Acoustically Transparent Well Plugs for Sealed Telemetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for communicating telemetry from sensors below a well plug are inadequate due to the attenuation of acoustic signals by cement and the inability to penetrate cement plugs without creating leak paths.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing an acoustically transmissive well plug, such as bismuth or epoxy, with embedded metal rods to facilitate acoustic signal transmission between sensors and receivers, allowing communication through the plug without penetrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cement plugs are used to seal the well, then sealing reliability is improved, but acoustic signal transmission deteriorates due to high attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The well plug is divided into two functional segments: a cement portion for sealing and an acoustically transmissive portion for signal transmission. This segmentation allows each segment to perform its specialized function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the well plug have different material properties tailored to their specific functions. The lower portion uses cement for sealing, while the upper portion uses acoustically transmissive material for signal transmission, creating local quality variations that resolve the contradiction.
2Loss of information
If wires or holes are created through the cement plug for sensor connections, then sensor telemetry communication is improved, but sealing integrity deteriorates due to potential leak paths
Solution Approach 1:
An acoustically transmissive portion is introduced as an intermediary between the cement plug and the sensor telemetry system. This intermediary allows acoustic signal transmission without requiring physical penetrations through the cement seal, thus maintaining sealing integrity while enabling communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical wire-based telemetry system is replaced with an acoustic signal transmission system. Acoustic waves can pass through the acoustically transmissive portion without requiring physical holes or wires, eliminating the need for penetrations that would compromise the seal.
3Loss of information
If electromagnetic radio waves are used for telemetry communication, then communication capability is improved, but signal transmission deteriorates due to attenuation by steel casing
Solution Approach 1:
Electromagnetic radio wave transmission is replaced with acoustic signal transmission. Acoustic waves propagate effectively through the wellbore environment and the acoustically transmissive portion without being significantly attenuated by the steel casing, resolving the transmission loss problem.
4Reliability
If conventional cement plugs are used, then sealing capability is improved, but acoustic signal transmission deteriorates due to cement being a good attenuator
Solution Approach 1:
The well plug is segmented into a cement portion for sealing and an acoustically transmissive portion for signal transmission. This allows the system to achieve both reliable sealing and effective acoustic communication without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The well plug uses composite construction with different materials optimized for different functions: cement for sealing and acoustically transmissive material for signal transmission. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of sealing capability and acoustic transmission.
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 reliable communication of well conditions below the plug to the surface, overcoming signal attenuation and ensuring leak-proof integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic transmitter coupled to a sensor or other tool below the plug is coupled to the plug in a manner that is intended to maximize the coupling of the generated acoustic signals to the plug. These signals are then transmitted through the acoustically transmissive plug to an acoustic receiver
Implementation Method 2
The well plug may have rods made of metal or other acoustically transmissive materials, where a first portion of each rod is embedded in the well plug and another portion extends out of the plug for coupling to the respective acoustic transmitter or receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for communicating information acoustically through a plug in a temporarily or permanently abandoned well. The disclosed embodiments use an acoustically transmissive well plug, where an acoustic transmitter coupled to a measurement tool below the plug is coupled to the plug In a manner that is intended to maximize the coupling of the generated acoustic signals to the plug. These signals are then transmitted through the acoustically transmissive plug to an acoustic receiver that is coupled to the upper end of the plug. The acoustic receiver converts the acoustic signals to another form if necessary and forwards the signals to equipment at the surface of the well, or to intermediate transceivers that can relay the signals to the surface.