Downhole Fiber Bonding Inside Casing for Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of fiber-optic cables downhole in wells is difficult due to the need for manual installation, potential cable damage during casing movement, and the requirement for external cables that are prone to signal attenuation and damage during cementing processes.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated method of installing fiber-optic cables inside the casing using a tool with a spool, adhesive, and a pressor to adhere the cable to the casing wall, utilizing a liquid glue that cures with heat, UV light, or chemical hardeners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual installation using clamps and protective devices is used, then cable security is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cable from the external installation method and extracts it to an internal placement within the casing. This eliminates the need for clamps, protective devices, and complex manual installation procedures while maintaining cable security through the bonding mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical clamping and protective device system with a chemical bonding system using adhesive. This substitution simplifies the installation process by eliminating complex mechanical assemblies while providing reliable cable security through adhesive bonding to the casing interior surface.
2Ease of operation
If cable is placed externally on casing, then installation ease is improved, but signal integrity deteriorates due to attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional external cable placement approach by installing the cable internally within the casing. This inversion maintains installation ease through automated deployment while improving signal integrity by positioning the cable in direct contact with hydrocarbons, eliminating signal attenuation issues associated with external placement.
3Productivity
If automated adhesive application is used, then productivity is improved, but cable damage risk increases during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies adhesive to the cable or casing surface before cable deployment, allowing the adhesive to begin curing or at least set before the cable is subjected to deployment stresses. This preliminary action enables automated high-speed installation while protecting cable integrity by establishing bonding before mechanical stresses occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive application provides a cushioning effect during cable deployment, absorbing mechanical stresses and preventing cable damage. The adhesive layer acts as a protective interface between the cable and casing, allowing automated deployment at high speeds without compromising cable integrity.
4Measurement precision
If internal cable placement is used, then signal detection capability is improved, but cable protection during cementing worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the bonding system by using high-strength adhesive with specific curing properties that can withstand cementing conditions. This allows the cable to be internally placed for optimal detection capability while the adhesive provides sufficient protection during the cementing process.
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 method reduces cable damage risk, ensures internal cable placement for optimal sensitivity, and allows for robust hydrocarbon detection by maintaining cable integrity throughout the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
applying an adhesive to the cable; affixing the cable to the casing with the adhesive
Implementation Method 2
curing may be done with heat and time, a UV lamp may be sent downhole
Implementation Method 3
curing may be done with heat and time
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and tools for deploying cables, such as fiber optic cable, downhole in well using adhesive to adhere the cable to an inside surface of a casing.