Water Cut Correction via GOR Deviation in Multi-Phase Flowmeters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-phase flowmeters (MPFMs) in oil wells often inaccurately estimate water fraction (water cut) due to variability in produced water properties, leading to incorrect fractional flow rate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method corrects water cut measurements by utilizing the deviation in gas-oil ratio (GOR) from the original GOR, using a derived equation that relates the deviation in GOR to the deviation in water cut, and applying normalization logic to ensure stability and prevent out-of-range values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a multi-phase flowmeter is used to measure water fraction, then flow rate measurement is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to variability in produced water properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measured GOR is compared against the initial solution GOR, and the deviation is used to correct the water cut measurement. This closed-loop approach continuously adjusts the water cut estimate based on GOR deviations, improving measurement accuracy while maintaining reliability despite variations in produced water properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct water fraction measurement to using GOR deviation as a correction indicator. By monitoring how the GOR deviates from its initial solution value, the system infers and corrects water cut measurement errors, effectively transforming the measurement approach to overcome the limitations of direct water fraction measurement
2Measurement precision
If conventional GOR determination from lab measurement is used, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of real-time correction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the GOR measurement serve multiple functions: it acts as both a production parameter measurement and a correction signal for water cut measurement. The same GOR data is used for both monitoring gas-oil ratio and detecting deviations that indicate water cut measurement errors, eliminating the need for separate correction instrumentation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own GOR measurement capability to self-correct water cut measurement errors. The MPFM's inherent GOR measurement function is leveraged to provide correction feedback, allowing the system to self-diagnose and self-correct measurement inaccuracies without external intervention or additional measurement tools
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods include a computer-implemented method for determining a gas-oil rate (GOR) for an oil well. A measured GOR is determined for an oil well. A measured water cut (WC) is determined for the oil well. An initial solution of the GOR is determined for the oil well. A corrected WC is determined for the oil well based on a function of the measured GOR, the measured WC, and the initial solution of the GOR.