Wireless Simultaneous Acquisition and Analysis of Dynamometer and Fluid Level Data for Real-Time Monitoring of Well Performance

Abstract

Abstract Real time analysis and visualization of the performance of a rod pumped well are achieved using multiple small and compact wireless sensors that simultaneously transmit acquired data to a digital laptop manager that integrates the measurements, displays performance graphs and provides advanced tools for analysis and troubleshooting of the pumping system. Battery powered wireless sensors for fluid level, pressure and dynamometer data acquisition are easily deployed and quickly installed on the well. The laptop manager automatically recognizes and commissions the sensors. The user sets up and controls the acquisition of data which may include multiple sensors that synchronously monitor variables such as tubing and casing pressures, fluid level and polished rod acceleration/position and load as a function of time. Elimination of cables and connectors improves the reliability of the hardware and data while speeding up the set-up-tear-down process. The user interface presents a smart instrument rather than a complex application. Among the many innovations provided by these well performance analysis tools stand out the real time visualization of the operation and fluid distribution in the down-hole pump, the simultaneous display of quantitative surface and pump dynamometer graphs in conjunction with fluid level and wellbore pressures. Acquired data, wellbore description and pumping system characteristics are saved as a historical data base creating a continuum of the well’s information and performance for direct comparison and detailed analysis. The paper describes the hardware and user interface, the procedures for installation and acquisition and several examples of field data and well performance analyses for a variety of rod pumping installations.