Well Flow Estimation Using a Constant-Ratio Tracer Bypass
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating production flow rates in wells using tracers are affected by crossflow and pressure variations, leading to inaccurate results due to the presence of movable parts and direct communication with formation fluids.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a compartment and flow diverter configuration in the production pipe, allowing tracer release and accumulation without movable parts, ensuring a constant ratio between flow through the compartment and the pipe, using CFD modeling for reliable flow rate estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tracers are released directly into the production pipe with movable parts and direct communication with formation fluids, then tracer release can be controlled, but crossflow and pressure variations cause inaccurate flow rate estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The production pipe is segmented into a first compartment (for tracer release) and a second compartment (for fluid flow), separated by a partition wall with openings. This segmentation isolates the tracer release mechanism from direct formation fluid communication, eliminating crossflow interference while maintaining controlled tracer introduction into the production stream for accurate flow rate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
A partition wall with controlled openings acts as an intermediary between the tracer source and the production fluid. This intermediary structure allows selective fluid passage while preventing direct communication with formation fluids, thereby eliminating crossflow effects and pressure variation impacts on tracer-based flow rate estimation.
2Ease of manufacture
If tracer depots are placed in direct contact with formation fluids, then tracer release is simplified, but crossflow causes tracer to bypass the production pipe leading to inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the tracer depot into a sealed first compartment that interfaces with formation fluids through controlled openings in the partition wall, rather than direct exposure. This segmentation allows simple installation while preventing crossflow bypass, as the partition wall structure guides all fluid flow through the controlled path where tracer is introduced into the production pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracer release function is extracted from direct formation fluid contact and relocated to the controlled compartment system. The partition wall with openings extracts the harmful crossflow path while maintaining the beneficial tracer introduction function, allowing accurate flow rate measurement without direct formation fluid communication.
3Ease of operation
If movable parts are used in the tracer release apparatus, then valve control is achieved, but mechanical failure and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses self-service passive flow control through the partition wall openings and baffle configuration, eliminating the need for external valve control mechanisms. The fluid dynamics themselves regulate tracer release based on production flow conditions, achieving ease of operation without movable parts and reducing device complexity while maintaining functional effectiveness.
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
Provides reliable and accurate flow rate estimation at specific well positions by maintaining a consistent flow ratio through the compartment and pipe, even after tracer depletion, without affecting production flow or requiring shut-in.
Implementation Method 1
a non-movable flow diverter provided at least at one of the at least first passage and the at least one second passage, and wherein the flow diverter and the passages are configured so that, in use in a producing well, a ratio between a flow through the compartment and a flow through the pipe is constant
Implementation Method 2
The tracer depot or source may be formed by as dissolvable salts that are typically contained in non-dissolvable block material positioned in contact with the fluid flow passing through the apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for estimating a production flow rate at a certain position of a well, the apparatus has a compartment being in fluid communication with a fluid within a pipe for forming part of a production string via a first passage and a second passage. A portion of wellbore fluid within the pipe is urged through the compartment by a flow diverter provided at least at one of the at least first passage and the at least one second passage. A ratio between a flow (Fi, Fo) through the compartment and the flow (F) through the pipe is constant, wherein the constant ration is known from tests and/or calculations. A measured flow through the compartment is used for estimating a flow through the pipe of the apparatus.