Buoyancy-Controlled Water Detection Tool for Horizontal Wells
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horizontal well water detection technologies face challenges such as low detection accuracy, complex and inefficient downhole operations, high friction, risk of obstruction, and potential damage to downhole pipes.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent water detection tool that employs a floating-diving mechanism, utilizing a buoyancy device and a buoyancy adjustment component to minimize friction and facilitate easy passage through the horizontal well section, while avoiding direct contact with the well wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a downhole crawler is used to carry water detection instruments, then the tool can navigate through the horizontal well section, but high friction during crawling requires large power output resulting in complex and bulky downhole string structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by using a buoyancy device to generate upward buoyant force that counteracts the downward gravitational force on the water detection tool. This balance of forces reduces the normal force between the tool and well wall, thereby reducing friction during movement and eliminating the need for large power output mechanisms, resulting in a simpler downhole string structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical crawling system with a floating-diving movement mechanism. Instead of using a crawler that mechanically pushes against the well wall, the tool uses buoyancy control to float and dive within the well fluid, substituting a complex mechanical propulsion system with a simpler buoyancy-based movement system.
2Ease of operation
If a downhole crawler is used to carry water detection instruments, then the tool can navigate through the horizontal well section, but it is prone to obstruction during crawling leading to low operation success rates
Solution Approach 1:
By using buoyancy to counteract gravity, the tool achieves a floating-diving movement mode that does not require mechanical contact with the well wall. This eliminates the risk of obstruction that plagues crawler-based systems, as the tool can freely move through the well fluid and pass around obstacles without getting stuck.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic buoyancy adjustment mechanism that allows the tool to flexibly change its buoyancy state during operation. This dynamic adaptability enables the tool to navigate through varying well conditions, pass through obstructions, and maintain reliable operation throughout the horizontal well section.
3Ease of operation
If a downhole crawler is used to carry water detection instruments, then the tool can navigate through the horizontal well section, but it can easily cause irreversible damage to the casing wall
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyancy device generates upward force that counteracts gravity, reducing the contact force between the tool and the casing wall. This minimizes friction and prevents mechanical damage to the casing, while still allowing the tool to navigate through the horizontal well section effectively.
4Ease of operation
If a downhole crawler is used to carry water detection instruments, then the tool can navigate through the horizontal well section, but it has insufficient endurance limiting the length of the horizontal section that can be inspected in a single run
Solution Approach 1:
By reducing friction through buoyancy-based movement, the tool significantly decreases power consumption during navigation. This improved energy efficiency extends the operational endurance of the tool, enabling it to inspect longer horizontal well sections in a single run without depleting its power supply.
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
This approach significantly reduces structural complexity, minimizes damage to downhole pipes, improves operation success rates, and enhances downhole safety by allowing the tool to easily navigate through obstructions and inspect the entire horizontal section in a single run.
Implementation Method 1
a buoyancy device connected to the water detection instrument, configured to provide buoyancy to the water detection tool
Implementation Method 2
a buoyancy adjustment component for adjusting the water displacement volume of the buoyancy device
Implementation Method 3
a floating-diving component configured to provide power for axial movement of the entire water detection tool along a wellbore trajectory
Data Source
AI summary
This invention discloses an intelligent water detection tool for horizontal wells, including a water detection instrument, and also including a floating-diving component for driving the movement of the water detection instrument, a buoyancy device connected to the water detection instrument, and a buoyancy adjustment component for adjusting the water displacement volume of the buoyancy device. This invention provides an intelligent water detection tool for horizontal wells, using a completely different technical approach to achieve floating-diving style water detection operations in horizontal well sections, aiming to reduce tool friction and facilitate easy passage through horizontal sections.