Downhole Pressure Vibration Measuring Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole instrumentation in oil and gas wells experiences reduced reliability and shorter lifespan due to high temperatures, leading to increased well intervention costs and suboptimal well control, especially in subsea wells, where existing sensors like silicone, sapphire, or quartz fail to maintain functionality effectively.
Innovation Solution
A downhole pressure and vibration measuring device integrated into a pipe section, utilizing strain gauges and glass penetrators connected via inert gas-filled sensor housing, which measures internal and external pressures, temperature, and vibration without electronic components in the well, using a multi-conductor cable connection to a control unit for signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If modern electronic measuring systems (silicone, sapphire, or quartz sensors) are used in downhole instrumentation, then measurement capability is provided, but reliability deteriorates at high temperatures (110°C or higher)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes electronic components from the downhole environment entirely. Instead of using electronic sensors that fail at high temperatures, the invention extracts the measurement function and implements it through strain gauges that convert mechanical strain into electrical signals via wire resistors, eliminating temperature-sensitive electronics from the harsh downhole conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic sensing systems with a mechanically-based measurement system. Strain gauges with wire resistors are used to detect pressure and vibration through mechanical strain on the production tubing, substituting fragile electronic sensors with robust mechanical measurement elements that can withstand high temperatures.
2Productivity
If downhole electronic measuring systems are installed to monitor production, then well control optimization is achieved, but lifespan is reduced due to high temperature degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs strain gauges that are inherently more durable and longer-lasting than electronic sensors in high-temperature environments. By using mechanically-based strain measurement elements rather than temperature-sensitive electronics, the system achieves extended operational lifespan without requiring frequent replacement.
3Temperature
If optical-fibre measuring instruments are used to withstand high temperatures, then temperature resistance is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to hydrogen attack that blackens the fibres
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes optical fibres from the measurement system entirely, replacing them with strain gauges that are immune to hydrogen attack. By extracting the vulnerable optical components and using mechanically-based strain measurement, the system achieves reliability in hydrogen-containing environments while maintaining temperature resistance.
4Measurement precision
If capillary tube measuring instruments are used for pressure measurement, then temperature measurement capability is provided, but reliability deteriorates due to particle blocking and pressure chamber failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces capillary tube-based measurement systems with strain gauge technology. Instead of using vulnerable capillary tubes that can be blocked by particles or fail due to pressure chamber issues, the invention uses strain gauges that measure pressure and vibration through mechanical strain on the tubing wall, eliminating the need for internal pressure chambers and capillary tubes.
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 provides robust temperature and vibration resistance, maintaining functionality beyond 250°C, reducing the need for frequent replacements and associated costs, while ensuring continuous well control and monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
sensing the surface strain from pressure inside the production tubing and surface strain from external pressure in the annulus between the production tubing and the casing in the well
Implementation Method 2
utilizing strain gauges and glass penetrators connected via inert gas-filled sensor housing, which measures internal and external pressures, temperature, and vibration without electronic components in the well
Data Source
Figure 1~1D
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a downhole pressure- and vibration- measuring device integrated in a pipe section (1) as part of a production tubing (20). The sensor housing (2) of the measuring device with sensors has a two-part clamp (3) on the upper part of the sensor housing (2), from where an electrical multi- conductor cable connection (10) from at least four, preferably six, nipples in a tube (9) is clamped along the production tubing (20) with bushings through equipment installed in the wellhead to sensors with an electronics and control unit (12) above the wellhead. Evenly- spaced radially in an annular space (5) are a first set of strain gauges (7) attached to the outside wall of the production tubing (20) and a second set of strain gauges (8) attached on the inside of the external wall of the sensor housing (2). Strain gauges (7, 8) are connected by glass penetrators (4) of electrical conductors in cable tubes (9A) terminated in the tubing hanger (21) to an electronics unit (11) and a control unit (12). For the measuring of temperatures, a thermometer will be integrated. Pressure -measurement signals also measure vibration in the production tubing (20).