Downhole Wireless Data Transfer System for Cable-Free Wellbore Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole gauge systems in hydrocarbon production face issues such as cable failures, complex deployment, and retrieval complications, particularly with permanently and semi-permanently deployed gauges, which hinder continuous data transmission and increase the risk of equipment loss.
Innovation Solution
A wireless data transfer system comprising a downhole module with sensors and a receiver module, both equipped with antennas for wireless communication, power sources, and data storage, allowing for real-time data collection and transmission without the need for downhole cables, and enabling deployment through casing or tubing, with optional power harvesting and wireless recharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent gauges use a cable mounted on the outside of production tubing for real-time data transmission, then data transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and risk of cable failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the cable component from the downhole gauge system. The gauge is designed to operate without any cable connection, eliminating the cable deployment complexity and associated failure risks while maintaining data transmission capability through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based data transmission system with an electronic/wireless communication system. The gauge uses onboard electronics and memory to store and transmit data without requiring a physical cable connection, substituting mechanical connectivity with electronic communication.
2Ease of operation
If semi-permanent gauges seat in a side pocket mandrel for data collection, then ease of deployment is improved, but risk of equipment loss and retrieval complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the side pocket mandrel retrieval mechanism from the system. The gauge is designed to remain permanently installed in the wellbore without requiring physical retrieval through specialized equipment, eliminating the risks of equipment loss during retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge is designed as a self-contained, permanently installed device that operates independently without requiring external retrieval equipment or intervention. The system serves itself by maintaining continuous operation in the wellbore, eliminating the need for periodic retrieval and reinstallation.
3Speed
If cables are used for data transmission from downhole gauges, then real-time data transfer is improved, but susceptibility to cable cutting and failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the vulnerable cable component from the data transmission system. The gauge operates as a cable-free device, removing the physical target that can be cut or damaged, while maintaining data transmission capability through wireless or stored communication methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary storage medium (onboard memory) between the sensor and the surface system. Data is first captured by the sensor, stored in onboard memory, and then transmitted to the surface when appropriate, eliminating the need for continuous cable-based data transmission and reducing vulnerability to cable 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
This system reduces cable-related failures and simplifies data retrieval by enabling reliable, real-time wireless data transfer and power management, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of downhole data acquisition without the need for complex cable deployments.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna or other means to facilitate the wireless transfer of data
Implementation Method 2
a power source
Implementation Method 3
at least one sensor to collect desired data downhole such as borehole and production parameters
Data Source
AI summary
This system invention relates to the use of short hop communications to transfer data between 2 modules inside a well. A system deployed in a well permanently or semi-permanently collects data from downhole parameters such as pressure, temperature, vibration, flow and fluid identification and stores the information in the system memory. The receiver module is deployed in the well via slick line, electric line or coil tubing with the purpose of retrieving the data from the system memory by interfacing with the downhole module via wireless short hop communications. The receiver module can also send commands into the downhole module to change its data collection parameters. Upon completion of the data transfer, the collector is returned to the surface where the data is again wirelessly transferred to a processing system such as a Personal Computer.