Downhole Repeater Apparatus for Wireless Well Installations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well installations face challenges in retrospectively providing communication systems, especially when the need for communication is not initially anticipated, and existing wireless communication methods are prone to damage and power issues, particularly when repeaters are exposed to the formation.
Innovation Solution
A well installation design featuring downhole metallic structure with repeater apparatus that can receive and transmit electrical and acoustic signals, powered by a local or remote power source, including a battery pack or harvesting device, allowing for early installation and long-term communication capabilities, with the repeater apparatus positioned in a protected location within the annulus or beyond the lower end of the downhole pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If repeater apparatus is provided on the outside of downhole metallic pipe exposed to the formation, then signal receiving and transmitting capability is improved, but equipment reliability deteriorates due to damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater apparatus is nested within the annulus formed by concentric runs of downhole metallic pipe, specifically positioned within the inner run of pipe. This nesting arrangement protects the repeater from external formation damage while maintaining its signal receiving and transmitting functions through the pipe structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole metallic pipe structure acts as an intermediary, allowing the repeater apparatus to be positioned inside the pipe while still enabling signal transmission to and from the external formation environment. The pipe serves as both protection and a medium for signal coupling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If communication systems are retrospectively provided in existing well installations, then communication capability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater apparatus is designed to be pre-installed within the downhole metallic pipe structure during the initial well construction phase, before the pipe is lowered into the borehole. This preliminary installation ensures communication capability is built-in from the start, eliminating the need for complex retrospective modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater apparatus is integrated with the downhole metallic pipe structure, which serves multiple functions including structural support, signal transmission, and protection of the repeater. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to separate communication equipment installations.
3Reliability
If local battery is used to power repeater apparatus, then power supply reliability is improved, but power lifetime is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from relying solely on a local battery with limited capacity to utilizing electromagnetic induction from the downhole metallic pipe structure. This parameter change in power generation methodology enables sustained power supply throughout the well's operational life by tapping into the existing electrical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater apparatus is designed to harvest power from the electromagnetic fields already present in the downhole metallic pipe structure, eliminating the need for a dedicated large-capacity battery. The system serves itself by utilizing the existing electrical environment for both signal transmission and power generation.
4Ease of manufacture
If repeater apparatus is installed during construction phase, then installation cost is reduced, but positioning precision within the annulus becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater apparatus is designed to function effectively at various positions within the annulus without requiring precise positioning. By utilizing the electromagnetic fields that permeate the entire downhole metallic pipe structure, the system achieves equipotential operation where location variations do not significantly impact performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole metallic pipe structure is divided into multiple concentric runs, creating defined annular spaces. The repeater apparatus can be positioned in any of these annuli or within the inner pipe runs, with each segment providing adequate electromagnetic coupling for effective operation, reducing the need for precise positioning.
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
Enables reliable and efficient wireless communication in well installations by providing a long-term power solution and protecting the repeater apparatus, facilitating communication throughout the well's life and reducing installation costs and complexities.
Implementation Method 1
a harvesting device for harvesting electrical power from the downhole metallic structure
Implementation Method 2
receiving the signals by picking up at least one of electrical and acoustic signals from the downhole metallic structure
Implementation Method 3
transmitting the signals onwards by applying at least one of electrical and acoustic signals to the downhole metallic structure
Data Source
AI summary
Well installations and methods for constructing wireless ready well installations. The installations comprise downhole metallic structure (2) and downhole repeater apparatus (5) for receiving signals and in response transmitting signals onwards. The repeater apparatus (5) are arranged for at least one of receiving the signals by picking up at least one of electrical and acoustic signals from the downhole metallic structure and transmitting the signals onwards by applying at least one of electrical and acoustic signals to the downhole metallic structure. Various arrangement and methods are described to allow provision of well installations ready for wireless communications.