Tube Wave Analysis for Well Stage Efficiency Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring and measuring the downhole conditions of well systems, particularly the condition of perforations in the casing, is challenging due to their underground location, affecting the efficiency of hydraulic fracking operations.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing tube waves to measure the resistance of the well system, comparing measured resistance with design-corrected resistance to determine the efficiency of perforations, and adjusting operations based on the deviation ratio and perforation conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tube wave measurement is used to measure well system resistance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computing system that receives tube wave data from downhole tools and processes it to determine well system resistance. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system by separating the simple tube wave generation/detection from the complex resistance calculation, allowing precise measurement without requiring complex equipment at every stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a simpler approach using tube waves (pressure pulses) and computational analysis. Instead of using complex mechanical sensors and equipment to directly measure resistance, the system uses acoustic/pressure waves and processes their characteristics through computing to derive resistance values, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining precision.
2Productivity
If individual stage efficiency analysis is performed, then productivity is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by measuring tube waves immediately after each hydraulic fracturing stage is completed, before moving to the next stage. This allows the efficiency of each stage to be determined in advance, enabling real-time optimization and preventing time loss by avoiding unnecessary adjustments or rework in subsequent stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by analyzing the efficiency of each fracturing stage based on tube wave measurements and using this information to guide subsequent stages. The computing system provides feedback on stage performance (e.g., proppant placement effectiveness, perforation conditions), allowing operators to adjust future stages to optimize overall well productivity without significant time delay.
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
Enhances the measurement of well system efficiency by reducing waste and costs through individual stage efficiency analysis, identifying erosion or blockage conditions, and optimizing fluid and proppant usage.
Implementation Method 1
A tube wave can be generated passively when the pumping of fluid through the wellbore is stopped, causing a pressure differential that flows through the well system
Implementation Method 2
a tube wave may be generated actively when a pressure source, such as an air gun or electrical discharge causes a pressure increase in the hydraulic fluid, resulting in a pressure differential that flows through the well system
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for measuring well systems using tube waves may include performing a simulation of a stage of the well system based, at least in part, on stage design characteristics. The techniques may further include determining expected stage characteristics based, at least in part, the simulation. The techniques may further include generating measured stage characteristics based, at least in part, on a tube wave signal corresponding to a tube wave that occurred in the well system. The techniques may further include determining at least one stage efficiency metric based, at least in part, on the expected stage characteristics and the measured stage characteristics.