Downhole Fluid Metering Tool Feedback Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole tools in drilling and completion industries face inaccuracies in position indication at the surface due to restricted movement caused by friction or BOP contact, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with a feedback arrangement featuring fluid outflow ports and an oscillator within the fluid outflow path, which produces a signal indicative of proper tool operation, allowing for accurate location confirmation at a remote location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluid metering is used to indicate tool position, then position indication is provided, but accuracy deteriorates due to restricted movement from friction or BOP contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback arrangement that monitors fluid flow from outflow ports and generates signals indicating whether the tool is properly engaged with the profile. This feedback mechanism allows operators to distinguish between restricted movement caused by proper engagement versus friction or BOP contact, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing position indication and ensuring indication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary feedback system that mediates between the tool's physical engagement and the surface indication. The feedback arrangement acts as a mediator that verifies proper engagement before transmitting position signals to the surface, preventing false indications from friction or BOP contact while maintaining accurate position feedback
2Loss of time
If traditional gauging methods are used to track tool position, then operator control is maintained, but time is lost due to inaccurate position indication
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback arrangement provides real-time verification of proper tool engagement through fluid flow monitoring, enabling operators to quickly confirm accurate positioning without time-consuming manual gauging operations. This eliminates lost time by providing immediate, reliable position information while maintaining operator control through the surface-operable mechanism
3Speed
If fluid flow restriction is used to control tool movement, then slower movement is achieved, but accurate differentiation between engagement types becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback arrangement detects fluid flow characteristics to provide clear signals about proper engagement status. This resolves the detection difficulty by translating subtle fluid flow changes into distinct, easily interpretable signals that differentiate between proper profile engagement and other conditions, even when tool movement is slowed
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 solution enhances accuracy in downhole operations by providing reliable feedback on tool position, improving efficiency and reducing costs by minimizing lost time and misinterpretation of tool engagement.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillator within the fluid outflow path... affecting the oscillator with the fluid... interacting with exhausting fluid to produce a signal
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool with a feedback arrangement including a tool having one or more fluid outflow ports that exhaust fluid during normal operation of the tool. A feedback arrangement in operable communication with the fluid exhausted from the one or more fluid outflow ports during operation of the tool. The feedback arrangement interacting with exhausting fluid to produce a signal receivable at a remote location indicative of proper tool operation. A method for confirming operation of a downhole tool is included.