Modular Downhole Tool Control for Position-Independent Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional downhole evaluation systems lack modularity, requiring specific design and engineering for each combination and positioning of actuatable components, limiting flexibility and reconfigurability, and necessitating complete redesign for component swaps or rearrangements.
Innovation Solution
A modular downhole evaluation system with a universal control module and circuit that allows connection and control of actuatable modules irrespective of their relative positioning, enabling reconfiguration and simplifying communication through acoustic or hydraulic signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional downhole evaluation systems use fixed design for each combination of actuatable components, then system reliability is maintained, but device complexity increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The downhole evaluation system is divided into separate actuatable modules (e.g., circulation valve module, isolation valve module, tester valve module) that can be independently selected and positioned. Each module functions independently while connecting to a common control circuit, allowing the system to be reconfigured by changing module combinations without redesigning the entire system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal control circuit is designed to accommodate multiple types of actuatable modules regardless of their specific functions or relative positions. The control circuit uses universal acoustic signal transmission and hydraulic actuation mechanisms that work across all module types, eliminating the need for bespoke control designs for each module configuration.
2Productivity
If conventional systems require complete redesign for component swaps, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into interchangeable modules with standardized connection interfaces, components can be swapped and repositioned without affecting the overall system architecture. This modular approach allows rapid reconfiguration by simply changing which modules are connected to the universal control circuit, eliminating time-consuming complete redesigns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable rather than statically fixed. The universal control circuit can adapt to different module arrangements in real-time through acoustic signal communication, allowing the system to transition between configurations without physical redesign or lengthy setup procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems use position-dependent control circuits, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but adaptability decreases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit replaces traditional position-dependent electrical or mechanical signaling with acoustic signal transmission through the wellbore fluid. This acoustic field-based communication allows the universal control circuit to reach any actuatable module regardless of its position in the wellbore, eliminating the need for position-specific wiring or signaling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal control circuit is designed to communicate with and control any actuatable module type through standardized acoustic signals and hydraulic actuation. This universal interface works whether modules are positioned at the bottom, middle, or top of the wellbore, providing position-independent control without requiring complex position-dependent circuitry for each configuration.
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
Facilitates flexible assembly and operation of downhole systems with any combination and arrangement of components, reducing the need for bespoke designs and simplifying communication, thus enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
simplifying communication through acoustic or hydraulic signals
Implementation Method 2
communicating a first actuation signal via a universal control circuit connecting the universal control module to a first actuatable downhole module and to a second actuatable downhole module
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole evaluation device includes a first actuatable downhole module, a second actuatable downhole module, and a universal control circuit. The universal control circuit has a first circuit path and a second circuit path, wherein the first circuit path connects to the first actuatable downhole module and the second circuit path connects to the second actuatable downhole module irrespective of a relative positioning of the first actuatable downhole module and the second actuatable downhole module. A universal control module is connected to the universal control circuit for selectively controlling an actuation of the first actuatable downhole module and the second actuatable downhole module.