Wellbore Inspection via Transient Pressure Pulse Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inspecting wellbore flow barriers are time-consuming and costly, often requiring costly equipment and temporary shutdown of production, and provide incomplete information about wellbore conditions due to the need for multiple measurements.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore inspection system that generates and measures transient pressure pulses or acoustic pulses to determine the location, type, and stability of flow barriers within the wellbore, using a pressure sensor and computer system to analyze waveforms and pressure profiles for accurate characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If logging runs are used to inspect flow barriers, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical logging runs with acoustic pulse transmission through the wellbore fluid. Acoustic waves propagate through the fluid and reflect off flow barriers, allowing detection without physical inspection equipment in the wellbore. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming nature of traditional logging while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the wellbore fluid itself as an intermediary medium to transmit acoustic signals. Instead of deploying sensors into the wellbore, the fluid acts as the transmission medium for acoustic waves, which carry information about flow barriers located elsewhere in the system. This allows remote detection without direct physical access.
2Loss of information
If multiple permanent gauges are installed throughout the wellbore, then comprehensive monitoring is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wellbore fluid serve multiple functions: it acts as both the production medium and the acoustic signal transmission medium. The same fluid that carries hydrocarbons also transmits acoustic waves for flow barrier detection, eliminating the need for separate monitoring infrastructure and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wellbore fluid performs self-monitoring by transmitting acoustic signals that reveal the presence and location of flow barriers. The system uses the existing fluid in the wellbore without requiring additional installation of sensors or gauges, allowing the fluid to 'report' on wellbore conditions through its acoustic properties.
3Measurement precision
If traditional logging equipment is used, then flow barrier location is determined, but production shutdown is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical logging equipment that requires wellbore access with acoustic transmission through the fluid. This allows flow barrier detection to occur while the well remains operational and producing, as the acoustic method does not require physical intervention or shutdown of fluid flow.
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 efficient determination of flow barrier location, type, and stability, reducing operational costs and downtime by providing a comprehensive view of wellbore conditions without the need for extensive equipment or multiple measurements.
Implementation Method 1
inducing a transient pressure pulse in the wellbore via a transient pressure pulse generator
Implementation Method 2
generates and measures transient pressure pulses or acoustic pulses
Implementation Method 3
measuring a pressure trace of the transient pressure pulse and a returned signature reflection of the transient pressure pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A method for inspecting a wellbore. The method may include inducing a transient pressure pulse in the wellbore via a transient pressure pulse generator. The method may further include measuring a pressure trace of the transient pressure pulse using a pressure sensor proximate to the transient pressure pulse generator. The method may also include measuring a returned signature reflection of the transient pressure pulse using the pressure sensor. The method may further include comparing the pressure trace and the returned signature reflection to determine at least one of a type of flow barrier or a condition of the flow barrier.