Wellbore Plug Adjustment Using Real-Time Emission Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Abandoned wellbores can emit harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and sulfur dioxide, posing environmental risks, and existing plug and abandonment operations often fail to maximize emission reduction due to lack of effective emission monitoring and adjustment.

Innovation Solution

The use of emission sensors to detect and transmit data on gas types, amounts, and origination points to a computing system, which adjusts the plug and abandonment operation by optimizing material selection, application location, and process parameters to mitigate or eliminate emissions, with potential re-evaluation post-operation to quantify emission reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If traditional plug and abandonment operations are performed without emission monitoring, then the operation can be completed with standard procedures, but emissions from abandoned wellbores cannot be maximized reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveemissionsVSAvoidemission data

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous emission monitoring during plug and abandonment operations, using sensor data to provide real-time feedback that allows operators to adjust procedures and maximize emission reduction effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary emission characterization before plug and abandonment operations to identify specific emission sources and types, enabling targeted plugging strategies that address the most problematic emissions first

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-generated harmful factors

If emission sensors and real-time monitoring are added to track emissions, then emission reduction can be optimized, but the complexity and cost of the operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveemissionsVSAvoidmonitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces emission sensors as intermediary devices that detect and quantify emissions, serving as a bridge between the wellbore and the control system to enable data-driven decision-making without requiring direct intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical emission control methods with sensor-based detection and automated data processing systems, using electronic monitoring and computational analysis instead of purely mechanical approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If plug and abandonment operations are performed without adjusting material selection and application location based on emission data, then the process is simpler, but emission reduction effectiveness is maximized

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveemissionsVSAvoidoperation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different plugging materials and methods at different locations within the wellbore based on localized emission characteristics, targeting specific emission sources with appropriate materials rather than using a uniform approach throughout

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts plugging operation parameters such as material type, application depth, and injection pressure based on real-time emission data, dynamically changing operational parameters to optimize emission reduction at each stage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach significantly reduces wellbore emissions by optimizing the plug and abandonment process based on real-time emission data, ensuring a more effective and environmentally friendly closure of abandoned wells.

Implementation Method 1

emissions sensor that can be positioned at the wellbore for detecting emission type, emission amount, emission origination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11566515B2Adjusting wellbore plug and abandonment operation using emission data

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORP

AI summary

A system can include one or more sensors at a wellsite. The system can detect first emission data about emissions with respect to a wellbore over a first period of time. The system can detect second emission data about emissions with respect to the wellbore over a second period of time. The system can determine an adjustment to a plug and abandonment operation with respect to the wellbore based on the first emission data. The system can determine an amount of reduction in emissions from the wellbore using the first emission data and the second emission data. The system can output the amount of reduction in the emissions.