Downhole Microchip Dispenser for Accurate Drilling Fluid Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual deployment of microprocessor devices in wellbores is inefficient, requiring manual tracking and involves frequent pipe connections, leading to inaccuracies and reduced operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automated dispenser apparatus for microprocessor devices that includes a container with an inlet and outlet, assisted by gravity or mechanical forces, to controllably release microchips into a drilling fluid conduit, ensuring precise tracking and efficient insertion without disrupting the drilling fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual deployment of microchips is used, then simplicity of the system is maintained, but tracking accuracy and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated dispensing mechanisms that self-regulate the deployment process. The dispenser apparatus automatically tracks and dispenses microchips without requiring manual intervention, enabling electronic scanning and tagging to improve tracking accuracy while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control systems. The dispenser apparatus uses electronic sensors, motors, and control circuits to automate the microchip deployment process, eliminating the need for manual tracking and pipe connection operations
2Productivity
If manual deployment with frequent pipe connections is used, then flexibility in deployment is maintained, but operational efficiency and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-charges and pre-initiates microchips in the dispenser apparatus before deployment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for repeated pipe connections and manual operations during deployment, significantly reducing time consumption and improving operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser apparatus enables continuous deployment operations without interruption. The automated system maintains continuous flow of microchips into the drilling fluid conduit without requiring frequent pipe isolations or reconnections, ensuring uninterrupted operational efficiency
3Reliability
If manual tracking of microchips is used, then simplicity of operations is maintained, but accuracy and reliability of data collection worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates electronic sensors and tracking mechanisms that provide real-time feedback on microchip deployment status. This feedback loop enables automatic tracking and monitoring of each microchip's position and status, improving data collection reliability while the automated nature of the feedback system maintains operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual tracking operations with automated electronic sensing and data collection systems. The dispenser apparatus uses electronic sensors to detect and track microchips, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and improving both reliability and ease of operation
4Productivity
If automated dispenser apparatus is used, then operational efficiency and accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser apparatus is designed as a multi-functional integrated system that combines charging, initiation, tracking, and dispensing operations in a single device. This universal design improves operational efficiency by eliminating the need for multiple separate devices while managing complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single dispenser apparatus. The charging circuit, initiation circuit, tracking mechanisms, and dispensing mechanisms are combined in one integrated system, improving operational efficiency while consolidating complexity into a single unified device rather than multiple separate components
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
Improves accuracy in microchip deployment, enhances battery life by immediate charging and initiation, and increases safety and operational efficiency by eliminating manual pipe disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
the container inlet has a higher elevation than the container outlet, and movement of the at least one microprocessor device through the interior volume from the container inlet to the container outlet is assisted by gravity
Implementation Method 2
a loading device configured to exert a force on the at least one microprocessor device at the container inlet, and movement of the at least one microprocessor device through the interior volume from the container inlet to the container outlet is assisted by the exerted force
Implementation Method 3
the dispenser apparatus includes a piston operable to exert a force on a microprocessor device of the at least one microprocessor device at the container outlet, and movement of the at least one microprocessor device through the container outlet is assisted by the exerted force
Data Source
AI summary
A drilling fluid system includes: at least one microprocessor device; a container that defines an interior volume; a container inlet that provides access for entry of the at least one microprocessor device into the interior volume of the container; a container outlet that provides egress for passage of the at least one microprocessor device from the interior volume of the container into a drilling fluid conduit of the drilling system; and a dispenser apparatus configured to controllably release the at least one microprocessor device through the container outlet into the drilling fluid conduit of the drilling system. The at least one microprocessor device includes a power source and one or more sensors configured to generate sensor data indicating downhole conditions of a well and to wirelessly transmit the sensor data to a computer at a terranean surface.