Downhole Sensor Sampling Shock Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shock models fail to predict and mitigate the damage caused by perforating operations in wellbores due to the lack of accurate measurements of strains, loads, stresses, and accelerations, leading to equipment damage from shock waves generated by explosive perforating guns.
Innovation Solution
A downhole sensing system with high-resolution sensors and processors that measure and record parameters such as pressure, temperature, strain, and acceleration at high sampling rates, enabling real-time analysis and data collection to validate and refine shock models, and trigger operations like regulating wellbore pressure during detonations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional shock models are used to predict perforating effects, then equipment design can proceed with standard safety margins, but the models fail to accurately predict shock effects in axial, bending and torsional directions leading to equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing sensors and data acquisition systems in the perforating string before the perforating operation. These sensors measure strains, loads, stresses, pressures, and accelerations during the actual perforating event, providing empirical data that validates and refines shock models before they are used for future equipment design, thereby improving prediction accuracy while maintaining equipment integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using high-resolution sensors to capture actual shock wave effects during perforating, then using this measured data to verify and refine shock models. This closed-loop approach allows continuous improvement of prediction accuracy by comparing model predictions with actual measurements, resolving the contradiction between reliable equipment design and accurate shock effect prediction
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution sensing and monitoring features are incorporated to measure shock effects, then shock models can be verified and refined, but the sensing equipment must withstand severe downhole environments including high acceleration and broad-band frequency spectrum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing sensors and electronic components with shock protection mechanisms that can withstand the severe downhole environment before exposure. The sensing system is pre-engineered to tolerate high acceleration and broad-band frequency spectra generated by perforating, ensuring measurement precision is maintained despite the harsh conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials and structured designs for the sensor housing and mounting systems that combine different material properties to resist shock, vibration, and corrosion in the downhole environment. This allows high-resolution sensing capabilities to function reliably despite exposure to severe environmental factors during perforating operations
3Productivity
If perforating string length and explosive loading are increased to enhance production, then production efficiency improves, but shock effects intensify causing damage to downhole equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback by measuring actual shock wave intensities and equipment responses during perforating operations with increased string length and explosive loading. This empirical data feeds back into refined shock models that can predict the effects of larger-scale operations, allowing productivity enhancement while managing shock effects through informed design decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by using validated shock models (refined through prior measurements) to predict shock effects before implementing enhanced perforating operations. This allows optimization of explosive loading and string configuration to maximize production while staying within safe shock effect thresholds that prevent equipment damage
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 system effectively reduces equipment damage by providing accurate data for predicting and mitigating shock effects, allowing for more precise design and operation of perforating strings and downhole equipment, and enabling real-time control of wellbore conditions during perforating events.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor located on the conveyance string and operable to measure the parameter
Implementation Method 2
a recorder located on the conveyance string and comprising a sampler in communication with the sensor and operable to sample the measured parameter at a sampling rate of 150 kHz to 10 MHz
Implementation Method 3
very high detonation pressures (e.g., several million psi) are initially generated in the wellbore. This initial pressure is transmitted to the surrounding environment, creating strong, transient shock waves that propagate supersonically through adjacent materials
Implementation Method 4
The perforating gun comprises explosive charges which, when ignited, pierce any casing in the wellbore and create the perforation tunnels in the formation surrounding the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and device for monitoring a parameter downhole. The system comprises a conveyance string locatable in the wellbore, a sensor and a recorder located on the conveyance string, and a processor in communication with the recorder. The recorder comprises a sampler in communication with the sensor, and the sampler is operable to sample the measured parameter at a sampling rate of 150 kHz to 10 MHz. The recorder also comprises an information storage device in communication with the sampler and operable to store the samples acquired by the sampler. The processor is operable to monitor the parameter based on the samples collected by the sampler.