Clampless Cable Protector Welded Sidebars Downhole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for deploying sensing cables downhole on casing strings often result in damage during run-in-hole, cementing, and perforating procedures due to inaccurate positioning and the use of clamps that restrict cement flow and can move during casing rotation or raising.
Innovation Solution
A cable protector system that includes welded parallel sidebars on the casing string to securely hold a sensing cable in place without clamps, allowing for accurate positioning and minimizing damage, with a cover strip to protect the cable and maintain its position, and using eddy current detection for precise cable location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clamps are used to secure the sensing cable on the casing string, then the cable is held in place, but the clamps restrict cement flow and can move during casing rotation or raising causing cable damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful clamps from the system entirely and replaces them with a clampless cable protector that uses a U-shaped channel formed by sidebars and a cover strip to hold the cable. This extraction eliminates the movement and cement flow restriction problems associated with traditional clamps while maintaining cable positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable protector is divided into separate components: sidebars that are welded to the casing string and a cover strip that secures the cable within the U-shaped channel. This segmentation allows the sidebars to provide stable positioning while the cover strip protects the cable, and both can be installed without interfering with cement flow.
2Ease of operation
If traditional cable deployment methods are used, then cables can be positioned on casing strings, but the cables are prone to damage during run-in-hole, cementing, and perforating procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The cable protector is installed on the casing string before the sensing cable is deployed. The sidebars are welded to the casing string in advance, creating a protected pathway. The cable is then simply placed into the U-shaped channel and covered, eliminating the need for complex securing operations during cable deployment.
3Manufacturing precision
If clamps are used to secure the cable, then the cable position is maintained, but cement flow is restricted and clamps may move during casing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical clamp system with a welded sidebar structure that forms a U-shaped channel. The sidebars are permanently attached to the casing string through welding, providing precise and stable cable positioning without the complexity of adjustable clamps or additional fastening mechanisms.
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 cable protector system effectively prevents cable damage, ensures accurate cable positioning, and allows for better cement flow during cementing, while maintaining cable integrity during casing operations and perforation.
Implementation Method 1
using eddy current detection for precise cable location
Implementation Method 2
welded in place on the outer surface of the casing section
Data Source
AI summary
A cable protector can include a first side bar welded along a length of a casing section. A second side bar can be welded along the length of the casing section. The second side bar can be positioned substantially parallel to the first side bar. A cable can be positioned between the first side bar and the second side bar. The cable can be positioned while the casing section is being run-in-hole. A cover strip can be welded on top of first side bar and the second side bar. The cover strip can be welded in place while the casing section is being run-in-hole.