Virtual sensors to provide expanded downhole instrumentation for electrical submersible pumps (ESPs)
First Claim
1. For use in a downhole production monitoring and control system, a system for extending a set of parameters on which control decisions are predicated comprising:
- a simulator capable of selectively receiving measurements for a first set of parameters obtained during operation of artificial lift equipment within a wellbore, wherein the simulator, upon receiving the measurements, calculates values for a second set of parameters different than the first set of parameters and relating to the operation of the artificial lift equipment within the wellbore, wherein the simulator calculates the values for the second set of parameters based upon the measurements utilizing at least one of multi-phase flow correlations, other friction and elevation gradient calculation methods, and mathematical models incorporating dynamic behavior for the wellbore or the artificial lift equipment, wherein the values for the second set of parameters are available from the simulator during operation of the corresponding artificial lift equipment and may be selectively employed in controlling subsequent operation of the artificial lift equipment.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Complex algorithms and calculations such as multi-phase flow correlations, together with mathematical models which include the dynamic behavior of the wellbore or artificial lift equipment and the components therein (e.g., a variable speed drive, power cable, seal and pump) are employed to derive or compute information relevant to production based upon actual measurements made during operation. The derived or computed values, typically for parameters such as torque which are difficult to measure during operation, are provided with the measurements for control purposes. Improved optimization of production based on an expanded set of parameters is therefore enabled.
24 Citations
20 Claims
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1. For use in a downhole production monitoring and control system, a system for extending a set of parameters on which control decisions are predicated comprising:
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a simulator capable of selectively receiving measurements for a first set of parameters obtained during operation of artificial lift equipment within a wellbore, wherein the simulator, upon receiving the measurements, calculates values for a second set of parameters different than the first set of parameters and relating to the operation of the artificial lift equipment within the wellbore, wherein the simulator calculates the values for the second set of parameters based upon the measurements utilizing at least one of multi-phase flow correlations, other friction and elevation gradient calculation methods, and mathematical models incorporating dynamic behavior for the wellbore or the artificial lift equipment, wherein the values for the second set of parameters are available from the simulator during operation of the corresponding artificial lift equipment and may be selectively employed in controlling subsequent operation of the artificial lift equipment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14)
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8. A downhole production system, comprising:
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artificial lift equipment disposed within a borehole;
a variable speed drive providing power to the artificial lift equipment; and
a system for extending a set of parameters on which control decisions are predicated comprising;
a simulator capable of selectively receiving measurements for a first set of parameters obtained during operation of artificial lift equipment within a wellbore, wherein the simulator, upon receiving the measurements, calculates values for a second set of parameters different than the first set of parameters and relating to the operation of the artificial lift equipment within the wellbore, wherein the simulator calculates the values for the second set of parameters based upon the measurements utilizing at least one of multi-phase flow correlations, other friction and elevation gradient calculation methods, and mathematical models incorporating dynamic behavior of the wellbore or the artificial lift equipment, wherein the values for the second set of parameters are available from the simulator during operation of the corresponding artificial lift equipment and may be selectively employed in controlling subsequent operation of the artificial lift equipment. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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15. For use in a downhole production system, a method of extending a set of parameters on which control decisions are predicated comprising:
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receiving measurements for a first set of parameters obtained during operation of artificial lift equipment within a wellbore;
upon receiving the measurements, calculating values for a second set of parameters different than the first set of parameters and relating to the operation of the artificial lift equipment within the wellbore, wherein the values for the second set of parameters are calculated based upon the measurements utilizing at least one of multi-phase flow correlations, other friction and elevation gradient calculation methods, and mathematical models incorporating dynamic behavior for the wellbore or the artificial lift equipment; and
employing the values for the second set of parameters to control subsequent operation of the artificial lift equipment.
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Specification