Downhole Orientation Unit Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orientation systems for downhole devices, such as mule shoe subs, face challenges like difficulty in connection, reliance on locking mechanisms, and sensitivity to torque, especially in deep holes, and lack of independence from peripheral surface positions, making them inefficient and prone to malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an outer element with a fixed reference point member and internal detectors that sense the reference point and gravity, allowing for real-time or logged determination of the device's orientation relative to gravity without a locking mechanism, enabling flexibility in being stationary or retrievable, and applicable to various downhole tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mule shoe is used to lock onto the body for orientation, then a reference point can be established, but the connection is difficult and requires additional hydraulic force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mule shoe locking system with a magnetic coupling system. Magnets embedded in the orientation unit's outer surface automatically attract to ferromagnetic material in the wellbore body, eliminating the need for hydraulic force and manual connection operations. The magnetic force provides reliable locking without complex mechanical operations.
2Reliability
If a mule shoe is used for orientation, then positioning is possible, but the shoe can only connect in one specific position and may jam if worn or tip-to-tip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the orientation unit dynamically adaptable by allowing it to rotate freely on the wellbore body via magnetic coupling. The unit can be positioned at any angular orientation around the body's circumference, eliminating the single-position constraint of mule shoes. This dynamic positioning capability prevents jamming and accommodates wear variations.
3Measurement precision
If a locking mechanism is used between drive shaft and outer body, then a reference point is obtained, but the mechanism is sensitive to malfunction and difficult to operate at depth due to high torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical locking mechanisms between drive shaft and outer body with a magnetic coupling system. The orientation unit magnetically couples to the wellbore body without requiring torque transmission through locking mechanisms. This eliminates malfunction sensitivity and operational difficulty at depth, while maintaining precise reference point capability through magnetic field sensing.
4Measurement precision
If a mule shoe is used for orientation, then positioning can be achieved, but the system depends on peripheral surface position which limits independence from gravity reference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces gravity as an intermediary reference that is independent of the wellbore body's peripheral surface position. The orientation unit uses gravity sensing (via accelerometers or inclinometers) to establish a vertical reference frame, allowing it to determine absolute orientation without depending on the body's angular position. This enables true independence from peripheral surface constraints.
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 a flexible and reliable method for determining the orientation of downhole devices relative to gravity, independent of peripheral surface positions, reducing the need for locking mechanisms and improving accuracy, especially near vertical orientations, and allowing for easy retrieval and data download.
Implementation Method 1
the reference point member may comprise at least one magnet, the first detector may comprise at least one magnetic field detector, preferably magnetometer or hall effect sensor
Implementation Method 2
at least one second detector for sensing earth gravity
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
This publication relates to a system and a method for identifying or monitoring the orientation and position of a device, such as a tool, intended to be moved through or be stationary arranged a medium, such as rock, the system comprises an orientation unit (10) including an outer element (11) and an inner element (12). The system comprises further: -a fixed reference point member (13) is arranged on one element of the orientation unit; -at least one detector (15) for at any time sensing and thus identifying the position of the fixed reference point member(13); -at least one second detector (16) for sensing earth gravity; -device(s) for connecting the at least one first detector (15) and the at least one second detector (16) with a processor or retrieving collected data from said at least one first detector (15) and said at least one second detector (16), using such data from said at least one first detector (15) and said at least one second detector (16) for calculating and determining the rotational orientation of the fixed reference point member (13) relative to earth gravity.