Downhole Wireless Data Transfer System for Wellbore Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole data acquisition systems in hydrocarbon production face issues with cable failures and complex retrieval processes, particularly with permanently deployed gauges that require continuous cable connection and semi-permanent gauges that risk falling during retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A wireless data transfer system comprising a downhole module with sensors and a receiver module, allowing for real-time data collection and transmission without the need for downhole cables, using antennas for wireless communication and power sources like batteries or energy harvesting, with optional wireless power transfer and a latch assembly for precise positioning.
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 transfer reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to complicated cable deployment and retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable from the system by implementing wireless communication between downhole gauges and surface equipment. The gauge eliminates the physical cable connection while maintaining data transmission capability through wireless signals, thereby reducing deployment complexity and retrieval complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based communication system with an electromagnetic wireless communication system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical cable handling, deployment, and retrieval operations, significantly simplifying the overall system operation while maintaining reliable data transfer.
2Ease of operation
If semi-permanent gauges are deployed in side pocket mandrels for data collection, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential gauge falling or failure to retrieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gauge from the side pocket mandrel configuration and implements wireless communication capability, allowing the gauge to remain in its deployed position without requiring physical retrieval through specialized equipment. This eliminates the risk of gauge falling or failure to retrieve while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge performs self-service by maintaining its deployed position and continuously transmitting data wirelessly without requiring periodic retrieval and re-deployment operations. The wireless communication system enables the gauge to serve itself by autonomously transmitting data throughout its operational lifecycle.
3Loss of information
If cables are used for continuous real-time data transmission from downhole gauges, then data transfer capability is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to cable cutting and connection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the vulnerable mechanical cable connection with a wireless electromagnetic communication system. This substitution eliminates the physical cable that can be cut or fail, while maintaining continuous real-time data transmission capability through radio frequency or other wireless communication methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless electromagnetic signals as an intermediary medium for data transmission between the downhole gauge and surface equipment. This intermediary replaces the direct physical cable connection, providing data transmission capability while eliminating the vulnerability to cable cutting and connection failures.
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 the risk of cable failures and simplifies data retrieval by enabling wireless data transfer and power supply, allowing for real-time data collection and transmission, and facilitating the deployment of multiple modules along a wellbore string for continuous data monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna or other means to facilitate the wireless transfer of data
Implementation Method 2
a power source
Data Source
AI summary
This system invention relates to the use of short hop communications to transfer data between two 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.