Water injection well cable control downhole intelligent water distributor

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of water injection well cable control downhole intelligent water distributor, including water distributor structure field, including water distributor shell, its inside is provided with electrical element;Cable;Force dispersion mechanism, it is set on water distributor shell, cable is connected after passing through force dispersion mechanism with electrical connection node;Wherein, force dispersion mechanism includes: base, fixedly connected in water distributor shell;Cover, fixedly connected to base;And trigger structure, trigger structure is used to under preset condition, to the cable cable body that passes through force dispersion mechanism exert force, to part of axial tension that cable bears is dispersed to cable body, the present application can be by increasing a set of force dispersion mechanism, the huge axial tension that cable generates in deep well down process is effectively transferred from the electrical connection node of structural fragile, to the cable cable body and water distributor main structure of mechanical strength extremely high, the risk of electrical plug drop is significantly reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water distributor structure, and in particular to a cable-controlled downhole intelligent water distributor for water injection wells. Background Technology

[0002] In oil exploration, geothermal development, or deep well monitoring, water distributors are typically lowered into deep fluid environments (such as downhole or underwater) via cables. To power the equipment within the water distributor and transmit signals, the end of the cable needs to be connected to an electrical interface on the equipment via a cable connector.

[0003] In existing technologies, a common connection method involves a cable passing through a sealed cable connector, with its plug (e.g., a pin or socket connector) directly mating with a socket mounted on a water distributor or related equipment housing. During equipment descent, the weight of the entire cable, along with the drag force exerted on it in the fluid, generates a significant downward pull along the cable's axis. Because the connection points between the cable and connector, and between the connector plug and the equipment socket, are typically connected in series, almost all the axial tensile force borne by the cable is concentrated on the small, relatively weak plug-socket mating section. As the descent depth increases, the length of the suspended cable increases, and its weight increases linearly, leading to a continuous increase in the tensile force acting on the plug. When this force exceeds the plug's locking limit or material strength, the plug can easily be forcibly pulled out of the socket. Such accidental detachment can directly lead to the interruption of equipment power supply and signal transmission, causing the entire operation to fail, and may even result in the loss of valuable downhole or underwater equipment, causing huge economic losses and safety risks. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the problem of how to effectively disperse the huge tensile force generated during the cable laying process and avoid the excessive concentration of the tensile force at the weak nodes of the electrical connection.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: A cable-controlled downhole intelligent water distributor for water injection wells includes: The water distributor housing contains electrical components. The cable, one end of which forms an electrical connection node with the electrical components inside the water distributor housing; The force dispersing mechanism is installed on the water distributor housing, and the cable passes through the force dispersing mechanism and is connected to the electrical connection node; The force dispersing mechanism includes: The base is fixedly connected to the water distributor housing; The housing, fixedly connected to the base, together with the base, defines a channel for accommodating the cable; and The triggering structure is used to apply force to the cable body passing through the force dispersing mechanism under preset conditions, so as to disperse part of the axial tensile force borne by the cable to the cable body.

[0006] Furthermore, the triggering structure includes a trigger element and a slip; the slip is driven by the trigger element, and a portion of the slip is used to contact and apply force to the cable body.

[0007] Furthermore, the slip includes a straight rod section and a curved section. The straight rod section is linked to a trigger, and the curved section is used to squeeze the cable body when the slip is driven.

[0008] Furthermore, Kava applies clamping force to the cable through deformation.

[0009] Furthermore, a piston chamber is provided inside the casing, and the trigger is a piston. The piston is sealed inside the piston chamber and can slide axially. The piston chamber is pre-filled with a pressure-bearing medium with a set pressure.

[0010] Furthermore, a dynamic sealing connection is achieved between the outer peripheral wall of the piston and the inner wall of the piston cavity through a sealing layer; the piston is configured to move axially into the piston cavity when the external environmental pressure is greater than the set pressure of the pressure-bearing medium, thereby driving the slip to apply force to the cable body.

[0011] Furthermore, the trigger is a hydraulic cylinder, the cylinder body of which is fixed to the cover, the piston rod of which is connected to the slip, and the hydraulic cylinder drives the piston rod to extend or retract via electronic control.

