Adaptive Signal Detection for Downhole Tool Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for actuating downhole tools in wellbore operations often restrict fluid flow and require extended time for tool actuation due to the need to remove wellbore projectiles, such as balls, from the actuated position.

Innovation Solution

The use of magnetic, acoustic, and pressure sensors on downhole tools to receive signals from the surface, allowing for actuation without restricting fluid flow, utilizing magnetic wellbore projectiles, acoustic pulses, and pressure changes, and employing adaptive signal detection to accurately identify these signals amidst background noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a ball is used to actuate a downhole tool by sealing with a seat and applying axial force, then the downhole tool can be actuated physically, but fluid flow is restricted and the operation time is extended due to the need to remove the ball

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool actuationVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical ball-seat actuation system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. A magnetic wellbore projectile generates a magnetic field that is detected by a magnetic sensor on the downhole tool, triggering actuation without physical contact or fluid flow restriction. This eliminates the time-consuming ball removal step while maintaining reliable tool actuation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a ball is used to actuate a downhole tool by sealing with a seat, then the downhole tool can be actuated physically, but fluid flow is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool actuationVSAvoidfluid flow

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If adaptive signal detection is used to detect magnetic wellbore projectiles, acoustic pulses, or pressure changes, then signal detection accuracy is improved amidst background noise, but the complexity of the detection system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs adaptive signal detection that dynamically adjusts detection thresholds based on real-time background noise levels. The system continuously monitors the acoustic or magnetic environment, calculates the noise floor, and adapts the detection sensitivity accordingly. This dynamic adaptation maintains high signal detection accuracy in varying noise conditions without requiring overly complex fixed-threshold systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptive signal detection system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the detected background noise level feeds back into the adjustment of detection thresholds. The system continuously evaluates the noise environment and modifies its detection criteria in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes signal detection accuracy while managing system complexity through intelligent algorithmic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 faster and more efficient actuation of downhole tools by allowing continuous fluid flow and reducing the time required for operations through precise signal detection and adaptive threshold adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor is one selected from the group consisting of a magnetic sensor, an acoustic sensor, and a pressure sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The sensor is one selected from the group consisting of a magnetic sensor, an acoustic sensor, and a pressure sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic detection: Sound

Implementation Method 3

The sensor is one selected from the group consisting of a magnetic sensor, an acoustic sensor, and a pressure sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS11280183B2Adaptive signal detection for communicating with downhole tools

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Communication from a well surface location at a well site to a downhole tool positioned within a wellbore may be performed such that fluid flow is not restricted through the downhole tool. For example, a method may include: sending a signal from an uphole location to a downhole tool located in a wellbore, wherein the signal comprises at least one event selected from the group consisting of a magnetic wellbore projectile, an acoustic pulse, and a pressure change; taking measurements with a sensor coupled to the downhole tool, wherein the sensor is at least one selected from the group consisting of a magnetic sensor, an acoustic sensor, and a pressure sensor; identifying the signal based on at least one of the measurements greater than an adaptive threshold value; and actuating the downhole tool from a first configuration to a second configuration upon identification of the signal.