Tracer Diffuser for Multi-Lateral Well Flow Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in accurately analyzing hydrocarbon flow properties in multi-lateral wells due to rapid decay times of tracers, which complicates the determination of zonal flow contributions and optimization of hydrocarbon production.
Innovation Solution
A diffuser-like apparatus is attached to the wellbore production tubing, featuring an internal volume where tracers mix with hydrocarbons. The apparatus slows the release of tracers using porous beads or baffles, increasing residence time and allowing for accurate analysis of tracer decay rates at the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tracers are released directly into the wellbore without an internal volume apparatus, then the tracer concentration can be detected quickly at the surface, but the decay time is too rapid to accurately analyze zonal flow contributions
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus pre-fills an internal volume with tracers before hydrocarbon flow is introduced. This preliminary placement of tracers within the confined internal volume allows them to mix thoroughly with the incoming hydrocarbons before being carried to the surface, extending the measurable decay time while maintaining accurate zonal flow contribution analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The internal volume apparatus acts as an intermediary between the tracer injection point and the surface detection system. By confining and mixing tracers within this intermediate chamber before release into the wellbore, the system extends tracer residence time and improves measurement accuracy without requiring direct injection at the surface
2Ease of operation
If the wellbore production tubing is used as-is without modifications, then the existing wellbore structure is maintained, but there is no mechanism to control tracer mixing and release timing
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is nested around the existing wellbore production tubing, utilizing the tubing's internal space while adding the functional internal volume chamber. This nesting approach provides tracer mixing and release control capabilities without requiring complete replacement of the wellbore structure, balancing operational ease with necessary device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus utilizes the natural hydrocarbon flow from the wellbore to automatically mix and transport tracers through the internal volume and back into the production stream. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external pumping or complex control systems, providing tracer release control while minimizing added device complexity
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
The apparatus enables precise measurement of zonal flow contributions over a wide range of flow rates, optimizing hydrocarbon production by accurately determining oil production rates and water cuts in multi-zone wells.
Implementation Method 1
The internal volume is filled with porous beads between the inlet and the outlet
Implementation Method 2
A check valve is fluidically disposed in the flowline. The check valve is configured to permit flow of the tracers within the internal volume through the flowline and to prevent flow out of the internal volume through the flowline
Implementation Method 3
At the surface, a concentration of the tracers in the mixture flowed to the surface is analyzed
Data Source
AI summary
Hydrocarbon flow into multi-lateral wells is analyzed by controlled release of tracers from the surface. Hydrocarbons flow into a lateral formed from a wellbore into a subterranean zone. A wellbore production tubing is installed within the wellbore and extends toward the lateral. The wellbore production tubing defines an annulus between an outer surface of the tubing and an inner wall of the wellbore. Hydrocarbons flowing from the lateral into the annulus flow within an internal volume defined by a body attached to the outer surface of the tubing. The hydrocarbons mix with tracers residing within the internal volume. A mixture of the hydrocarbons with the tracers flow out of the internal volume and towards the surface. At the surface, a concentration of the tracers in the mixture flowed to the surface is analyzed. Based on a result of the analyzing, properties of hydrocarbon flow into the lateral are determined.