Automated Well Test Validation Using Diagnostic Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well test validation methods are inefficient, relying on limited information and operator expertise, leading to high error rates and inability to scale, and fail to provide a detailed explanation for invalid tests.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic apparatus and method that receives well test data, segments it into purge and test periods, calculates liquid rates, compares them to predetermined values, and detects abnormal tests, identifying root causes and transmitting alerts, using a processor and memory with instructions to correlate data with descriptors and transmit signal indications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If field operators perform well test validation using limited information and small sample sizes, then the validation process is simple and quick, but the error rate is high and reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments well test data into multiple components including purge period data, test period data, and various flow regime segments. This segmentation allows for more comprehensive analysis of each segment's characteristics while maintaining systematic validation, thereby improving reliability without requiring excessive system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces automated diagnostic software and processing systems as intermediaries between raw well test data and validation conclusions. These intermediaries perform complex calculations, pattern recognition, and error detection that would be impractical for field operators to perform manually, thus improving reliability while keeping the field operation interface simple.
2Productivity
If engineers remotely analyze well test data using expert knowledge, then the validation accuracy is high, but the process is time-consuming and not scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated validation systems that perform well test validation independently without requiring continuous human intervention. The system self-evaluates test data against predefined criteria, automatically identifies errors and anomalies, and generates validation reports, thereby dramatically increasing throughput while reducing validation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms qualitative expert knowledge into quantitative parameters and automated decision rules. By converting expert judgment criteria into measurable parameters and algorithmic logic, the system achieves both high accuracy and rapid processing, enabling scalability without sacrificing validation quality.
3Loss of information
If traditional validation methods are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the ability to identify underlying causation for invalid tests is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds multiple analytical dimensions to well test validation, including temporal analysis of flow regimes, spatial analysis of separator performance, and causal analysis of test anomalies. This multi-dimensional approach comprehensively captures underlying causation while maintaining user-friendly interfaces through automated report generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that provide detailed explanations for validation results, including root cause analysis and corrective recommendations. The system feeds back causal information to operators in an accessible format, enabling them to understand and address the underlying reasons for invalid tests without requiring complex manual analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic apparatus configured to communicate with a well test system comprising a plurality of wells in a field, comprising a receiving component configured to receive a well test data from the well test system, a transmitting component configured to transmit an abnormal well test signal indication, at least one processor configured to communicate with the transmitting component and the receiving component, and a memory coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the memory comprises instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause the diagnostic apparatus to compare the well test data to one or more well test descriptors stored in memory, correlate the well test data to an abnormal well test result selected based at least in part on the comparison with the one or more well test descriptors stored in the memory, and instruct the transmitting component to transmit an abnormal well test signal indication to a recipient.