Autonomous Along-String Tool With Orientation-Triggered Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ASM tools require onsite assembly by trained crews, which is costly, exposes personnel to health and safety risks, and increases environmental impact due to uncontrolled conditions.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous ASM tool that relies on physical orientation to trigger activation, allowing assembly in a controlled workshop environment and conserving battery life during storage and shipping, eliminating the need for onsite assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If trained crews perform onsite assembly of ASM tools, then the tools can be assembled and activated, but health and safety risks increase and environmental impact worsens due to uncontrolled conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The ASM tool is pre-assembled and pre-configured in a controlled workshop environment before delivery to the well site. The tool includes pre-installed sensors, power sources, and communication systems that are tested and verified prior to deployment, eliminating the need for onsite assembly operations that pose health and safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed to be self-activating through autonomous startup operations. An angle sensor detects when the tool is installed in the drill string and automatically triggers the power source and data collection systems without requiring human intervention or specialized crews for activation.
2Productivity
If ASM tools are assembled just in time for use, then operational readiness is improved, but cost increases and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The ASM tool is completely assembled, tested, and configured in advance in a controlled manufacturing or workshop environment. This preliminary assembly ensures operational readiness is achieved before delivery to the well site, eliminating the need for costly and environmentally impactful onsite assembly operations while maintaining immediate operational capability.
3Duration of action of moving object
If batteries are designed to provide 200-300 hours of operational power, then operational duration is improved, but the need for precise timing and controlled assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool automatically manages its battery power through autonomous startup operations triggered by the angle sensor. The system self-regulates power consumption based on operational needs, eliminating the need for precise manual timing during assembly. The battery provides 200-300 hours of operational power automatically once activated, without requiring complex timing coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous along string measurement tool may include a data collection and transmission system having a sensor configured to collect the downhole data, a communication tool configured to transmit the downhole data to the surface, and an operations processor configured for receiving downhole data from the sensor and controlling the communication tool to transmit the downhole data. The system may also include a power bus configured for supplying power to the data collection and transmission system, a power source in selective electrical communication with the power bus, and a power gateway. The power gateway may be configured to control the selective electrical communication between the power source and the power bus based on whether tool conditions are suitable for operation.