[0012] Furthermore, the intelligent water distributor also includes a data output module. The control end of the hydraulic cylinder is electrically connected to the ground control platform via the data output module to receive control commands from the ground control platform.

[0013] Furthermore, the force dispersing mechanism also includes an adaptive sealing ring, which is fixed to the housing and sleeved on the outside of the cable; the adaptive sealing ring is made of a thermally expanding material.

[0014] Furthermore, the base and the water distributor housing, as well as the cover and the base, form an integrated load-bearing structure.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model include: This application, by adding a force-dispersing mechanism, effectively transfers the enormous axial tensile force generated during the cable's lowering into the deep well from the structurally fragile electrical connection nodes to the mechanically strong cable body and water distributor main structure. This mechanism, through passively pressure-triggered or actively electrically controlled locking slips, creates strong frictional anchoring points on the cable, constructing a parallel force transmission path and significantly reducing the risk of electrical plug detachment. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The disclosure of this utility model is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same parts. Wherein: Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an intelligent water distributor.

[0017] Figure 2 This is the front view of the intelligent water distributor.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a type of force-distributing mechanism.

[0019] Figure 4 A structural diagram of another type of force-distributing mechanism. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the contact surface structure between the slip and the piston chamber wall.

[0020] Numbering on the map: 100. Water distributor housing; 200. Force dispersing mechanism; 210. Base; 220. Cover; 231. Trigger; 232. Slipper; 240. Adaptive sealing ring; 300. Cable. Detailed Implementation

[0021] It is readily understood that, based on the technical solution of this utility model, those skilled in the art can propose various interchangeable structural methods and implementations without altering the essential spirit of this utility model. Therefore, the following detailed embodiments and accompanying drawings are merely illustrative descriptions of the technical solution of this utility model and should not be considered as the entirety of this utility model or as limitations or restrictions on the technical solution of this utility model.

[0022] An intelligent water distributor is electrically connected to a ground control platform via a data output module. Through the two-level linkage between the control platform and the hierarchical intelligent control ground controller, the distributor can perform real-time data monitoring and remote control, realizing functions such as control, reception, processing, storage, and sharing, making the water distributor more intelligent.

[0023] The intelligent water distributor includes a housing 100 made of a high-strength, corrosion-resistant alloy (such as 316L stainless steel or Hastelloy), which is hollow inside to form a sealed electrical compartment. All precision electrical components, such as the data acquisition unit, control circuit board, sensor interface, and data output module for communication with the surface, are installed in this electrical compartment, protected by the housing from the high temperature, high pressure, and corrosive fluids encountered downhole. The housing 100 is equipped with an electrical interface (high-pressure sealed socket) for connection to the cable 300.

[0024] A powerful dispersing mechanism 200 is provided on the water distributor housing 100. When the water distributor is lowered to a deep environment such as a well via the cable 300, the huge axial tensile force generated by the weight of the cable 300 is actively or passively dispersed from the fragile electrical connection node to the cable body with higher mechanical strength, thereby greatly improving the reliability of the connection.

[0025] Cable 300 is a special armored cable, comprising power cores, signal cores, reinforcing ribs, and multiple protective sheaths and armor layers. After its end passes through the force dispersing mechanism 200, the internal cores are connected to the electrical socket on the water distributor housing 100 via a plug, forming an electrical and signal path.

[0026] The force dispersing mechanism 200, as an independent mechanical assembly, is mounted on top of the water distributor housing 100. This mechanism includes a base 210, a housing 220, and a triggering structure. The base 210 and housing 220 are preferably made of the same or similar corrosion-resistant alloy material as the housing 100, and are fixed to the water distributor housing 100 and each other by full penetration welding, forming a rigid, continuous, integral load-bearing structure. The cable 300 passes sequentially through the housing 220 and the base 210 along the central axis.

[0027] The triggering structure is used to clamp the cable 300 under specific conditions. It comprises several (e.g., three to four, evenly distributed along the circumference) trigger elements 231 and clamps 232. The clamps 232 are made of a high-strength and good-toughness metallic material (such as beryllium copper or age-hardening steel), and their structure is divided into straight rod sections and curved sections. The straight rod sections are used to transmit driving force, while the curved sections form an arc-shaped outer contour to flexibly compress and clamp the outer sheath of the cable 300 under force, generating strong frictional force through deformation.

