Downhole Completion Assembly Signal Coupling via Inductive Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in hydrocarbon producing wells is the difficulty and cost associated with accurately joining upper and lower completion assemblies due to inaccessibility and the need for rotational and axial precision, especially when using components like wet-mate connectors.
Innovation Solution
A system and methodology that includes a well completion with selectively engageable completion assemblies and a signal communication system, utilizing an inductive coupler and wet-mate connector to facilitate signal transfer between assemblies without requiring precise alignment, along with hydraulic isolation devices like swellable packers to ensure accurate engagement and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wet-mate connectors are used to join upper and lower completion assemblies, then signal communication and hydraulic isolation are enabled, but rotational and axial precision requirements increase the difficulty and cost of connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the lower completion assembly with its engagement features) that mediates between the upper completion assembly and the lower completion assembly. The intermediary structure includes engagement features that facilitate controlled engagement while the signal communication system acts as an intermediary for transferring signals across the connection, enabling reliable communication without requiring extreme precision in the mechanical joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection systems that require high rotational and axial precision with an alternative approach using inductive coupling and electromagnetic fields for signal transmission. This substitution allows signal communication across the completion assemblies without relying on precise mechanical alignment, thereby reducing the complexity of the connection mechanism while maintaining communication reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If high rotational and axial accuracy is provided for downhole components, then proper alignment and connection are ensured, but the difficulty and cost of connecting upper completions to lower completions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The completion system is segmented into multiple independent assemblies (upper completion assembly, lower completion assembly, and intermediate components) that can be manufactured and tested separately. Each assembly has standardized engagement features that simplify the connection process. The segmentation allows for modular manufacturing with standard tolerances rather than requiring high precision across the entire downhole string, reducing manufacturing difficulty and cost while ensuring proper alignment through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary engagement features and alignment mechanisms that are built into the completion assemblies before they reach the wellsite. These preliminary features include pre-configured engagement surfaces, positioning elements, and alignment guides that ensure proper orientation and connection when the assemblies are joined downhole, eliminating the need for high precision manufacturing and complex alignment procedures during installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If completion assemblies are selectively engaged downhole, then hydrocarbon recovery functionality is improved, but signal transfer across the connection becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary signal communication system that includes inductive coupling components and electromagnetic field transmission paths. This intermediary system bridges the gap between the upper and lower completion assemblies, enabling reliable signal transfer across the selective engagement interface. The intermediary components include coupling coils, signal amplifiers, and routing structures that maintain signal integrity regardless of the mechanical engagement state, thereby preserving information transfer while allowing flexible assembly engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical signal transmission (which requires precise physical contact and alignment) with electromagnetic field-based signal transfer. This substitution allows signals to pass through the completion assembly connection without requiring continuous mechanical contact or precise alignment, enabling selective engagement of assemblies while maintaining robust signal transfer integrity through non-contact electromagnetic coupling.
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 simplifies the placement and alignment of completion assemblies, enables efficient signal communication and hydraulic isolation, and improves the functionality of inflow control devices, reducing the complexity and cost of connecting upper and lower completions while maintaining mechanical precision.
Implementation Method 1
a signal communication system is provided to facilitate engagement of the first and second completion assemblies while enabling the transfer of various signals across the connection
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic isolation devices like swellable packers to ensure accurate engagement and monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates recovery of hydrocarbons in subterranean formations by simplifying the joining of completion assemblies downhole. The system and methodology utilize a well completion having completion assemblies that may be selectively engaged downhole without requiring precise positional accuracy for each signal communication line. A signal communication system is provided to facilitate engagement of the completion assemblies while enabling the transfer of various signals across the connection.