Concentric Wireline Cable for Downhole Power and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole oil and gas operations face limitations in power delivery and data transfer due to the restricted space in boreholes, which restricts the size of wireline cables and subsequently limits the power delivery and data transfer speeds required for advanced downhole tools.
Innovation Solution
A wireline cable design featuring a fiber optic core surrounded by a high voltage power bus with concentric conductors and dielectric layers, allowing for increased power delivery up to 180,000V and enhanced data transfer capabilities within the physical constraints of the downhole environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the wireline cable size is increased to improve power delivery and data transfer speeds, then power delivery and data transfer capabilities are improved, but the cable cannot fit within the limited borehole space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested cable structure where multiple functional components are concentrically arranged within each other. The fiber optic core is positioned at the center, surrounded by a high-voltage power bus with concentric conductors and dielectric layers. This nesting arrangement maximizes the utilization of the limited cable cross-sectional area, allowing high power delivery capacity without increasing the overall cable diameter beyond borehole constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional parallel wire arrangements to a concentric/circular dimensional arrangement. The high-voltage power bus uses concentric conductors arranged in circular layers around the fiber optic core, effectively utilizing the radial dimension. This dimensional reorganization increases power delivery capability within the same cross-sectional footprint compared to linear wire arrangements.
2Speed
If the wireline cable size is increased to improve data transfer speeds, then data transfer capabilities are improved, but the cable cannot fit within the limited borehole space
Solution Approach 1:
The nested concentric arrangement allows the fiber optic core to be positioned at the center surrounded by power transmission components. This nesting enables high-speed data transfer through the central fiber optic pathway while the surrounding concentric conductors provide high-voltage power delivery, both functions operating simultaneously within the same compact cable structure without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable structure integrates multiple functions within a single unified design: the central fiber optic core handles high-speed data transmission, while the concentric high-voltage power bus provides power delivery. The dielectric layers serve dual purposes of electrical insulation and structural separation. This multi-functional integration achieves both high data transfer speeds and adequate power delivery without requiring separate cables or increasing overall size.
3Power
If high voltage power bus with concentric conductors is used to increase power delivery, then power delivery is improved, but cable structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is segmented into distinct functional zones: a central fiber optic core for data transmission, surrounded by concentric conductors for power delivery, with dielectric layers for insulation. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the complex high-voltage power bus to be systematically organized and manufactured through modular assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the fiber optic data transmission pathway and the high-voltage power delivery system into a single integrated cable structure. The concentric conductors are merged with the central fiber optic core in a unified concentric arrangement, eliminating the need for separate bundled cables and simplifying the overall system architecture despite the internal complexity of the power bus.
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 effectively increases power delivery and data transfer speeds while maintaining mechanical integrity, enabling more advanced functions and higher resolution data collection in downhole tools.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber optic core configured to transmit data
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric layer located between the core conductor and the concentric conductor and configured to electrically isolate the core conductor from the concentric conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A cable including a fiber optic core configured to transmit data, a core conductor configured to transmit power and located concentrically around the fiber optic core, and a concentric conductor configured to transmit power and located concentrically around the core conductor and the fiber optic core. The cable also includes a dielectric layer located between the core conductor and the concentric conductor and configured to electrically isolate the core conductor from the concentric conductor.