Pump Controller Using Well Profiles for Dynamic Rate Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The variability in extraction rates of multiphase fluids from geological formations poses challenges in optimizing pump control, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to unpredictable well behavior and the influence of neighboring wells, resulting in suboptimal production and potential pump degradation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generate a well profile by analyzing pump operational data and well data to derive statistical representations of variance, which are used to dynamically control pump operating points, optimizing fluid extraction while protecting the pump from over- or under-pumping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pump rate is increased to maximize extraction, then production rate improves, but pump degradation accelerates and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pump rate adjustment based on real-time well conditions and historical performance data. The system continuously adapts the pump operating point to optimize extraction while preventing pump degradation, transitioning from static to dynamic control to resolve the contradiction between maximizing productivity and ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from production data, well conditions, and pump performance metrics to continuously adjust pump rate. This closed-loop control ensures the pump operates at optimal points that balance extraction rate with pump lifespan, preventing both over-pumping and under-pumping conditions.
2Reliability
If pump rate is decreased to protect pump, then pump lifespan improves, but production efficiency decreases and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines optimal pump rates based on real-time well conditions rather than using fixed conservative limits. This allows the pump to operate at higher rates when well conditions permit, maximizing production while still protecting pump lifespan through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters (pump rate, pressure, temperature) based on well-specific characteristics and environmental conditions. By adapting parameters to match actual well performance rather than using fixed conservative values, the system achieves both pump protection and optimal production efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If formation modeling is used to predict flow, then pump speed can be anticipated, but accuracy decreases due to complex multi-phase fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from actual production data and well conditions to refine pump speed predictions. Rather than relying solely on formation modeling, the system continuously compares predicted vs. actual performance and adjusts control strategies accordingly, improving accuracy in complex multi-phase conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer of real-time data collection and analysis between formation modeling and pump control. This intermediary system processes actual well conditions and uses them to adjust predictions, bridging the gap between theoretical models and complex field conditions.
4Stability of the object's composition
If pump speed is adjusted manually or with preset amounts, then flow can be stabilized, but optimal production is not achieved and control becomes challenging in multi-well fields
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback control that continuously monitors flow conditions and adjusts pump speed to maintain optimal operation. This replaces manual or preset adjustments with intelligent control that achieves both flow stability and production optimization, even in multi-well fields with complex interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the pump control system to self-adjust based on real-time data without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously optimizes pump speed to achieve flow stability and maximum production, freeing operators from complex manual control tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for characterizing a well for control of a pump, comprising inputting well parameters, into a processor and generating from the input well parameters a well profile, the well profile having a plurality of statistically derived values, each said statistical value corresponding to respective operating points of the pump operational data, and each of the plurality of statistical values being derived from respective statistical analyses taken at the respective operating points, each of the plurality of statistical values being based on a respective analysis of a plurality of sampled well head data at a common point of the operating points.