System and Method for Remote Real-Time Surveillance and Control of Pumped Wells

Abstract

A system and method is provided for facilitating remote real-time surveillance, management, optimization, and control of pumping systems at a wellsite. A variety of sensors are deployed along pumping systems, such as electric submersible pumping systems, positioned in wellbores. Data from the sensors is output in real-time to a remote location via a network. The system analyzes the data to identify problems and potential problems in the pumping systems and suggest possible causes and corrective measures. The network can be used to provide two-way communication such that control signals may then be sent from the remote location to the pumping systems. Alarms may also be triggered when sensor data or data trends fall outside predetermined ranges.

1 . A method of operating a pumping system at a welisite, comprising: 
 sensing at least one parameter related to the pumping system in real-time;    outputting a signal that corresponds with the sensed parameter to a distribution network;    transmitting the signal over the distribution network to a location remote from the wellsite;    processing the signal and displaying information related to the signal on a graphical user interface disposed at the remote location; and    triggering an alert when the parameter indicates an operational concern.    
   
   
       2 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensed parameter comprises voltage, current, pressure, temperature, or vibration.  
   
   
       3 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein when an alert is triggered the graphical user interface identifies the symptom, the probable cause or causes, and suggests a corrective action.  
   
   
       4 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein sensing comprises sensing downhole parameters related to a plurality of electric submersible pumping systems.  
   
   
       5 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein outputting comprises outputting data from sensors deployed along a wellbore in which the pumping system is deployed.  
   
   
       6 . The method recited in  claim 1 , wherein transmitting comprises transmitting the signal via satellite.  
   
   
       7 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein transmitting comprises transmitting the signal via cellular network.  
   
   
       8 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein transmitting comprises transmitting the signal via the Internet.  
   
   
       9 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein processing comprises processing the signal with a microprocessor-based system remote from the well.  
   
   
       10 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein triggering further comprises providing the alert at a computer workstation.  
   
   
       11 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein triggering further comprises providing the alert at a handheld communication device.  
   
   
       12 . A method, comprising: 
 operating downhole pumping equipment in a wellbore to pump a fluid;    sensing a plurality of different parameters related to pumping of the fluid;    outputting data, related to the plurality of different parameters, through a network;    analyzing the data at a remote site via a control system connected to the network; and    sending control signals to the downhole pumping equipment via the network.    
   
   
       13 . The method as recited in  claim 12 , wherein outputting comprises making all data obtained from sensing available over the Internet.  
   
   
       14 . The method as recited in  claim 12 , wherein outputting comprises routing the data through a site communications box located proximate the wellbore.  
   
   
       15 . The method as recited in  claim 12 , further comprising displaying the data via a graphical user interface of the control system.  
   
   
       16 . The method as recited in  claim 15 , wherein displaying comprises displaying all current parameter values from a plurality of input/output points.  
   
   
       17 . The method as recited in  claim 15 , wherein displaying comprises displaying historical parameter values.  
   
   
       18 . The method as recited in  claim 15 , wherein displaying comprises displaying pump performance data.  
   
   
       19 . The method as recited in  claim 12 , wherein sending comprises setting specific alarm parameters for a specific wellsite.  
   
   
       20 . The method as recited in  claim 12 , wherein sending comprises changing set points of the control system.  
   
   
       21 . A system for facilitating operation of a wellsite, comprising: 
 a plurality of electric submersible pumping systems deployed in a plurality of wellbores;    a plurality of sensor devices deployed to sense pumping related parameters of each electric submersible pumping system;    a site communications box to receive data from the plurality of sensors and to output control signals to the plurality of electric submersible pumping systems;    a control center located at a remote location to receive data from the site communications box and to output control instructions to the site communications box; and    a handheld device to receive alerts based on data sent from the site communications box regarding sub-optimal well parameters.    
   
   
       22 . The system as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the site communications box and the control center are connected via the Internet.  
   
   
       23 . A method of constructing a well management system, comprising: 
 establishing a sensor system at a wellsite to detect pumping-related parameters along a plurality of electric submersible pumping systems;    surveilling the plurality of electric submersible pumping systems in real-time, via the sensor system, at a remote location from the wellsite;    controlling operation of the plurality of electric submersible pumping systems from the remote location;    utilizing the sensor system in determining when well-related parameters fall outside a desired range, upon which event an alert is automatically output to a remote location; and    analyzing data obtained from surveillance of the plurality of electric submersible pumping systems to enable planning for optimization of electric submersible pumping system operation from the remote location.    
   
   
       24 . The method as recited in  claim 23 , wherein establishing comprises deploying pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and vibration sensors along each electric submersible pumping system.  
   
   
       25 . The method as recited in  claim 23 , wherein controlling comprises providing control over a variable speed drive and over a remote start and stop capability for each electric submersible pumping system.  
   
   
       26 . The method as recited in  claim 23 , wherein utilizing comprises providing alerts to a remote handheld device over a network.  
   
   
       27 . The method as recited in  claim 23 , wherein analyzing comprises establishing historical data trends and displaying the historical data trends graphically on a graphical user interface at the remote location.