Universal Control Circuit for Reconfigurable Downhole Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional downhole evaluation systems lack modularity, requiring specific design and engineering for each combination and positioning of actuatable components, limiting flexibility and reconfigurability.
Innovation Solution
A modular downhole evaluation system with a universal control module and circuit that connects to actuatable modules irrespective of their positioning, allowing for reconfiguration and reordering of components, enabling flexible implementation of various downhole operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional downhole evaluation systems are designed with specific combinations and positioning of actuatable components, then each system can be engineered to perform specific functions, but the systems lack flexibility and reconfigurability for different operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control circuit with multiple circuit paths that can connect to different actuatable modules (circulation valve, isolation valve, sampling valve) regardless of their positioning. This universal interface allows a single control system design to manage various module combinations and arrangements, providing reconfigurability without requiring redesign for each specific configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If actuatable modules are repositioned or reordered in the downhole evaluation system, then operational flexibility is improved, but the control circuit connectivity becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed with multiple circuit paths (first circuit path, second circuit path, etc.) that can independently connect to different actuatable modules. The universal control module can selectively activate appropriate circuit paths based on module positioning, allowing modules to be reordered or repositioned without complicating the overall circuit architecture.
3Ease of manufacture
If a modular design with universal control is implemented, then assembly flexibility and reconfigurability are enhanced, but the initial hardware design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The downhole evaluation system is divided into separate actuatable modules (circulation valve module, isolation valve module, sampling valve module) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each module has standardized interfaces that connect to the universal control circuit, allowing modular assembly and easy reconfiguration without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal control module and control circuit are designed to interface with all types of actuatable modules through standardized connections. This universal interface allows different module combinations to be assembled and configured for various downhole operations without requiring custom control system design for each assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
A downhole evaluation device includes a first actuatable downhole module, a second actuatable downhole module, and a universal control circuit. The universal control circuit has a first circuit path and a second circuit path, wherein the first circuit path connects to the first actuatable downhole module and the second circuit path connects to the second actuatable downhole module irrespective of a relative positioning of the first actuatable downhole module and the second actuatable downhole module. A universal control module is connected to the universal control circuit for selectively controlling an actuation of the first actuatable downhole module and the second actuatable downhole module.