Acoustic Repeater Tool String for Downhole Obstructions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireline technology is limited by downhole obstructions such as plugs or production valves, which prevent the deployment of equipment and communication beyond a certain depth, while existing wireless solutions require multiple runs of tool strings to establish communication with tools below obstructions.

Innovation Solution

A combined wireline and wireless tool string incorporating acoustic repeaters that allow for simultaneous or sequential operation, enabling communication and monitoring of tools below obstructions through a single downhole run by using acoustic signals to transmit data between the surface and wireless-enabled tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireline technology is used to deploy equipment downhole, then equipment can be mechanically and electrically coupled via tool string, but deployment is limited by downhole obstructions such as plugs or production valves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment deployment capabilityVSAvoiddepth reach limitation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the tool string into multiple independent sections: wireline-controlled sections above obstructions and wireless sections below obstructions. Each section can operate independently, allowing the wireline portion to deploy equipment while the wireless portion communicates with tools below obstructions that would otherwise block wireline deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Acoustic repeaters serve as intermediary nodes between the wireline tool string and tools below obstructions. These repeaters receive acoustic signals from the wireline section and relay them to wireless tools, enabling communication across the obstruction barrier without requiring physical penetration through the obstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If wireless technology is used to communicate across obstructions, then communication can be established below obstructions, but multiple runs of tool strings are required to establish communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capability below obstructionsVSAvoidmultiple runs required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges wireline and wireless technologies into a single integrated tool string. The wireline portion handles deployment and surface control, while the wireless portion handles communication with tools below obstructions. This combination allows both deployment and communication to occur in a single run, eliminating the need for separate wireline and wireless runs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool string is designed with multi-functionality: the wireline section provides mechanical deployment and electrical power transmission, while the wireless section provides acoustic signal relay and data communication. This universal design enables a single tool string to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If acoustic repeaters are integrated into the tool string, then communication with tools below obstructions is enabled, but the tool string complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidtool string structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic repeaters are nested within the existing wireline tool string structure, with repeaters positioned at specific locations along the string. This nesting approach allows the repeaters to be integrated into the existing deployment infrastructure without requiring a completely new system, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables efficient communication and monitoring of tools below obstructions with a single downhole run, overcoming the limitations of wireline technology and reducing the need for multiple runs, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

an acoustic telemetry system in which a series of repeater nodes receive and send acoustic signals containing messages along the tool string

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic signal transmission: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS11293281B2Combined wireline and wireless apparatus and related methods

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Combined wireline and wireless apparatus and related methods are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a tool string including a tool bus and a first acoustic repeater coupled to the tool string. The first acoustic repeater is to communicate with a second acoustic repeater to exchange data. The second acoustic repeater is communicatively coupled to a first tool. The first tool is not communicatively coupled to the tool bus.