Sensing cavitation-related events in artificial lift systems

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for sensing a cavitation-related event in an artificial lift system for hydrocarbon production and operating the system based on the sensed event. One example method of operating an artificial lift system for a wellbore generally includes monitoring the wellbore for an indication (e.g., an acoustic or vibrational indication) of an event associated with cavitation in the artificial lift system and adjusting at least one parameter of the artificial lift system if the event is detected. One example system for hydrocarbon production generally includes an artificial lift system for a wellbore and at least one sensor configured to detect an indication of an event associated with cavitation in the artificial lift system.

1 . A method for operating an artificial lift system for a wellbore, comprising:
 monitoring the wellbore for an indication of an event associated with cavitation in the artificial lift system; and   adjusting at least one parameter of the artificial lift system if the event is detected.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the event comprises an onset of the cavitation occurring. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the event comprises the cavitation occurring. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the monitoring comprises using at least one sensor to detect the indication. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the adjusting comprises removing a fluid pump of the artificial lift system from the wellbore. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the adjusting further comprises:
 inspecting the fluid pump for cavitation damage; and   if the damage is present, replacing the fluid pump or one or more components of the fluid pump.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the adjusting further comprises replacing at least one component of the fluid pump with another component to avoid cavitation damage in subsequent wellbore operation. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the fluid pump is a hydraulic jet pump, the at least one component is a first throat, the other component is a second throat, and the second throat has a different size than the first throat. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the adjusting is performed before the cavitation occurs in the artificial lift system. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one parameter comprises a production rate by the artificial lift system. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the adjusting comprises stopping production by the artificial lift system. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising resuming production after a sufficient time for fluid to settle in the wellbore. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the adjusting comprises outputting a signal. 
     
     
         14 . A system for hydrocarbon production, comprising:
 an artificial lift system for a wellbore; and   at least one sensor configured to detect an indication of an event associated with cavitation in the artificial lift system.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect the event before the cavitation occurs in the artificial lift system. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the artificial lift system comprises a downhole fluid pump disposed in the wellbore. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the downhole fluid pump is a hydraulic jet pump that comprises a nozzle and a throat, wherein fluid is passed through the nozzle into the throat. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one sensor is coupled to the downhole fluid pump. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 14 , further comprising a wellhead, wherein the at least one sensor is positioned at the wellhead. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one sensor is positioned in the wellbore. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the event comprises an onset of the cavitation occurring. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of a microphone, an accelerometer, or a gyroscope. 
     
     
         23 . A non-transitory computer-readable medium containing a program which, when executed by a processing system, causes the processing system to perform operations comprising:
 monitoring a wellbore for an indication of an event associated with cavitation in an artificial lift system; and   adjusting at least one parameter of the artificial lift system, if the event is detected.   
     
     
         24 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 23 , wherein the event comprises an onset of the cavitation occurring. 
     
     
         25 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 23 , wherein the event comprises the cavitation occurring. 
     
     
         26 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 23 , wherein the program causes the processing system to perform the adjusting before the cavitation occurs in the artificial lift system. 
     
     
         27 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 23 , wherein the at least one parameter comprises a production rate by the artificial lift system. 
     
     
         28 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 23 , wherein the adjusting comprises stopping production by the artificial lift system. 
     
     
         29 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 28 , wherein the operations further comprise:
 resuming production after a sufficient time for fluid to settle in the wellbore.   
     
     
         30 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 23 , wherein the adjusting comprises outputting a signal.