Automated Well Productivity Estimation via Neural Network

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual pressure buildup surveys for well productivity estimation are time-consuming, costly, and provide limited, intermittent data, relying on engineering judgment and faulty assumptions, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective alternative for reservoir pressure measurement and well productivity index determination.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent estimation system comprising at least two pressure sensors and a neural network model, which generates real-time pressure data from surface and downhole points of a well bore, estimates productivity index and reservoir pressure values in real-time, and displays graphical representations for continuous monitoring and analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual pressure buildup surveys are used to measure reservoir pressure and determine productivity index, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereservoir pressure measurement accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption for surveys
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical survey methods with an automated electronic system that uses pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and a data processor to automatically collect and analyze pressure buildup data, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically conducting pressure buildup surveys without requiring external manual operation. The data processor automatically processes sensor data, calculates reservoir pressure and productivity index, and generates results, making the system autonomous and eliminating dependency on manual survey teams

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual pressure buildup surveys are conducted, then reservoir pressure data is obtained, but production interruptions occur due to well shut-in conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereservoir pressure measurementVSAvoidproduction continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous pressure monitoring and productivity assessment without interrupting well production. By using automated sensors and real-time data processing, the system continuously collects pressure buildup data during normal production operations, eliminating the need for well shut-in and maintaining continuous productive action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces pressure sensors and temperature sensors as intermediaries that can measure pressure buildup conditions without requiring actual well shut-in. These sensors act as mediators that capture the necessary data for reservoir pressure calculation while the well remains in production mode, avoiding direct disruption to production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If manual pressure surveys are performed intermittently on a quarterly basis, then some productivity data is collected, but data completeness and reliability deteriorate due to sparse sampling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection frequencyVSAvoiddata reliability and completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from intermittent quarterly data collection to continuous real-time monitoring. Pressure sensors and temperature sensors continuously collect data throughout production operations, providing a complete and uninterrupted data stream that significantly improves data completeness and reliability compared to sparse periodic sampling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback by constantly monitoring pressure and temperature parameters and immediately processing this data to update productivity index and reservoir pressure estimates. This real-time feedback loop ensures data reliability through continuous validation and adjustment, rather than relying on infrequent snapshots that may miss critical trends

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If automated real-time pressure monitoring system is implemented, then productivity estimation speed and data completeness are improved, but system complexity and initial cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproductivity estimation speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves multi-functionality by using a single integrated platform that simultaneously performs pressure monitoring, temperature monitoring, productivity index calculation, and reservoir pressure estimation. This universal system handles multiple functions through one coordinated setup, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment and thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a data processor as an intermediary that simplifies the complexity of real-time data analysis. The data processor acts as a mediator between the sensors and the user, automatically performing complex calculations for productivity index and reservoir pressure while presenting simplified results, thereby managing system complexity through intelligent automation rather than requiring complex manual systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12037901B2Automated well productivity estimation and continuous average well pressure monitoring through integration of real-time surface and downhole pressure and temperature measurements
Publication Date: 2024.07.16 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO
  • US12037901B2 patent drawing
  • US12037901B2 patent drawing
  • US12037901B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for intelligent estimation of productivity index and reservoir pressure values using pressure sensors, a neural network model comprising historical flow rate data of at least a well bore, and a data processor. The pressure sensors generate pressure data associated with a well bore's surface point and a downhole point. The data processor, communicatively coupled to the two pressure sensors and the neural network model, is operable to receive the pressure data from the sensors respectively indicative of pressure at each of the two points, estimate a real-time productivity index value in real-time based on the pressure data from the pressure sensors and the historical flowrate data of the neural network model, and estimate a reservoir pressure value of the well bore at a flowing condition, a reservoir pressure value of the well bore at a shut-in condition, or both, based on the real-time productivity index.