Downhole Wireless Monitoring for Component Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

During the deployment of downhole components in boreholes, communication with these components is often unavailable, making it difficult to monitor their integrity and detect potential issues before they reach the desired depth, leading to potential damage or malfunction.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a downhole sensing device that monitors component information and a downhole communication device capable of wirelessly transmitting signals to the surface, allowing for real-time monitoring and detection of component integrity issues during deployment, using wireless communication methods such as acoustic or electromagnetic signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If downhole components are deployed without wireless communication capability, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of monitoring during deployment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/wired communication systems with wireless communication technology. The downhole component includes a wireless communication device that transmits data and signals wirelessly to the surface, eliminating the need for physical connection through the drill string while maintaining communication capability during deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The downhole component integrates multiple functions into a single device: it serves as both the downhole tool being deployed and the communication device. The component includes sensors, processors, and wireless transmission capabilities, allowing it to perform both operational functions and monitoring/communication functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If wireless communication device is integrated into downhole component, then reliability of component monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation availabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication device is integrated as a distinct functional module within the downhole component. The component includes separate sensors for detecting conditions, a processor for analyzing data, and a communication device for transmission, allowing each function to be optimized independently while working together as an integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The downhole component autonomously monitors its own status and transmits information about its condition, component integrity, and operational parameters without requiring external intervention. The integrated system self-diagnoses and communicates status in real-time during deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 early detection of component malfunctions or damage, allowing for prompt remediation and reducing the risk of completing the installation with compromised components, thereby ensuring the integrity of downhole tools and control lines during deployment.

Implementation Method 1

a downhole communication device configured to wirelessly transmit a signal indicative of the component information to a surface location during the deployment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a downhole sensing device configured to monitor a downhole component and generate component information during deployment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11346214B2Monitoring of downhole components during deployment

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A system for monitoring a downhole component includes a downhole sensing device configured to monitor a downhole component and generate component information during deployment of the of the downhole component to a selected location in a borehole in a resource bearing formation. The system also includes a downhole communication device connected to the downhole sensing device, the downhole communication device configured to wirelessly transmit a signal indicative of the component information to a surface location during the deployment.