Well Operation Noise Reduction via Engine Parameter Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Noise from well operations in the oil and gas industry hinders on-site workers, wildlife, and residential activities, making it difficult for companies to operate in noise-regulated zones without violating regulations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a command center with communication and networking devices, sensors, and actuators to monitor and adjust well operation equipment, such as engines and pumps, to minimize noise by optimizing equipment positioning, orientation, and operating parameters, using a mapping between engine RPM, load, and noise output to select set points that reduce noise production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If well operations are conducted in noise-regulated zones, then productivity and operational flexibility improve, but noise levels exceed regulatory thresholds causing violations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts engine RPM and load settings based on real-time noise monitoring and regulatory thresholds. The control system continuously modifies operational parameters to maintain noise levels within acceptable ranges while preserving productivity, transforming static operational settings into dynamic, adaptive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes operational parameters (engine RPM, load, gear selection) to control noise output. By mapping the relationship between these parameters and noise levels, the system selects optimal parameter combinations that minimize noise while maintaining operational effectiveness, directly addressing the contradiction between productivity and noise control.
2Productivity
If equipment operates at higher power settings, then productivity increases, but noise production increases exceeding regulatory limits
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes a mapping between engine RPM, load, and noise to identify parameter combinations that achieve required productivity levels with minimized noise output. The control system adjusts parameters in real-time to operate at the quietest possible settings that still meet operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Noise monitoring devices provide continuous feedback on actual noise levels, which the control system uses to adjust operational parameters. This closed-loop feedback ensures that productivity goals are met while noise remains within regulatory thresholds, preventing excessive noise generation during high-power operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If companies cannot control noise from well operations, then they cannot operate in noise-regulated zones, but controlling noise requires complex monitoring and adjustment systems
Solution Approach 1:
The command center serves multiple functions: it monitors noise levels, controls engine parameters, manages equipment operations, and ensures regulatory compliance. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system, the invention reduces overall system complexity while enabling operation in noise-regulated zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically adjusts operational parameters based on noise feedback without requiring constant human intervention. The system self-regulates by selecting appropriate gear and RPM settings from the mapped parameter space, reducing the complexity of manual noise control while maintaining operational access to regulated zones.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing noise produced by well operations includes obtaining a list of equipment performing the well operations in an open-air environment. The method further includes obtaining a mapping between engine rotations-per-minute (“RPM”), load, and noise produced by a combination of the equipment. The method further includes selecting a set point comprising gear number and engine speed, respectively for each engine, that minimizes the noise produced for the combination of the equipment based on the mapping. The method further includes adjusting each engine driving the well operations to operate at the respective set point.