Spectral Analysis for Downhole Fluid Flow Pattern Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for analyzing downhole data struggle with identifying non-sinusoidal patterns associated with fluid flow in wells and pipelines, leading to inaccurate flow rate calculations and potential damage due to complex flow structures, noise, and irregular data intervals.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of singular spectral analysis by a data processing unit to identify recurring, possibly non-sinusoidal patterns in pressure signals from sensors, allowing for the reconstruction of de-noised signals and triggering control functions to manage fluid flow, thereby improving flow meter accuracy and reducing risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional analysis methods are used to identify flow structures, then the analysis can detect sinusoidal signal components, but the analysis cannot distinguish non-sinusoidal patterns associated with flow structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the pressure signal from time domain to frequency domain using spectral analysis, changing the representation parameters to reveal recurring patterns. This parameter transformation enables the detection of non-sinusoidal patterns that conventional time-domain analysis cannot distinguish, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If data is taken at irregular intervals or contains gaps, then data collection is more flexible, but any analyses of the data may be inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The spectral analysis method provides feedback about the dominant frequencies and patterns in the signal, which can then be used to interpolate missing data points or correct irregular sampling intervals. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain analysis accuracy even when data collection flexibility is increased through irregular sampling.
3Loss of information
If the fluid is experiencing complex flow, then the flow structures provide important information, but the computation of flow rate becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex flow signal into distinct spectral components through frequency analysis. By breaking down the complex flow rate computation into separate frequency-based pattern识别 steps, the system retains detailed flow structure information while organizing the computation into manageable segments that are easier to process and interpret.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for analysis of data associated with fluid flow through a conduit and potential control of the fluid flow. In one embodiment, a method includes a data processing unit obtaining from a sensor a signal representing a series of measurements of a physical parameter associated with fluid flow through the conduit. The data processing unit performs singular spectral analysis of this signal and thereby identifies recurring, possibly non-sinusoidal patterns in the signal. The data processing unit may construct a second signal from some or all of the recurring patterns identified in the first signal. Alternatively, the data processing unit may identify recurring patterns in the signal which are indicative of corresponding conditions associated with the fluid flow through the conduit. The data processing unit may then initiate control functions responsive to the recurring patterns and associated conditions.