Downhole Acoustic Emitter for Horizontal Wells
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole acoustic emitters are limited in treating horizontal and side holes due to safety restrictions, cannot operate on production casing, have short lengths increasing treatment time, and lose passability through curved sections when lengthened.
Innovation Solution
The acoustic device uses longitudinally polarized piezoelectric converters perpendicular to the axis, with a flexible housing and rubber polymeric connections, allowing operation with flexible drill stem or coil tubing, and enabling connection of additional emitters for increased radiation area and passability through curved sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the emitter length is increased to treat horizontal and side holes, then the treatment coverage is improved, but the device loses passability through curved sections of the downhole
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter is divided into multiple modular units that can be connected in series. Each unit maintains a compact size for navigating curved sections, while multiple units combined provide the necessary length for treating horizontal and side holes. The modular design allows the emitter to be assembled to the required length while maintaining flexibility through curved sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The emitter incorporates flexible elements and articulation points that allow it to dynamically adapt its shape during insertion and operation. This dynamic flexibility enables the emitter to bend and conform to curved wellbore sections while maintaining its functional length for treating horizontal zones.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple emitters are connected to increase radiation area, then the treatment coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple emitter units are merged into a single integrated assembly with common control and power systems. The emitters are arranged in a coordinated configuration where they can be controlled as a unified system, reducing operational complexity despite the increased radiation area provided by multiple units.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular emitter units are designed with universal interfaces and standardized configurations, allowing them to be connected and controlled through a single system architecture. This multi-functional design enables the same control mechanism to manage multiple emitters, preventing complexity from increasing proportionally with the number of units.
3Power
If the emitter is designed for high acoustic power in radial direction, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the device cannot operate on production casing without tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter is designed with a universal mounting system that can be installed on both tubing and production casing. The acoustic power generation system remains the same, but the mounting interface is adaptable to different well completion configurations, enabling operation on production casing without tubing as well as traditional tubing-based installations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances radial acoustic power, enables treatment of horizontal and side holes, allows operation in production casing, and increases radiation area, while maintaining flexibility and passability through curved sections, thus improving treatment efficiency and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
longitudinally polarized piezoelectric converters perpendicular to the axis
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to the oil and gas industry and can be used for intensifying the production of well fluids. The present downhole acoustic apparatus comprises an upper head for attachment to a logging cable or coiled tubing, an acoustic emitter and a lower guiding head. The emitter consists of a body with piezoelectric transducers, comprised of piezoceramic discs, arranged perpendicular to the axis of the body. Emitter bodies are formed in the shape of cylinders from a metal with a milled surface and are connected to each other by means of a rubber-plastic filler. This provides an increase in the acoustic power of radiation in a radial direction and makes it possible to treat horizontal and lateral wells.