opening, a second flow sensor positioned within the second central opening, and a sealing device configured to seal an annulus of a wellbore. The second central opening is fluidly coupled to the first central opening.