Downhole Wet Connector Position Sensor Using Force Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the resource recovery and fluid sequestration industries, ensuring proper wet connections in downhole environments is challenging due to the lack of clear indicators for complete connection, making it difficult to determine if remedial actions are needed.
Innovation Solution
A position sensor system comprising a feeler, a force transfer element, a force receiver, and a force quantifier, which is run into a downhole environment to detect the position of a wet connector by stroking the feeler and communicating the received force to the quantifier, providing data on the connection status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional wet connection procedures are used without additional sensing, then the connection process is simple, but it is impossible to determine whether the connection is complete or what remedial action is needed
Solution Approach 1:
A feeler block is introduced as an intermediary element that physically contacts the lower wet connector and transmits connection status information to the sensor system. The feeler block serves as a mediator between the connection interface and the measurement system, enabling indirect observation of connection completeness without complicating the actual connection procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct visual or manual inspection of wet connections with a mechanical sensing system that uses a feeler, force transfer element, and force receiver to detect and quantify connection status. This mechanical substitution provides objective, measurable data about connection completeness, eliminating the information gap without requiring complex electronic or optical systems.
2Reliability
If a position sensor system is introduced to detect connection status, then connection completeness can be determined, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into distinct functional segments: a feeler element for contact, a force transfer element (such as a spring) for force transmission, and a force receiver for measurement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall system relatively simple and reliable for determining connection status.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If additional information about downhole operations is obtained through sensing, then operational reliability improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring connection status remains high without proper sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The force receiver provides real-time feedback about the connection status by measuring the force exerted on the feeler block. This feedback mechanism allows operators to immediately know whether the wet connection is complete or requires remedial action, transforming an previously undetectable condition into measurable information that improves operational reliability.
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 determines the completeness of wet connections in downhole environments, allowing for timely remedial actions and improving the reliability of connections by providing clear data on the position and status of the connectors.
Implementation Method 1
a force transfer element operably connected to the feeler
Implementation Method 2
a force quantifier operably connected to the force receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A position sensor and a position sensor system, including a feeler, a force transfer element operably connected to the feeler, a force receiver operably connected to the force transfer element, and a force quantifier operably connected to the force receiver. A method for sensing position of a wet connector in a downhole environment, including running a position sensor on an upper wet connector to a target location, contacting a feeler block location on a lower wet connector, stroking the feeler, receiving a force at the force receiver, and communicating the received force to the force quantifier. A borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a position sensor disposed in the borehole.