Well Control System Pressure Flow Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well control methods are inadequate for accurately determining fracture and pore pressures, leading to inaccurate well control operations, increased risk of well blow-outs, and resource wastage, especially when the blow-out preventer (BOP) is closed, due to reliance on pressure readings alone and misinterpretation of downhole events.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that measures and monitors both pressures and flow rates into and out of the well bore, using fluid flow rate measurement devices and pressure measurement devices to accurately determine pore and fracture pressures, and control well pressures between specified limits, allowing for safer well control operations and remote expert involvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pressure readings alone are used to determine well control parameters, then the operation is simpler, but the accuracy of determining fracture and pore pressures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flow rate measurement devices as an intermediary element between the well bore and the control system. These devices provide additional data that mediates the relationship between pressure readings and well control decisions, enabling more accurate determination of fracture and pore pressures without oversimplifying the operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical/manual interpretation of pressure readings with an automated system that integrates both pressure and flow rate measurements. This substitution uses computational analysis to determine well control parameters, improving accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity through automation
2Device complexity
If conventional well control methods are used when BOP is closed, then the device complexity is lower, but the reliability of well control operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where flow rate measurements are continuously monitored and used to adjust well control decisions. The system compares actual flow rates with expected values and provides feedback to the control system, enabling real-time adjustments that improve reliability during BOP closed operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by automatically analyzing both pressure and flow rate data to determine well control parameters. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex manual interventions while improving the reliability of well control operations
3Loss of information
If downhole events are misinterpreted using conventional methods, then the loss of information is minimal, but the loss of time and resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual interpretation of downhole events with an automated analysis system that processes both pressure and flow rate data. This substitution eliminates human error in interpreting downhole events, preventing information loss and reducing the time and resources wasted on incorrect well control decisions
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 approach enhances the accuracy and controllability of well control operations, reduces the risk of well blow-outs, and enables more effective participation by remote experts, ensuring safer and more efficient well management.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid pump in fluid communication with said surface fluid reservoir
Implementation Method 2
operating said fluid pump to circulate fluid through said inlet line, said well bore annulus and said choke line
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for safely controlling a well being drilled or that has been drilled into a subterranean formation in which a conventional blow-out preventer operates to close the well bore to atmosphere upon the detection of a fluid influx event. Fluid pressures as well as fluid flow rates into and out of the well bore are measured and monitored to more accurately and confidently determine the fracture pressure and pore pressure of the formation and perform well control operations in response to a fluid influx event. During a suspected fluid influx event, one or more of the fluid flow and pressure measurements are used to confirm the fluid influx event and to safely regain well control by circulating the fluid influx out of the well through a choke line while maintaining the pressure inside the well between specified, selected limits, such as between the fracture and pore pressures.