Thermal Imaging Flow Rate Estimation in Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring flow rate in wells require equipment such as flow meters or gas-liquid separators, which can be absent in some wells due to lack of installation or supply chain issues, leading to inefficient and infrequent flow rate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method using thermodynamic equations to estimate flow rate based on pipe and environment temperatures, well properties, and heat transfer data, utilizing thermal photographs and a computer system to calculate flow rates without the need for physical equipment in the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional flow rate measurement equipment (flow meters, gas-liquid separators) is installed in pipes, then flow rate can be measured, but device complexity increases and not all wells can be equipped due to installation difficulties and supply chain issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical flow measurement devices (flow meters, separators) with a thermal imaging-based estimation system. The system uses thermal cameras to capture temperature distributions around pipes and applies thermodynamic equations to calculate flow rate, eliminating the need for physical installation of complex measurement equipment in the pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal energy distribution as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure flow rate. Instead of directly measuring flow through mechanical sensors in the pipe, the system measures temperature fields around the pipe and uses thermodynamic relationships to infer flow rate, avoiding direct mechanical intervention in the fluid stream.
2Device complexity
If flow rate measurement equipment is not installed in all wells, then device complexity is reduced, but flow rate measurement frequency decreases and productivity monitoring becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the pipe's own thermal characteristics and the natural temperature field around it to enable flow rate measurement. By capturing thermal energy distribution in the environment around the pipe, the system allows the pipe structure itself to serve as part of the measurement system, eliminating the need for separate installed equipment while maintaining continuous measurement capability.
3Productivity
If thermal photographs are used to obtain temperature data, then measurement frequency can be increased and real-time estimation is enabled, but measurement precision may be affected by environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates multiple thermal images captured at different times and positions, using thermodynamic equations that account for heat transfer principles. The calculation integrates temperature distributions from thermal photographs with thermal conductivity data and environmental conditions, creating a feedback-based estimation that continuously refines the flow rate calculation based on thermal energy conservation principles.
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
Enables real-time flow rate estimation with high accuracy, allowing for more frequent well tests and optimizing pump operations and fluid injection rates, reducing the reliance on installed equipment and improving production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining data related to a temperature of the pipe and a temperature of an environment surrounding the pipe... the data related to the temperature of the pipe is obtained from a thermal photograph, and in specific embodiments, the thermal photograph is obtained from a thermal camera
Implementation Method 2
calculating a flow rate of fluid through the pipe using a thermodynamic equation as follows: Q = (β × ΔT) / (Ú × L) × ANP... calculating on a computer, a flow rate of fluid through the pipe using a thermodynamic equation
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of estimating a flow rate through a pipe using thermodynamics. The flow rates are estimated by using fluid properties, reservoir properties, pump properties, and heat transfer properties. Additionally, historical well data can be used to create a model that is used to estimate flow rate through a pipe.