Wastewater Disposal Monitoring via Sensor-Based Classification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrocarbon exploration and production companies face challenges in accurately monitoring and managing wastewater disposal in remote disposal wells, lacking real-time data on disposal quantities and types, which affects operational efficiency and compliance with regulations.
Innovation Solution
A system equipped with sensors to monitor wastewater disposal events and characterize the type of wastewater, using a rules-based classification system to automate detection and classification, and transmit data to a central processing facility for analysis and communication to operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wastewater disposal monitoring is performed manually with self-reported data by truck drivers, then operational simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and data reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual self-reporting mechanisms with an automated sensor-based monitoring system. Sensors continuously measure wastewater parameters and automatically transmit data to a central server, eliminating the need for manual data collection by truck drivers while significantly improving measurement precision and data reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system enables the wastewater disposal process to self-report its own data. The sensors and communication systems automatically capture, process, and transmit disposal information without requiring human intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in terms of data collection and reporting.
2Loss of information
If remote disposal wells are operated without staff or management oversight, then operational costs are reduced, but loss of information regarding key operational details increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor wastewater disposal parameters and automatically transmit this information to a central server. This creates a closed-loop system where operational data is continuously collected, processed, and made available to operators, ensuring complete information availability despite remote unmanned operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication system and central server as intermediaries between the remote disposal wells and operators. These intermediaries automatically collect, store, and transmit operational data, bridging the information gap created by unmanned remote operations without requiring physical staff presence at the wells.
3Ease of operation
If paper records are used for wastewater disposal events, then record-keeping simplicity is maintained, but ease of operation for auditing and verification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual paper-based record-keeping with an automated digital monitoring and communication system. Sensors continuously capture disposal data and automatically transmit it to a central server, eliminating the need for manual paper record creation, storage, and retrieval while dramatically improving auditing efficiency and verification capabilities.
4Productivity
If operators lack real-time data on disposal quantities and types, then system simplicity is maintained, but productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring of wastewater disposal parameters through sensors that operate without interruption. This ensures uninterrupted data collection and real-time information availability to operators, maintaining continuous useful action in terms of data acquisition and eliminating gaps in operational information that would reduce productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to operators through automatic transmission of disposal data from sensors to the central server. This immediate feedback loop enables operators to make informed decisions based on current operational status, improving responsiveness and overall operational efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for monitoring disposal of wastewater in a disposal well includes: an event monitor sensor configured to identify a wastewater disposal event; and a second sensor configured to collect data about one or more characteristics of the wastewater during the wastewater disposal event. The data from the second sensor at the disposal well is analyzed to determine a classification of the wastewater, which is then reported to an operator or another interested party.