Method and system of fluid analysis and control in hydrocarbon well
US6988547B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 21, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B49/081
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.