Wellbore Fluid Pressure Monitoring via Density Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring wellbore fluid pressure, such as using pressure transducers, are prone to failures, have limited maximum pressure ratings, and may not accurately account for fluid composition, leading to potential overpressure situations and damage to equipment.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that utilizes a densometer to measure fluid density and calculate fluid pressure, correcting for solid component concentration and scaling the signals using empirically derived equations to determine accurate fluid pressure, even beyond the limits of traditional pressure transducers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure transducers are used to monitor wellbore fluid pressure, then pressure monitoring is efficient and simple, but the transducer may fail, lose communication, or have a maximum rating less than the wellbore fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct pressure measurement (using pressure transducers) to density measurement (using densometers). By measuring fluid density and using it to calculate pressure, the system overcomes the limitations of pressure transducer maximum ratings and communication failures, providing reliable pressure monitoring across a wider pressure range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pressure transducers with higher maximum ratings are used, then the pressure range coverage is improved, but the granularity and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures density with high precision using densometers and then calculates pressure from density changes. This approach maintains measurement granularity while extending the pressure range, avoiding the need for expensive high-rated pressure transducers that would sacrifice precision.
3Loss of information
If fluid pressure is determined from calculations involving integrating fluid flow rate, then pressure can be estimated, but the effective bulk modulus is difficult to determine and other fluid pressure effects are not included
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical calculations (integrating flow rate and assuming bulk modulus) with direct physical measurement (density measurement by densometer). This substitution provides more accurate pressure determination that naturally accounts for various fluid pressure effects without requiring difficult-to-determine parameters.
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
Provides a reliable and cost-effective means to monitor wellbore fluid pressure, preventing overpressure events and enabling timely remedial actions without the need for additional hardware, while offering independent and accurate fluid pressure measurements.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, at a computer, a signal from a densometer representative of a density of a fluid flowing through a wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore fluid pressure measurement system includes a densometer adapted to measure a fluid density of a fluid flowing in a tubing system; and a monitoring unit communicably coupled to the densometer. The monitoring unit is adapted to receive a plurality of values representative of the fluid density from the densometer and includes a memory adapted to store the plurality of values representative of the fluid density; and one or more processors operable to execute a fluid pressure measurement module. The module is operable when executed to determine a fluid pressure of the fluid based on at least a portion of the values representative of the fluid density.