Detachable Downhole Survey Modules to Eliminate Wellbore Retrieval Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing survey tools for oil and gas wells, such as MWD and GWD, are costly and inefficient for deep but low-demand survey applications, as they require complex real-time communication systems and significant retrieval time.
Innovation Solution
A non-retrieval sensing system (NRSS) that includes a detachable module (DM) delivery system, allowing DMs to be deployed from the NRSS during drilling and gather sensing data, which can then be transferred to the surface without retrieving the NRSS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time survey tools (MWD, GWD) are used for deep hole sections, then measurement precision and real-time data capability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the survey tool into separable components: a reusable main body (NRSS) and disposable detachable modules (DMs). Each DM contains sensors and memory, allowing the system to achieve complex measurement capabilities without requiring a complex integrated real-time communication system. The DMs can be independently manufactured and replaced, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable detachable modules (DMs) that contain sensors and memory. These DMs are inexpensive compared to full real-time survey tools and can be discarded after use, eliminating the need for expensive retrieval and refurbishment operations. This approach maintains measurement precision while dramatically reducing system complexity and cost.
2Measurement precision
If retrievable survey tools are used for deep hole sections, then survey capability is improved, but productivity decreases due to excessive retrieval time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data storage and sensing function into separate detachable modules (DMs) that can be left in the wellbore after the main survey tool body is retrieved. This allows the NRSS to be quickly removed from the well without waiting for module retrieval, significantly improving productivity while maintaining full survey capability through the retained DM data.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable modules act as intermediaries that carry sensing data from the deep wellbore environment to the surface. The DMs are deployed with the NRSS, perform sensing operations, and then remain in place while the NRSS is retrieved. The data is subsequently recovered through the drill string, serving as an intermediary mechanism that decouples tool retrieval from data retrieval time.
3Loss of information
If real-time communication systems are implemented, then data availability is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a copy of the survey data by storing it in the detachable modules' memory during the survey operation. This data copy can then be retrieved separately through the drill string using simple wired communication, eliminating the need for expensive real-time wireless communication systems while ensuring data availability.
4Loss of information
If retrievable tools are used, then survey data can be obtained, but loss of time occurs due to retrieval operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data storage function into detachable modules that remain in the wellbore after the main tool is retrieved. This allows the NRSS to be quickly removed from the well without waiting for module retrieval, significantly reducing loss of time while ensuring survey data is preserved in the DMs for subsequent recovery.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A system includes at least one hardware processor interoperably coupled with computer memory and configured to perform operations of one or more components of the computer-implemented system. The system includes a detachable module (DM) delivery system configured to deploy, from release grooves of the NRSS and during a survey of the NRSS inside a wellbore during drilling of a well, plural DMs into an environment surrounding the NRSS, wherein the plural DMs are pre-loaded into the NRSS, and plural DMs are configured to gather and store sensing data from the environment.