Well Flow Rate Control Using Venturi Measurement and Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling methods face challenges in continuously controlling well fluid flow rates, detecting kick phenomena, and managing pressure variations, leading to hydraulic fracturing, equipment losses, and inefficiencies in mud circulation and rod exchange operations.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing two Venturi measuring devices at the well inlet and outlet, combined with a density measuring device and a dedicated software program, to continuously monitor and adjust fluid flow rates, prevent hammering phenomena, and allow continuous mud circulation during rod exchange, using a switching device with axial and radial valves for safe and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pump stroke method is used to detect well inlet flow rate, then operator reference point is provided, but pump efficiency and failure prediction are required making it redundant and potentially dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump stroke counting method with a Coriolis meter that directly measures mass flow rate. This substitution eliminates the need to know pump efficiency and predict pump failures, providing direct and accurate measurement of well inlet flow rate without redundant calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a Coriolis meter to create a direct copy of the actual flow rate measurement rather than inferring it from pump strokes. This provides a reliable reference measurement that accurately reflects the true well inlet flow rate.
2Measurement precision
If Coriolis measuring device is used to measure mud flow rate and density, then measurement is provided, but device is not able to detect gas presence requiring manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gas detection device as an intermediary component that works in conjunction with the Coriolis meter. This combination allows the system to detect both liquid mud flow rate/density and gas presence, enabling automatic operation without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances the Coriolis meter system by adding gas detection capability, making the measurement system multi-functional. The system can now automatically detect both mud parameters (flow rate and density) and gas presence, eliminating the need for manual operation.
3Stress or pressure
If well inlet and outlet flow rates are monitored by choke valves, then well backpressure is controlled, but complex control of physical and fluidynamic parameters is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors well inlet and outlet flow rates using Coriolis meters and automatically adjusts choke valve settings. This feedback mechanism simplifies the control of backpressure and other physical parameters by using real-time measurement data to automatically maintain optimal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual control of multiple physical and fluidynamic parameters with automated electronic control based on Coriolis meter measurements. The system automatically adjusts flow rates and pressures, eliminating the need for complex manual coordination of multiple parameters.
4Ease of operation
If drilling rods are exchanged by stopping mud circulation, then rod exchange operation is performed, but hydraulic fracturing and equipment losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous mud circulation during rod exchange operations by using a dual-pump system. The second pump takes over when the first pump needs to be stopped for rod exchange, maintaining continuous flow and preventing hydraulic fracturing and equipment losses while allowing rod exchange to proceed.
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
This solution enables precise control of well fluid flow, prevents hydraulic fracturing and equipment losses, allows safe rod exchange without stopping mud circulation, and maintains well stability by automatically adjusting choke valve settings based on real-time fluid characteristics, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
venturi measuring devices, operating based on a Venturi momentum variation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for continuously controlling fluid flow rates through a well (4) provides to shut off the drilling mud at the well inlet and outlet and detect measurements of flow rate and density of the drilling mud by a Venturi measuring device (10,2).