Slug Flow Control via Downhole Sensing and Choke Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal well completions experience significant slugging issues due to non-homogeneous reservoirs, multi-stage completion practices, and lateral geometries, leading to fluctuations in fluid flow that cause pressure and flow rate swings, equipment upset, and inefficiencies in downhole lift systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that senses fluid flow parameters downhole and at the surface to detect slugs, using controllers to manage fluid flow by adjusting chokes and artificial lift mechanisms, and employing devices like Venturi tubes to mitigate slug formation and separation challenges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If slug flow occurs in horizontal well completions, then fluid production is achieved, but pressure and flow rate swings occur causing equipment upset and non-productive time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of slug flow conditions using downhole sensors that monitor fluid flow parameters. When slugging is detected, the controller preemptively adjusts choke positioning and artificial lift settings to mitigate pressure swings before they reach surface equipment, preventing equipment upset and non-productive time while maintaining fluid production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where downhole sensors continuously monitor fluid flow parameters and transmit data to a controller. The controller processes this feedback information and dynamically adjusts choke and artificial lift settings to maintain stable pressure and flow rate, thereby preventing equipment upset while preserving productivity
2Stability of the object's composition
If downhole sensing and control systems are implemented to manage slug flow, then fluid flow stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service principles by using downhole sensors to automatically detect slug flow conditions and triggering autonomous controller responses. The controller self-adjusts choke positioning and artificial lift settings based on real-time sensor data without requiring external intervention, thereby stabilizing fluid flow while minimizing the operational complexity of the control system
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 stabilizes fluid flow, reduces non-productive time, improves estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) by over 25%, postpones the need for artificial lift, and enhances pumping efficiency by managing choke pressure and gas volume.
Implementation Method 1
employing devices like Venturi tubes to mitigate slug formation and separation challenges
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to attenuating the effects of slugging based on one or more measurements of parameters from one or more locations in one or more wells. In some cases, a controller may be configured to attenuate the effects of slugging based on the one or more parameters, for example, by controlling a choke or an artificial lift. In certain aspects, the one or more locations may include downhole or at the surface of the one or more wells.