Wellbore Inflow Detection via Continuous Wavelet Transform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting inflows in wellbores using distributed temperature sensing (DTS) data are approximate and dependent on human interpretation, lacking an automated and accurate approach to identify fluid inflows based on temperature variations and wellbore schematics.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that calculates proxy temperatures and applies a continuous wavelet transform to DTS data, combined with wellbore schematics, to accurately identify inflow locations and generate alerts for remote monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual inspection of DTS signal is used to locate fluid entries, then the method is simple to implement, but the accuracy and reliability are approximate and dependent on human practitioner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human visual inspection with an automated computational system that uses continuous wavelet transform algorithms to detect inflows. The system automatically processes DTS signals, applies wavelet transforms to identify patterns, and locates fluid entries without human intervention, thereby eliminating the dependency on practitioner expertise while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the DTS signal from raw temperature data into wavelet domain representations by applying continuous wavelet transform. This parameter transformation enables automated detection of inflow patterns that are not apparent in the original signal, improving both accuracy and automation capability simultaneously.
2Extent of automation
If automated approach with continuous wavelet transform is used, then the accuracy and automation are improved, but the device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual analysis procedures with a standardized automated algorithm based on continuous wavelet transform. While the computational method is sophisticated, it provides consistent, repeatable results without requiring complex hardware or multiple specialized devices, thus managing complexity through software-based automation.
3Measurement precision
If physics-based forward technique is used to model temperature, then the modeling accuracy is improved, but the computational time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuous wavelet transform to the DTS signal as a preliminary processing step before final inflow identification. This transforms the signal into a format that highlights inflow patterns, enabling faster and more accurate detection without requiring extensive computational modeling time, thus reducing overall processing time while maintaining accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and automated detection of fluid inflows in wellbores, improving accuracy and enabling real-time control of inflow management and production optimization.
Implementation Method 1
the locations of the fluid entries or inflows are obtained by visual inspection of the DTS signal. However, a visual approach has the drawback of being approximate, possibly inaccurate, and dependent on the human practitioner
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting wellbore inflows can include detecting a plurality of temperature values within a wellbore, wherein each temperature value corresponds to a different depth within the wellbore and the temperature values are detected with a distributed temperature measuring technique. The method can also include calculating a plurality of proxy temperatures, wherein each proxy temperature corresponds to one of the temperature values and a reference temperature value. The method can also include calculating a continuous wavelet transform based on the plurality of proxy temperatures. Additionally, the method can include identifying a wellbore inflow based on a combination of the continuous wavelet transform and a wellbore schematic, and generating an alert indicating a location of the wellbore inflow within the wellbore.