Shock Wave Fluid Level Detection in Oil Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining fluid levels in the tubing-casing annulus of oil, gas, or water wells are often costly, complex, and prone to noise interference, making it difficult to maintain dynamic equilibrium between reservoir inflow and artificial lift outflow, which can lead to inefficient production and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
The use of shock waves generated by a pressure transducer and compressor system within the tubing-casing annulus, combined with high-sensitivity vibration-compensated pressure sensors, allows for real-time fluid level detection and continuous operation without the need for downhole instrumentation or costly materials like nitrogen, enabling accurate measurements even in noisy environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic waves are used for fluid level determination, then fluid level can be measured, but noise interference from operational equipment reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful noise from operational equipment into a beneficial signal by using the same noise source to generate shock waves for fluid level determination. The compressor-driven shock wave system utilizes the operational noise environment rather than being hindered by it, transforming the harmful acoustic interference into the measurement mechanism itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from acoustic wave frequency to shock wave pressure characteristics. By using a compressor to generate pressure shocks rather than acoustic waves, the system operates in a different physical regime that is less susceptible to the same noise interference affecting acoustic methods, thereby improving measurement precision in noisy environments.
2Measurement precision
If downhole instrumentation is used for fluid level detection, then real-time measurement is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary shock wave generation system at the surface that transmits measurement signals through the fluid column without requiring instrumentation downhole. The compressor-driven shock waves act as intermediaries to probe the fluid level, eliminating the need for complex downhole sensors while maintaining real-time measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical downhole instrumentation system with a surface-based shock wave generation and detection system. Instead of using mechanical sensors downhole, the system uses compressor-driven pressure shocks and surface-based detection, substituting a simpler surface mechanism for complex downhole equipment.
3Measurement precision
If acoustic wave methods are used, then fluid level can be determined, but costly materials like nitrogen are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system self-service by using the well's own operational environment and equipment to generate the measurement signal. The compressor-driven shock wave system utilizes the existing operational noise and pressure environment of the well, eliminating the need to introduce external costly materials like nitrogen for acoustic wave generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic shock wave generation through a compressor system rather than introducing external gases like nitrogen. The compressor utilizes the existing gas environment in the well to generate pressure shocks, replacing costly material consumption with a reusable pneumatic mechanism.
4Productivity
If traditional fluid level monitoring is used, then basic level detection is achieved, but dynamic equilibrium between inflow and outflow cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time feedback monitoring of fluid levels using shock wave measurements. This feedback enables the control system to dynamically adjust artificial lift operations to maintain equilibrium between reservoir inflow and outflow, preventing both over-pumping and under-pumping conditions that reduce productivity and threaten reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous fluid level monitoring and continuous adjustment of artificial lift operations. Unlike periodic or intermittent monitoring methods, the shock wave system provides ongoing real-time data, allowing continuous maintenance of dynamic equilibrium and maximizing production efficiency without interruption.
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 approach provides precise and continuous fluid level monitoring, allowing for optimal production rate balancing and reduced wear on artificial lift systems, while avoiding the complexities and costs associated with traditional downhole systems and acoustic wave methods.
Implementation Method 1
the imposition of a pressure wave—specifically a shock wave in contrast to the known systems which utilize acoustic waves
Implementation Method 2
utilizing the elapsed time between the initial pulse and the detection of the return signal
Implementation Method 3
high-sensitivity vibration-compensated pressure sensors, allows for real-time fluid level detection
Implementation Method 4
high-sensitivity vibration-compensated pressure sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A system makes real time fluid level determinations based upon shock waves detected by a pressure sensor which is able to detect very small changes in the amplitude of the received signal. Because the various components of the artificial lift system can have significant mechanical vibrations and noise, the pressure sensor utilized in the present invention may be high-sensitivity pressure sensor which is vibration-compensated with an electrical amplifier integrated directly into the sensor body to amplify the observed shock wave. The sensor has compensation components which ascertain low-frequency lateral motion and other noise, distinguishing the low frequency wave forms from the incoming reflections from the shock waves. The observed lateral motion is subtracted from the pressure sensor signal in determining the depth to the fluid.