Downhole Acoustic Sensor Movable Resilient Clamp
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acoustic sensing tools deployed in wellbore environments are either permanently installed or difficult to reposition and retrieve, limiting their flexibility and effectiveness in hydrocarbon production and fracturing processes.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic sensing tool with a movable resilient clamp that can switch between retracted and expanded positions, facilitated by an actuator, allowing for easy attachment and detachment from the wellbore and tubing, enabling efficient deployment and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the acoustic sensing tool is permanently installed in the wellbore, then the tool provides stable and reliable acoustic monitoring, but the tool cannot be repositioned or retrieved after deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed to be movable between a retracted position (for tool deployment and repositioning) and an expanded position (for stable acoustic coupling with the wellbore). This dynamic positioning capability allows the tool to transition between mobile and stationary states, resolving the contradiction between repositioning ability and monitoring stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the acoustic sensing tool is designed to be retrievable by dragging along the wellbore in expanded position, then the tool can be retrieved, but the retrieval process is overly difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp can be dynamically retracted to a retracted position that reduces the tool's profile and friction with the wellbore, enabling easy retrieval. The actuator controls the clamp to transition from the expanded monitoring position to the retracted retrieval position, making the retrieval process simple and efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is operable to automatically move the clamp between expanded and retracted positions, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex retrieval mechanisms. The system serves itself by autonomously adjusting the clamp position based on operational requirements.
3Measurement precision
If the clamp is designed to engage the wellbore in expanded position for acoustic coupling, then acoustic sensing accuracy is improved, but the tool cannot be easily repositioned or detached
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp's ability to dynamically change position between retracted and expanded states allows the tool to achieve both accurate acoustic coupling (when expanded) and easy repositioning (when retracted). The actuator enables smooth transitions between these states, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and operational ease.
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
The tool can be easily repositioned or retrieved, enhancing data collection efficiency and adaptability during hydrofracture monitoring and other hydrocarbon exploration processes, improving the ability to respond to changing conditions in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient clamp disposed around the base and defining an interior surface and an exterior surface, the clamp being movable between a retracted position, in which the clamp interior surface engages the carrier, and an expanded position, in which the clamp exterior surface engages the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic sensing tool for use with a carrier disposed in a wellbore may include a base and a resilient clamp disposed around the base. The clamp may move between a retracted position, in which the clamp interior surface engages the carrier, and an expanded position, in which the clamp exterior surface engages the wellbore. A sensor is coupled to the clamp. An actuator is movable along the base and operably coupled to the clamp. The actuator is operable to move the clamp between the retracted and expanded positions and configured to maintain contact with the clamp in both the retracted and expanded positions so that movement of the actuator in a first direction causes the housing to move to the expanded position, and movement of the actuator in a second, opposite direction causes the housing to move to the retracted position.