Downhole Position Measurement Using Wireless Transmitters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the relative positions of downhole components in boreholes are inaccurate due to surface-based measurements being affected by downhole conditions such as temperature and pressure changes, leading to potential deformation of tools and components.

Innovation Solution

A wireless signal-based system comprising a transmitter and receiver assembly, where one device is stationary and the other moves with the component, emitting and detecting signals to estimate the location of the moveable component relative to the stationary one using signal data analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If surface-based measurement techniques are used to determine downhole tool positions, then the measurement system is simple and cost-effective, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to tool deformation and environmental changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement system simplicityVSAvoiddownhole component position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical surface-based measurement systems with an acoustic signal transmission system. Acoustic transmitters and receivers measure relative positions through sound wave propagation time, eliminating dependence on surface measurements that are affected by temperature and pressure-induced tool deformation. This substitution maintains system simplicity while dramatically improving measurement precision in downhole environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If traditional surface-based measurement methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of position data deteriorates under downhole conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement system complexityVSAvoidposition measurement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces acoustic transmitters and receivers as intermediary devices that operate directly in the downhole environment. These intermediaries measure relative positions locally through acoustic signal transmission, bypassing the unreliable surface-based measurement chain. The acoustic signals serve as mediators that are immune to temperature and pressure effects, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If acoustic transmitters and receivers are deployed at downhole components, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelative position accuracyVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates acoustic transmitters and receivers into existing downhole components, allowing these components to serve dual functions: their primary operational function and position measurement function. This multi-functionality approach improves measurement precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the measurement devices are incorporated into components that must already be present in the borehole.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Provides accurate real-time measurement of downhole component positions, reducing errors caused by tool deformation and environmental changes, and can be integrated into existing energy industry systems without significant cost or complexity.

Implementation Method 1

at least one transmitter device configured to emit a wireless signal and a receiver device configured to detect the wireless signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic signal propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

the receiver device configured to detect the wireless signal when the first component is at the stationary position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic signal detection: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS11168561B2Downhole position measurement using wireless transmitters and receivers

Publication Date: 2021.11.09 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

An apparatus for determining a location of a downhole component includes at least one transmitter device and a receiver device. One of the at least one transmitter device and the receiver device is disposed at a first component of a borehole string configured to be deployed in a borehole and retained at a stationary position, and another of the at least one transmitter device and the receiver device is disposed at a moveable component configured to be moved while the first component is at the stationary position, the at least one transmitter device configured to emit a wireless signal and the receiver device configured to detect the wireless signal when the first component is at the stationary position. The apparatus also includes a processing device configured to receive signal data and estimate a location of the moveable component relative to the first component based on the signal data.