Wellbore Tube Wave Modeling for Surface-Based Subsurface Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing processes require significant resources for evaluating downhole conditions using pressure pulse technology, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing flow rate and surface pressure information to align and scale a tube wave model, optimizing parameters for better similarity between modeled and measured tube waves, and employing a hybrid power system with a diesel engine and electric pump motor to enhance torque capacity and efficiency in pumping systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure pulse technology is used to evaluate downhole conditions during hydraulic fracturing, then subsurface condition monitoring is achieved, but significant resources and costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical downhole monitoring systems with a surface-based acoustic measurement system. By generating tube waves at the surface and analyzing their propagation characteristics through pressure transducers, the system eliminates the need for complex downhole equipment while achieving subsurface condition evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves (tube waves) as an intermediary medium to transmit information about downhole conditions from the subsurface to the surface. This acoustic intermediary enables indirect measurement of subsurface properties without direct contact or complex downhole instrumentation.
2Productivity
If traditional pumping systems are used in hydraulic fracturing operations, then hydrocarbon production is achieved, but fuel consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power source parameter from traditional diesel engines to electric pump motors. This parameter change in the pumping system's energy source reduces fuel consumption while maintaining or improving operational efficiency through electric power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical diesel engine-powered pumping systems with electric pump motor systems. This substitution eliminates direct fuel combustion in the pumping operation, reducing fuel consumption and associated operational costs while maintaining pumping functionality.
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
Enhances the efficiency and reduces fuel consumption in well stimulation operations by optimizing hydraulic fracturing processes and providing precise downhole condition monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
hybrid power system with a diesel engine and electric pump motor to enhance torque capacity
Implementation Method 2
generating a tube wave in a piping disposed in a wellbore, creating a time-domain forward model with one or more parameters to represent the tube wave in the piping, and transforming the time-domain forward model to model the tube wave as a pressure wave
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for evaluating one or more properties of a wellbore. The method may include generating a tube wave in a piping disposed in a wellbore, creating a time-domain forward model with one or more parameters to represent the tube wave in the piping, and transforming the time-domain forward model to model the tube wave as a pressure wave. The method may further include evaluating a loss function of the time-domain forward model and identifying a second set of parameters from the loss function to adjust the one or more parameters.