Real-Time Well Operation System Dynamic Model Recalibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for real-time analysis of fluid flow in wells lack the ability to dynamically recalibrate models based on up-to-date sensor data, leading to inefficiencies in monitoring fluid flow rates, compositions, and hardware component status, which can result in malfunctions and suboptimal production operations.
Innovation Solution
A real-time well operation system that simultaneously streams data from multiple sensors to populate and recalibrate a digital twin model of the well, performing edge-computing operations to calculate fluid flow properties and hardware status without storing raw data, and dynamically adjusts the model based on changes in fluid flow characteristics and hardware performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a static model is used to monitor fluid flow, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability of fluid flow monitoring deteriorate over time due to inability to update
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic model that automatically updates and recalibrates in real-time based on new sensor data. The system transitions from a static model to a dynamic one by continuously incorporating measurements of fluid flow, pressure, and temperature to recalculate formation properties, ensuring the model remains accurate and current without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where sensor measurements are continuously compared against model predictions. The discrepancy between measured and predicted values triggers automatic recalibration of the model parameters, creating a closed-loop system that self-corrects and improves measurement precision over time.
2Loss of time
If raw data is stored for later analysis, then the information is preserved, but the loss of time increases due to delayed analysis and model recalibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of sensor data immediately at the source, calculating fluid flow rates, pressures, and temperatures in real-time before any potential data loss. This preliminary action ensures that processed information is available instantly for model updates and decision-making, eliminating delays associated with later analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential processed information from raw sensor data rather than storing all raw data. By extracting and storing only the calculated fluid flow parameters and model state, the system reduces data storage requirements and processing time while maintaining all necessary information for accurate modeling.
3Productivity
If the model is not dynamically recalibrated, then the computational load is low, but the productivity of well operations deteriorates due to suboptimal production decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous model recalibration as a standard operational procedure rather than performing it periodically. This continuous action ensures the model always reflects current well conditions, enabling real-time optimization of production decisions and maximizing productivity without significant computational interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts model parameters based on changing well conditions, fluid properties, and operational parameters. By automatically updating parameters such as formation permeability, fluid viscosity, and flow rates, the model adapts to changing conditions and maintains optimal productivity guidance without requiring manual recalibration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to perform a real-time analysis of fluid flow in a well, includes receiving data simultaneously streamed from a plurality of sensors, and populating a model of the well with the data, where the model has a plurality of parameters that are inputs of the model, and where each parameter being associated with data streamed from a sensor of the plurality of sensors. The method also includes calculating a fluid flow of a fluid flowing through a location of the well based on the model. In response to receiving new data streamed from one or more sensors of the plurality of sensors, the method further includes dynamically calibrating the model in real time based on the new data and calculating an updated fluid flow of the fluid flowing through location of the well based on the recalibrated model.