Distributed Downhole Sensor Line for Multi-Depth Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Instrumenting oil and gas wells with sensors downhole is challenging due to the deep and inaccessible environment, which increases complexity and cost, particularly as existing methods require sensors to be placed at multiple depths to gather data effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multi-point sensor line system is deployed along the production tubing, featuring a plurality of sensors coupled to cable segments with unique addresses, allowing simultaneous or independent data capture and transmission, and designed to withstand high pressures, with sensors drawing power in parallel to maintain functionality even if one fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are placed at multiple depths throughout the well to gather data regarding conditions at different depths, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple discrete sensor units distributed at different depths along the wellbore. Each sensor unit is independently addressable and can be positioned at specific depth intervals to measure local conditions, enabling precise multi-point data collection while maintaining modular system architecture that manages complexity.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed at multiple depths throughout the well to gather data regarding conditions at different depths, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor units are designed with universal multi-functionality, capable of measuring multiple downhole parameters (temperature, pressure, flow) using the same basic sensor architecture. This standardized multi-functional design simplifies deployment operations while enabling comprehensive multi-parameter measurements at multiple depths throughout the wellbore.
3Measurement precision
If instrumenting the well with sensors is performed to gather downhole data, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensor units are pre-assembled and pre-positioned on the production tubing or casing before well completion operations begin. This preliminary preparation allows sensors to be already in place when the well is being completed, eliminating time-consuming sensor installation steps during the completion process while still achieving multi-depth measurement precision.
4Measurement precision
If instrumenting the well with sensors is performed to gather downhole data, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor units are designed as cost-effective, potentially disposable components that can be easily replaced if needed. This approach reduces overall system cost by using simpler, more economical sensor designs rather than expensive reusable units, while still achieving the required measurement precision through the distributed multi-point configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed downhole sensor system for a well includes a sensor array comprising. The sensor array includes a plurality of sensors and cable segments. Each sensor is associated with a unique digital address and locatable downhole to capture sensor data simultaneously and output the simultaneously captured sensor data under a first control condition, and a single sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to capture sensor data independently and output the independently captured sensor data under a second control condition. The cable segments couple the sensors in a line or an array to deliver power to the sensors and provide a communication channel to and from the sensors.