Autonomous Acoustic Device for Well Productivity Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well maintenance and stimulation methods face challenges such as inability to direct selective effects on well perforations, lack of effective application in active wells, inability to implement autonomous signal emitters, inaccurate emitter location, and lack of automatic adjustment and parameter recording.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, self-sustaining acoustic device with acoustic emitters, sensors, a control unit, power source, and movement mechanism that operates autonomously within a well to emit complex acoustic effects for restoring and maintaining well productivity by determining optimal positioning and emitting signals based on well environment readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If acoustic devices are lowered into wells using existing methods, then well productivity can be restored, but the devices cannot operate autonomously and require connection to control units via load-bearing cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control unit and power source from the external environment and integrates them into the acoustic device itself. The control unit is housed within the acoustic device housing, and a power source is provided within the device, eliminating the need for external cable connections and enabling autonomous operation in the wellbore environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic device is designed as a self-contained system that performs multiple functions: acoustic emission for well stimulation, autonomous navigation using sensors, self-positioning using geophysical sensors, and self-control through an integrated control unit. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate external systems.
2Measurement precision
If acoustic emitters are deployed in wells, then well productivity can be improved, but the location of emitters cannot be accurately determined during autonomous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect wellbore characteristics and provide feedback to the control unit. The control unit processes this sensor data to determine the acoustic device's position within the wellbore and adjusts the emitter orientation and acoustic signal emission accordingly, enabling accurate location determination during autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning systems with sensor-based detection and electronic control. Instead of using mechanical cables or external positioning equipment, the system uses sensors to detect wellbore characteristics and electronically determines position, enabling accurate location measurement in the autonomous environment.
3Productivity
If acoustic signals are emitted to clean wellbore, then productivity increases, but the effect cannot be selectively directed at specific perforations or formations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the emitter orientation dynamic and adjustable. The emitter can be rotated and positioned at different angles relative to the wellbore axis, allowing the acoustic energy to be selectively directed at specific perforations or formation zones. This dynamic positioning capability enables targeted well stimulation while maintaining productivity improvements.
4Reliability
If acoustic devices are used in active wells with suspended pumping installation, then well maintenance is achieved, but existing methods lack effective application in such active wells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the acoustic device to be dynamically positionable and orientable within the wellbore. The emitter can be rotated and positioned to target specific zones while navigating around existing pumping equipment. This dynamic adaptability allows effective application in active wells with suspended pumping installations, maintaining reliability while increasing versatility.
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 solution enables thorough cleaning of the bottomhole formation zone, reduces fluid viscosity, increases oil and gas recovery, extends well service life, and maintains productivity without stopping the well, achieving up to 500% increase in oil output and prolonged well activity with continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic emitters for signaling a complex acoustic effect
Implementation Method 2
emitting acoustic effects to clean and maintain the wellbore and surrounding production formation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an autonomous and consistently active acoustic rehabilitation technology for wells, reservoirs, and extraction of natural resources using a borehole method. The invention can be used in oil, gas, mining, geological exploration industries, and in extraction technologies for oil and gas, including shale. It is especially useful for improvement of oil and gas output from wells and stimulation of production for maximizing recovery from reserves. The invention is applicable to areas including, but not limited to, well reserves using pumps, layer pressure supporting wells, and offshore-bed wells.