[0028] Example 1 (Passive triggering of trigger 231) The housing 220 has an internally machined annular piston chamber, which is coaxially arranged around the cable channel. The trigger 231 is an annular piston whose outer and inner diameters precisely fit within the piston chamber and is installed inside the piston chamber. Both the inner and outer circumferences of the piston are covered with high-temperature and high-pressure resistant sealing layers (such as hydrogenated nitrile rubber or fluororubber O-rings), forming a reliable dynamic seal with the inner and outer walls of the piston chamber. During assembly, the piston chamber is pre-filled with hydraulic oil (such as synthetic silicone oil) at a specific pressure, and all vent ports are sealed.

[0029] The straight rod sections of several linearly arranged slips 232 pass through the bottom surface of the piston chamber (on the side near the base 210) and are firmly fixed to the trigger 231 (annular piston). The perforations of the slips 232 are also equipped with high-pressure dynamic seals to ensure the sealing of the piston chamber.

[0030] Pre-trigger stage: On the surface or in shallow well sections, the downhole ambient pressure is less than or equal to the preset pressure of the hydraulic oil in the piston chamber. At this time, piston 231 remains in its initial position, and there is a gap between the bent section of slip 232 and cable 300, resulting in no clamping force. The entire tension of cable 300 is still borne by the electrical connection node at its end.

[0031] Triggering Process: As the depth of the distributor increases, the static pressure of the downhole fluid continuously increases. When the ambient pressure exceeds the preset pressure, the pressure difference acts on the exposed surface of the piston 231 through the equalizing holes on the casing 220, pushing the piston 231 towards the piston chamber (i.e., the side with lower pressure). The movement of the piston 231 causes the slip 232, which is fixed to it, to move synchronously towards the distributor housing 100. The bent section of the slip 232 is driven, starting to compress the armored outer sheath of the cable 300. As the pressure difference increases, the compressive force and friction also increase, thereby directly transmitting the axial tension of the cable 300 to the slip 232 through these points of action, and then through the casing 220 and the base 210, finally to the distributor housing 100.

[0032] Furthermore, a spring is installed in the piston chamber to provide resistance to piston movement; the spring constant is selected according to the specific construction environment.

[0033] Example 2 (Active triggering of trigger 231) In this embodiment, the triggering structure adopts an active remote control design.

[0034] The trigger 231 is replaced with a compact, high-pressure electro-hydraulic cylinder or electric actuator. The cylinder body is detachably fixed to a specific location on the housing 220 via a flange. Its piston rod extension is connected to a drive disc, on which several straight rod sections of slips 232 are evenly distributed. The control cable of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to a spare signal conductor in cable 300, ultimately connecting to a data output module, allowing remote control from a ground control platform.

[0035] Pre-trigger phase: During the descent, engineers at the ground control center can monitor the descent depth and cable tension data in real time.

[0036] Triggering Process: When the depth or tension reaches a preset threshold, the engineer sends a corresponding command through the ground control platform. The command is transmitted to the water distributor via cable 300, and after being parsed by the internal controller, it drives the hydraulic cylinder 231 to work. The piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder extends, pushing the drive plate and all the slips 232 towards the cable 300. The bent sections of the slips 232 begin to clamp the cable body. The ground platform can precisely control the extension pressure and stroke of the hydraulic cylinder, thereby precisely adjusting the clamping force on the cable and achieving on-demand, controllable force distribution. After the operation is completed, a command can also be sent to reset the slips 232, facilitating equipment recovery.

[0037] To further enhance sealing and tensile strength dispersion, an adaptive sealing ring 240 is fixedly installed at the inlet where the cable 300 passes through the housing 220. This adaptive sealing ring 240 is preferably made of a special material with a positive coefficient of thermal expansion (shape memory polymer-based composite material or a high-thermal-expansion-coefficient elastomer filled with thermoplastic microspheres). The core characteristic of this material is its programmable response temperature: by precisely controlling its formulation, it can undergo a dramatic and predictable physical transformation when a preset trigger temperature is reached downhole (e.g., a specific value between 60°C and 120°C tailored to the geothermal gradient). As the downhole temperature increases, the sealing ring automatically expands, gripping the outer surface of the cable 300 more and more tightly. This not only improves the dynamic sealing performance at this location, preventing well fluid intrusion, but the resulting clamping friction also constitutes a third force dispersion point, working in conjunction with the slip 232 to disperse cable tension over a wider area.

