Method and system of fluid analysis and control in hydrocarbon well
First Claim
1. A control system for a hydrocarbon well comprising:
- a control valve system configured to control the flow of fluid being produced by the well;
a real time sensor located downhole configured and adapted to make real time measurements of phase characteristics of the fluid, wherein the phase characteristics measured by the sensor comprise bubble point pressure; and
a controller in communication with said control valve system and said sensor adapted and configured to use measurements made by said sensor to control the control valve system so as to reduce the risk of undesirable phase transitions in the fluid.
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Abstract
A control system for a hydrocarbon well is also disclosed. A control valve system is used to control the flow of fluid being produced by the well. A real time sensor is provided downhole and is used to make real time measurements of phase characteristics of the fluid. A controller is used to control the valve system so as to reduce the risk of undesirable phase transitions in the fluid based on the real time measurements made by the sensor. The sensor includes an acoustic transducer configured to emit acoustic energy into the fluid at a level which causes a phase transition in the fluid. The controller determines the level of acoustic energy emitted into the fluid, and also determines the pressure associated with a phase transition using the level of emitted acoustic energy.
51 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A control system for a hydrocarbon well comprising:
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a control valve system configured to control the flow of fluid being produced by the well; a real time sensor located downhole configured and adapted to make real time measurements of phase characteristics of the fluid, wherein the phase characteristics measured by the sensor comprise bubble point pressure; and a controller in communication with said control valve system and said sensor adapted and configured to use measurements made by said sensor to control the control valve system so as to reduce the risk of undesirable phase transitions in the fluid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification