Transient Pressure Data Analysis for Inflow Control Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining contributing inflow control devices (ICDs) in a wellbore using production logging tools are costly and inefficient, necessitating a more economical approach to identify contributing ICDs and assess the success of shifting jobs.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using transient pressure data from a permanent downhole monitoring system (PDHMS) to perform curve fitting of composite exponential signals, determining the number of contributing ICDs, calculating normalized distances between them, and generating a list of contributing ICDs to predict fluid flow contributors, thereby reducing costs and improving assessment accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If production logging tools are used to determine contributing ICDs, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses transient pressure data from permanent downhole monitoring systems as a simplified copy or surrogate for the more expensive production logging tool measurements. By analyzing pressure transient responses and matching them to theoretical models, the system identifies contributing ICDs without requiring the costly PLT intervention, thus achieving acceptable measurement precision at reduced cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical intervention of production logging tools with a computational approach using pressure transient analysis. Instead of physically logging through the wellbore with specialized tools, the system uses existing pressure sensor data combined with curve matching algorithms to identify contributing ICDs, substituting mechanical measurement with computational analysis
2Reliability
If production logging tools are deployed to assess ICD contribution, then reliability of fluid flow assessment is improved, but productivity decreases due to cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of ICD contribution using continuously available pressure data from permanent monitoring systems before committing to expensive PLT interventions. The curve matching methodology provides an initial evaluation that can guide whether full PLT deployment is necessary, improving overall productivity by avoiding unnecessary costly assessments while maintaining reliability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing permanent downhole monitoring infrastructure to self-assess ICD contribution without requiring external intervention. The pressure transients naturally occurring in the wellbore are analyzed to provide assessment data, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring additional logging tools and personnel
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method, medium, and system for determining contributing inflow control devices (ICDs) using transient pressure data from a permanent downhole monitoring system (PDHMS) in a wellbore is disclosed. One example computer-implemented method includes receiving transient pressure data from a PDHMS in the wellbore. Multiple ICDs are installed in the wellbore and include multiple contributing ICDs that contribute to fluid flow in the wellbore. Curve fitting of multiple composite exponential signals is performed to match the transient pressure data. A total number of the multiple contributing ICDs is determined based on a result of performing the curve fitting. A respective normalized distance between each pair of adjacent ICDs of the multiple contributing ICDs is determined. A depth of a last ICD in the multiple contributing ICDs is determined. A list of all contributing ICDs is generated based on the determination of the depth of the last ICD.