Tech Trends

New multiphase fluid flowmeter introduced
Baker Hughes Inc. has developed a multiphase flowmeter that combines downhole sensor technology with neural network capabilities to provide real-time, affordable flow rate estimates from wells produced with electrical submersible pumping (ESP) systems. When properly calibrated and maintained, the Neuraflow multiphase flowmeter delivers flow rate estimates with a greater than 90% accuracy rate when compared to actual flow rate measurements.

Flow measurements are critical for optimizing reservoir performance and ESP system efficiency as well as diagnosing well and ESP system issues. However, direct measurement of multiphase flow rates is expensive and, therefore, typically performed only intermittently. Neuraflow, which is installed in the ESP surface variable speed drive, offers an affordable alternative to conventional direct flow monitoring techniques via real-time flow rate estimates. The Neuraflow device uses existing standard downhole measurements coupled with additional system measurements and learning algorithms to infer a flow rate based on known reservoir and fluid properties. This cost-effective solution measures flow at four separate downhole locations. The four flow measurements are compared and then used to calibrate the model for a high degree of accuracy.
www.bakerhughes.com

Software upgrade reduces exploration risk
Schlumberger has released of Petrel 2010 Windows-based software, which offers new capabilities providing more comprehensive risk analysis for onshore and offshore exploration workflows.

According to Schlumberger, new features in the latest version are:
• Exploration scalability;
• Petroleum systems modeling;
• Complex geology modeling;
• Stratigraphic interpretation;
• Fault-seal analysis;
• Modeling while interpreting; and
• Uncertainty and optimization.

The modeling-while-interpreting function was added to more effectively define trap, according to the company. The function automatically creates a structural framework while interpreting. This capability allows geoscientists to rapidly test structural uncertainty and pass a high integrity structural framework directly into the modeling realm. With this latest version, the knowledge of the interpreter is preserved in modeling workflows, and interpreters and modelers can easily iterate to refine velocity and property models.

The software also features comprehensive fault seal analysis capabilities powered by best-in-class science from Rock Deformation Research. The Petrel Petroleum Systems Quick Look module lets geoscientists perform charge modeling for scouting evaluation and ranking of plays and prospects. This creates a connected workflow for generalists and specialists. Petroleum systems experts can perform full analysis of charge risk with the advanced functionality in the PetroMod software.

In addition, the Ocean development platform allows geoscientists to further customize Petrel workflows to rapidly solve localized exploration challenges.
www.slb.com

As the oil and gas industry explores more complex reservoirs, geoscientists require next-generation model-centric solutions to more thoroughly assess the associated uncertainties to help improve exploration success. (Image courtesy of Schlumberger)

New cross-dipole sonic tool launched
Weatherford International Ltd. has announced the launch of its Compact Cross-Dipole Sonic (CXD) tool, designed to aid the industry in assuring access to acoustic data in conventional and challenging well types by ensuring delivery of data that is used in seismic velocity models and a broad range of drilling, completions, and production challenges related to rock deformation.

The CXD tool is the industry’s only 2.25-in monopole/cross-dipole sonic tool that can be deployed with or without wireline to acquire compressional, shear-slowness, and fast-shear azimuth. This new generation tool was added to the company’s exclusive compact fleet of logging tools and leverages the unique profile and memory capabilities exclusive to compact tools.

The unique profile and memory capability of the CXD provides the ability to acquire high-quality acoustic data in vertical to highly deviated wells with challenging hole conditions using Weatherford’s Assure conveyance options. These conveyance options allow the CXD to be deployed via various methods including wireline, slickline, coiled tubing, thru-drillpipe, drop-off, and well shuttle.

Recently, a client operating in Texas was trying to obtain a comprehensive suite of log measurements, including rock mechanical properties, in a 7.875-in openhole well where previous attempts to reach total depth had been unsuccessful due to challenging borehole conditions. Weatherford deployed its 2.25-in. diameter compact triple combo and CXD tools through the drillpipe and logged the well. The result was accurate, high-quality data, including formation lithology, porosity, water saturation, and mechanical rock properties. This approach saved the client significant costs associated with unsuccessful wireline logging trips and enabled a successful completion decision based on the analysis.
www.weatherford.com

New system enables ROV subsea sensor retrieval
Emerson Process Management has introduced the first industry-wide system designed to enable remote retrieval and replacement of sensors mounted on subsea production equipment, using a standard subsea remote operated vehicle (ROV).

Whereas a single production field may have 20 to 30 operating wells, with more than 40 production trees and manifolds, each of these assets can have anywhere from five to 15 monitoring sensors mounted. These sensors provide production teams increased visibility to production variables, early indication of degrading asset health, plus early warning of impending abnormal situations. As intelligent sensor usage increases and production environments become more complex and remote, the demand for easier ways to maintain these assets becomes paramount to improved reliability and lower operating costs.

With traditionally mounted instrumentation, offshore operators would periodically be required to lift an asset like a tree or manifold to the surface in order to repair it. This would require shutting off production associated with those assets, plus the significant cost of hauling the asset to the surface and replacing failed or compromised instrumentation. The new system, which will provide first-of-its-kind underwater maintenance and repair capabilities, can perform a retrieval and replacement in just 2 hours for a fraction of the cost of traditional methods without sacrificing production.

The Roxar ROV Sensor Retrieval System eliminates complexity and high cost of production asset removal for sensor maintenance. (Image courtesy of Emerson Process Management)

The new system is being evaluated and tested by a consortium that includes Emerson, BP, Chevron, Shell, Total, and Statoil. This joint industry project is sponsored by Demo 2000, a Norwegian government research initiative, which has the goal of increasing efficiencies and cost effective technologies on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The Roxar subsea ROV retrieval system consists of four main components:
• A permanently installed mechanical interface, which consists of a pipeline hub with guide felix and guide funnel, which guides the electronic canister and retrieval tool into place. The interface, designed to accommodate different types of sensors, must be machined and installed on the subsea structure.
• A sensor/transmitter, which includes a probe carrier, an electronics canister, and a power/communications cable. The electronics canister is locked to the hub with a mechanically operated collet connector with the electronics inside the canister translating and transferring the signals from the sensor to the control module.
• The ROV-based sensor retrieval tool, which replaces the sensors during operation, providing a metallically sealed, leak-proof connection to the system where the probe carrier is installed. The tool includes a collect connector with a pressure vessel and revolver.
• The hydraulic and control system, contained within a skidded ROV retrieval tool basket. Attached as part of the ROV, the skid is the carrier used to transport the tool to its location. The skid also pumps and flushes fluid through storage tanks and hydraulic and electrical couplings to enable the ROV to control the tool.