Downhole Event Detection Device Depth Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting the arrival and correct deployment of downhole devices in boreholes are prone to human error due to reliance on physical sensing of vibrations and acoustic sounds, and lack efficient means to determine depth, especially in restricted access scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A device that detects sound and vibration associated with downhole tool deployment, equipped with sensors and a transmitter to autonomously send signals to the surface, allowing for accurate detection and confirmation of tool position, engagement, and depth determination, using sensors like accelerometers and microphones, and potentially communicating through the drill string or casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If physical sensing methods are used to detect downhole device arrival, then the detection method is simple, but human error increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical sensing method (using a screwdriver to listen for vibrations) with an electronic detection system. The electronic system uses sensors to detect vibrations and acoustic signals generated by the downhole device arrival, converting mechanical signals into electrical signals for analysis. This substitution eliminates human error while maintaining the simplicity of the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system automatically detects and analyzes the arrival signals without requiring human intervention. The electronic system self-regulates by monitoring vibrations and acoustic signals, processing the data to determine device arrival and engagement status. This automation ensures consistent, reliable detection while reducing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If electronic sensors are used to detect sound and vibration, then detection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: it contains both sound sensors and vibration sensors, processes multiple types of signals, and provides both detection and depth determination capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices while maintaining high reliability through comprehensive sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines sound detection and vibration detection capabilities into a single integrated device. The electronic system merges the processing of acoustic signals and mechanical vibration signals to comprehensively detect downhole device arrival, reducing overall system complexity while improving detection reliability through redundant sensing.
3Device complexity
If manual depth determination methods are used, then the system remains simple, but depth determination precision is poor and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the detection of downhole device arrival signals to determine depth. By monitoring the timing and characteristics of vibration and sound signals, the system calculates depth based on the known speed of sound and vibration propagation through the drill string. This feedback mechanism provides precise depth determination without adding significant complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes the relationship between signal propagation time and depth based on known physical constants (speed of sound and vibration in the drill string). This preliminary calibration allows the system to automatically convert detection timing data into accurate depth measurements without requiring complex real-time calculations or additional sensors.
4Measurement precision
If automated signal transmission is implemented, then detection accuracy improves, but the need for equipment access restrictions is highlighted
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string serves as an intermediary medium that transmits vibration and sound signals from the downhole device to the surface detection equipment. This intermediary allows automated detection and signal transmission without requiring direct physical access into the borehole, maintaining detection accuracy while working around equipment access restrictions.
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 solution provides reliable, error-free detection of downhole tool arrival and positioning, enabling precise depth measurement and reducing human intervention, while allowing for real-time monitoring and alerting of successful deployments or errors.
Implementation Method 1
The device may include at least one vibration sensor arranged and configured to sense vibration originating downhole
Implementation Method 2
The device may include at least one sound sensor arranged and configured to sense sound originating downhole
Data Source
AI summary
Detector device (10) mounts to a drilling rig (12) to sense sound or vibration signalled from downhole. The device (10) has a transmitter (10,20) to transmit data and/or an alert relating to sensed sound and/or vibration associated with deployment and/or positioning of a tool downhole. The device (10) recognises that one or more predetermined events or a pattern of events or one or more particular sound and/or vibration signatures occur(s). Downhole device (36) has a transmitter (38) transmitting a signal indicating a sensed pressure, position or motion change downhole. Communication between the downhole device and the device at the surface to determine depth or distance e.g. time of flight of a signal emitted by one device and the return signal from the other device or from the send and received times of the signal between the two devices based on their respective timers.