[0038] In summary, this invention, by adding a force-dispersing mechanism 200, effectively transfers the enormous axial tensile force generated during the cable's lowering into deep wells from the structurally fragile electrical connection nodes to the mechanically strong cable body and the main structure of the water distributor. This mechanism, through passively pressure-triggered or actively electrically controlled triggering slips, creates a strong frictional anchoring point on the cable, constructing a parallel force transmission path and significantly reducing the risk of electrical plug detachment. Simultaneously, combined with an adaptive thermal expansion sealing ring, the force-dispersing effect and sealing reliability are further enhanced. This solution is ingeniously structured and reliably operated, greatly improving the safety and success rate of deep-well operation systems, making the application of intelligent water distributors more stable and durable under harsh operating conditions.

[0039] The technical scope of this utility model is not limited to the content described above. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the above embodiments without departing from the technical concept of this utility model, and all such modifications and variations should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A cable-controlled downhole intelligent water distributor for water injection wells, characterized in that, include: The water distributor housing contains electrical components. A cable, one end of which forms an electrical connection node with an electrical component inside the water distributor housing; A force dispersing mechanism is installed on the water distributor housing, and the cable passes through the force dispersing mechanism and is connected to the electrical connection node; The force dispersing mechanism includes: The base is fixedly connected to the water distributor housing; A housing, fixedly connected to the base, and together with the base defining a channel for accommodating cables; and A triggering structure is provided to apply a force to the cable body passing through the force dispersing mechanism under preset conditions, so as to disperse part of the axial tensile force borne by the cable to the cable body.

2. The intelligent downhole water distributor for injection wells with cable control according to claim 1, characterized in that, The triggering structure includes a trigger element and a latch; the latch is driven by the trigger element, and a portion of the latch is used to contact and apply force to the cable body.

3. The intelligent downhole water distributor for injection wells with cable control according to claim 2, characterized in that, The chuck includes a straight rod section and a curved section. The straight rod section is linked to the trigger element, and the curved section is used to squeeze the cable body of the cable when the chuck is driven.

4. The intelligent downhole water distributor for injection wells with cable control according to claim 3, characterized in that, The clamp applies a clamping force to the cable through deformation.

5. A cable-controlled downhole intelligent water distributor for injection wells according to claim 2, characterized in that, A piston chamber is provided inside the housing, and the trigger is a piston. The piston is sealed inside the piston chamber and can slide axially. The piston chamber is pre-filled with a pressure-bearing medium with a set pressure.

6. A cable-controlled downhole intelligent water distributor for injection wells according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer peripheral wall of the piston and the inner wall of the piston cavity are dynamically sealed through a sealing layer; the piston is configured to move axially into the piston cavity when the external environmental pressure is greater than the set pressure of the pressure-bearing medium, thereby driving the slip to apply force to the cable body.

7. A cable-controlled downhole intelligent water distributor for injection wells according to claim 2, characterized in that, The trigger is a hydraulic cylinder, the cylinder body of which is fixed to the cover, and the piston rod of which is connected to the slip. The hydraulic cylinder drives the piston rod to extend or retract via electronic control.

8. A cable-controlled downhole intelligent water distributor for injection wells according to claim 7, characterized in that, The intelligent water distributor also includes a data output module. The control end of the hydraulic cylinder is electrically connected to the ground control platform via the data output module to receive control commands from the ground control platform.

9. A cable-controlled downhole intelligent water distributor for injection wells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The force dispersing mechanism further includes an adaptive sealing ring, which is fixed to the housing and sleeved on the outside of the cable; the adaptive sealing ring is made of a thermally expanding material.

10. A cable-controlled downhole intelligent water distributor for injection wells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base and the water distributor housing, and the cover and the base form an integrated load-bearing structure.

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