Open AccessWell-scale multiphase flow characterization and validation using distributed fiber-optic sensors for gas kick monitoring
Author(s) -
Jyotsna Sharma,
Otto Santos,
Giuseppe Feo,
Oloruntoba Ogunsanwo,
Wesley C. Williams
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.404981
Subject(s) - fiber optic sensor , optical fiber , multiphase flow , flow (mathematics) , reliability (semiconductor) , environmental science , petroleum engineering , flow visualization , wellbore , materials science , remote sensing , acoustics , computer science , geology , mechanics , telecommunications , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics
Early detection of a gas kick is crucial for preventing uncontrolled blowout that could cause loss of life, loss of assets, and environmental damage. Multiphase flow experiments conducted in this research demonstrate the capability of downhole fiber optic sensors to detect a potential gas influx in real-time in a 5000 ft deep wellbore. Gas rise velocities estimated independently using fiber optic distributed acoustic sensor (DAS), distributed temperature sensor (DTS), downhole gauges, surface measurements, and multiphase flow correlations show good agreement in each case, demonstrating reliability in the assessment. Real-time data visualization was implemented on a secure cloud-based platform to improve computational efficiency. This study provides novel insights on the effect of circulation rates, gas kick volumes, backpressure, and injection methods on gas rise dynamics in a full-scale wellbore.