Wellbore Ramp-Down Rate Scheduling for Water Hammer Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic fracturing processes face challenges in generating optimal pressure pulse signals during the ramp down stage due to suboptimal rate change sequences, leading to issues like absence of water hammer or highly convoluted signals, which hinder effective wellbore analysis.
Innovation Solution
A machine learning model is trained to determine an optimal rate change schedule by calculating wave speed and adjusting pumping rate changes systematically, using discrete or continuous approaches, to generate a desired water hammer signal, which includes a discrete or continuous wave signal, to address the technical problem of generating a desired water hammer signal, and continuous wave signal, and continuous wave signal, to optimize the pressure pulse signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional rate decrease schedule is used during ramp down, then the pumping pressure is decreased from steady-state, but the pressure pulse signal becomes suboptimal (absence of water hammer or highly convoluted signal)
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of wave speed and determines an optimal rate change schedule before executing the ramp down procedure. By pre-calculating the necessary rate changes based on wave speed and wellbore conditions, the system ensures that the pressure pulse signal will be optimal when the ramp down occurs, rather than reacting after the fact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure pulse data and wave speed calculations to feedback-adjust the rate change schedule. By monitoring the actual pressure response and comparing it with expected behavior, the system can modify the rate change sequence to ensure optimal water hammer signal generation, resolving the contradiction between signal quality and operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If the pumping rate is decreased rapidly to generate water hammer signal, then the pressure pulse signal improves, but the wellbore conditions may not be fully characterized
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp down procedure is segmented into multiple discrete rate changes rather than a single rapid decrease. Each rate change is calculated based on wave speed and wellbore conditions, allowing the system to generate multiple pressure pulse signals at different rates. This segmentation enables both optimal signal generation and comprehensive wellbore characterization by analyzing responses at multiple rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the rate change schedule based on real-time wave speed calculations and wellbore conditions. Rather than using a fixed rapid decrease, the system adapts the rate and timing of pressure changes to optimize both signal quality and the ability to characterize wellbore conditions, resolving the contradiction between signal generation and measurement precision.
3Reliability
If multiple rate changes are implemented to optimize pressure pulse, then the water hammer signal improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically calculates and executes the optimal rate change schedule based on wave speed and wellbore conditions without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts the rate changes by using its own measurements of wave speed and pressure response, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms while still achieving optimal pressure pulse signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes pressure pulse generation by changing key parameters such as rate of change, timing, and magnitude of rate changes rather than using complex control mechanisms. By adjusting these parameters based on wave speed calculations, the system achieves optimal water hammer signals with relatively simple control logic, resolving the contradiction between signal quality and system complexity.
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
The efficacy of the proposed method is demonstrated by achieving a high-quality pressure pulse signal, enabling efficient wellbore analysis and effective solution for wellbore analysis and treatment optimization.
Implementation Method 1
calculating wave speed in a wellbore, and then determining a desired rate change based on at least the wave speed
Implementation Method 2
determining a desired rate change based on at least the wave speed... to generate a desired water hammer pressure signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and non-transitory, computer readable medium are disclosed herein for optimizing a pressure pulse signal during ramp down operations for a hydraulic fracturing process in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method comprises: obtaining pressure pulse data from a wellbore; calculating wave speed for the wellbore; and determining a rate change schedule for use during a ramp down procedure based on the wave speed.