Wellbore Flow Control Constraints for Unique Wellhead Modes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for switching control modes at the wellhead are not robust enough to handle additional constraints from downhole flow control valves, leading to potential conflicts between surface and downhole control points and non-unique solutions for controlling flow rates.

Innovation Solution

A method to simultaneously evaluate multiple constraints at each downhole flow control device, involving the determination of flow control device settings by obtaining data on flow rates, calculating total molar rates, identifying initial and adjusted constraints, and executing computer-based instructions to set wellhead and valve settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If surface control mode switching techniques are used, then wellhead control flexibility is improved, but robustness to handle downhole flow control valve constraints deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol mode switching capabilityVSAvoidrobustness to handle constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines surface control and downhole control into a unified control framework. The system integrates wellhead flow control valves with downhole flow control devices, allowing simultaneous evaluation of multiple constraints from both control levels. This merging enables the system to handle both surface adaptability requirements and downhole constraint robustness within a single coordinated control architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where flow rate measurements and constraint violations are continuously monitored. When conflicts arise between surface and downhole constraints, the system uses feedback loops to adjust control settings iteratively, ensuring that both wellhead and downhole constraints are satisfied while maintaining control flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple downhole flow control devices are deployed, then zone control capability is improved, but conflict between surface and downhole control points increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezone control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol conflict frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wellbore into multiple controlled zones, each equipped with its own flow control device. By dividing the control system into discrete segments (wellhead valves and individual downhole devices), the system can independently evaluate and adjust constraints for each zone, reducing conflicts through localized control decisions rather than centralized coordination of all devices simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adjusts flow control settings based on real-time constraint evaluation. When conflicts are detected between surface and downhole control points, the system dynamically modifies control parameters and re-evaluates constraints iteratively, allowing the control architecture to adapt its complexity level based on the specific operational situation rather than maintaining fixed high complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If flow control device constraints are strictly enforced, then constraint satisfaction is improved, but non-unique solutions for controlling flow rates persist

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstraint satisfactionVSAvoidsolution uniqueness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by evaluating constraints in a hierarchical sequence rather than enforcing all constraints simultaneously with equal weight. The method first satisfies critical wellhead constraints, then progressively incorporates downhole device constraints, allowing for a systematic resolution process that reduces solution ambiguity while maintaining overall constraint satisfaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12264562B2Method for obtaining unique constraints to adjust flow control in a wellbore

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A method may include obtaining data representing flow rates for a plurality of flow control devices. The method also includes determining total molar rates for a plurality of flows through pipe segments associated with each of the flow control devices based on the obtained data. The method also includes determining initial flow control device constraints based on the total molar rates for the plurality of flow control devices. The method also includes determining that one or more wellhead constraints would be violated based on the flow control device constraints. The method also includes determining adjusted flow control device constraints that result in the satisfaction of one or more wellhead constraints or constraints of others of the plurality of flow control devices. The method also includes determining an adjusted flow rate based on the adjusted device constraints that satisfy the wellhead and the flow control device constraints.