Solid Particle Zone Detection Through Impermeable Downhole Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting solid particle production zones behind an impermeable barrier in wells suffer from low sensitivity, difficulty in selecting optimal thresholds, and inaccuracies in counting and locating the production zones due to lack of direct contact with the particles.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves establishing a well operating regime with fluid flow carrying solid particles, measuring acoustic signal amplitudes, detecting and comparing peak shapes, and differentiating particle impacts with a barrier from other impacts in the time domain to enhance accuracy of solid particle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fibre optic systems are used for sand detection, then sand production can be detected, but sensitivity is reduced due to additional screening by the well medium
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an impermeable barrier (tubing or casing) as an intermediary element that solid particles can penetrate through while blocking fluid and gas flow. This barrier serves as a mediator that allows particle detection to occur on its outer surface, eliminating the need for sensors to be directly exposed to the well medium while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces optical detection methods (fibre optic systems) with acoustic detection methods. Acoustic sensors detect particle impacts on the barrier through mechanical vibrations, which are not attenuated by the barrier material in the same way optical signals are screened by the well medium.
2Measurement precision
If acoustic signals are measured through an impermeable barrier, then particle impacts can be detected, but it becomes difficult to differentiate particle impacts from other noise sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of particle impact signals by analyzing the temporal shape of acoustic peaks. By establishing reference peak shapes corresponding to particle impacts versus other noise sources (such as gas bubbles or fluid flow), the system can differentiate between them during operation by comparing detected signals against these pre-established patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent focuses on detecting only the specific characteristic feature of particle impacts (the temporal shape of acoustic peaks) rather than attempting to analyze the entire acoustic signal spectrum. This selective approach to detecting only the relevant partial information simplifies the differentiation process while maintaining accuracy.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional acoustic detection methods are used, then sand production can be detected, but accurate counting and location of production zones is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wellbore into discrete depth segments or zones and performs particle counting independently in each segment. By segmenting the detection domain and associating detected particle impacts with their specific depth locations, the system can provide both accurate counts and spatial distribution information about sand production zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses real-time feedback from the position of the impermeable barrier (tubing or casing) to correlate detected particle impacts with specific depth locations in the wellbore. This feedback mechanism allows the system to continuously update and maintain accurate location information for particle production zones as the barrier moves or as different sections are monitored.
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
Accurately identifies solid particle production zones by differentiating particle impacts from other noise sources, providing precise counting and location of production zones without direct contact with the particles.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic signal amplitude measurement data obtained while establishing a well operating regime characterised by a flow carrying solid particles along the wellbore and in one or more formations
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting solid particles in a production zone includes stages at which: at least one well operating regime is established, where the presence of fluid flow carrying solid particles are both present along the wellbore or in one or more formations. At least one instrument for objective measurements of an acoustic signal amplitude is run in or pulled out of the well either at a constant speed or with intermittent stations. Acoustic signal amplitude is measured either at a station or while running in or pulling out of the well using at least one instrument for objective measurements of the acoustic signal amplitude. Acoustic signal amplitude measurement data obtained in the well is processed, and amplitude peaks in the recorded acoustic signal are detected. At each depth, the peak shape obtained during the measurement is compared with a reference one.