Real-time Pump Diagnostic Algorithms for Oil Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pump diagnostic techniques for vertical oil wells face a significant time delay between data acquisition and real-time or near real-time display of pump cards, which hinders immediate control and monitoring of pump operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of real-time and near real-time diagnostic methods using finite difference and Fourier series analysis to synchronize the display of pump and surface cards, allowing for prompt diagnostic and control actions by calculating and displaying pump data points in synchronization with surface data points, and adjusting for wave propagation delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional pump diagnostic techniques are used, then pump position and load can be calculated, but there is a significant time delay between data acquisition and display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing wave propagation delay characteristics for different well depths and rod string configurations. When real-time diagnosis is needed, these pre-computed delay values are directly applied to synchronize pump card display with surface card display, eliminating the need for complex real-time wave equation solving and significantly reducing time delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/numerical approach of solving wave equations with a simplified signal processing approach. Instead of numerically solving partial differential equations in real-time, the system uses pre-computed wave propagation delay characteristics and synchronous display techniques, substituting complex computational mechanics with more efficient signal synchronization methods.
2Reliability
If real-time diagnostic algorithms are implemented, then pump-off control action can be advanced, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating wave propagation delay characteristics for various well conditions and storing them in lookup tables. During real-time operation, the system simply retrieves the appropriate delay value based on current well parameters, avoiding complex real-time computations while maintaining accurate control timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from solving wave equations with varying parameters in real-time to using discrete parameter lookup based on pre-computed characteristics. The system determines pump-off control timing by looking up pre-calculated delay values corresponding to current well depth and rod string parameters, significantly reducing computational complexity while maintaining control accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a pump card for a well. The method comprising: obtaining a first set of data points, wherein the first set of data points comprise a first set of polished rod position data points of the well and a first set of polished rod load data points of the well; and calculating a first data point of a pump position and a pump load using the first set of data points. The calculating occurs before the well moves through a first complete stroke cycle.