Resonant Sensor Fluid Control for Water Breakthrough Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrocarbon production systems face challenges in accurately estimating and controlling the flow of fluids, particularly in distinguishing between hydrocarbon and unwanted fluids like water and gas, which affects production efficiency and can lead to water breakthrough.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a flow control device with a resonant sensing assembly that includes a resonator body capable of vibrating at an expected resonance frequency, allowing for the estimation of fluid properties such as density and viscosity, and controlling the fluid flow based on these measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow control systems are used, then fluid flow can be controlled, but accurate estimation and distinction of fluid types (hydrocarbon vs. unwanted fluids) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a resonator body that vibrates at a resonance frequency when exposed to fluid. The resonator's vibration characteristics (frequency, amplitude, damping) change based on fluid properties such as density and viscosity. This mechanical vibration approach enables precise fluid property measurement through simple resonance detection, achieving high measurement precision without complex analytical instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the resonator's vibration response and feeds this information back to control the flow control device. By comparing the measured fluid properties against target values, the system automatically adjusts flow parameters to maintain optimal production conditions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables accurate fluid distinction and control while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
2Productivity
If flow control is implemented without accurate fluid property measurement, then system simplicity is maintained, but production efficiency decreases and water breakthrough occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator body's vibration response provides direct information about fluid density and viscosity, which are key properties for distinguishing hydrocarbons from water and gas. This simple vibration-based measurement approach enables accurate fluid identification and production optimization without requiring complex multi-parameter sensing systems, thus improving productivity while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonator body itself serves dual functions: it acts as both the sensing element and the flow control actuator reference. The resonator's natural vibration characteristics provide the measurement signal, and its response is directly used to control flow parameters. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate measurement and control systems, improving productivity with minimal added complexity.
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 system provides effective and sensitive monitoring of fluid properties, enabling efficient regulation of fluid flow to prevent water breakthrough and optimize hydrocarbon production by accurately distinguishing between hydrocarbons and unwanted fluids.
Implementation Method 1
causing the resonator body to vibrate according to an expected resonance frequency of the resonator body
Implementation Method 2
acquire a measurement signal generated by the resonator body, estimate a property of the fluid based on the measurement signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a flow of fluid includes a flow control device having a fluid channel configured to transport a fluid between a subterranean region and a borehole conduit, a resonant sensing assembly including a resonator body disposed in fluid communication with the fluid channel, and a controller configured to cause the resonator body to vibrate according to an expected resonance frequency of the resonator body. The system also includes a processing device configured to acquire a measurement signal generated by the resonator body, estimate a property of the fluid based on the measurement signal, and control a flow of the fluid through the flow control device based on the property of the fluid.