Drill String Cooling Flow Control for Downhole Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic components in downhole tools are susceptible to damage or impaired operation due to excessive temperatures encountered in geological formations, limiting the effectiveness of downhole operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing temperatures by circulating a cooling flow through a drill string and annulus, dividing it into sub-flows to locally cool regions of the well and components, monitoring temperatures, and adjusting flow rates to maintain components within operational limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electronic components are used in downhole tools to perform downhole operations, then operational capability and productivity are improved, but the components are susceptible to damage or impaired operation due to excessive temperatures in geological formations
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling flow is divided into multiple sub-flows that can be independently directed to different locations along the tool string. This segmentation allows targeted cooling of specific electronic components or regions experiencing excessive temperatures, improving component reliability without compromising overall operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling flow system acts as an intermediary between the hot geological formation environment and the electronic components. The cooling flow circulates through the drill string and annulus, absorbing excess heat and preventing it from damaging the electronic components, thus protecting reliability while maintaining productivity
2Reliability
If a cooling flow is circulated through the drill string and annulus to cool downhole components, then component temperatures are reduced and reliability is improved, but the system complexity and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string serves multiple functions: it acts as both the drilling mechanism and the cooling flow conduit. The annulus between the drill string and wellbore also serves dual purposes as both a return path for drilling fluid and a cooling flow circulation channel. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated cooling system components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling flow circulation system is merged with the existing drill string and annulus structure. Rather than adding a completely separate cooling system, the invention integrates cooling functionality into the existing drilling infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while achieving reliable component cooling
3Temperature
If the cooling flow is divided into sub-flows to cool different regions and components, then localized cooling effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and flow control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different sub-flows of the cooling flow are directed to different locations along the tool string based on where excessive temperatures occur. This local quality approach allows each region to receive appropriate cooling without requiring a completely separate system for each location, balancing localized effectiveness with manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling flow division system is designed to be dynamic and adaptable. Flow rates and distribution can be adjusted based on real-time temperature conditions and operational requirements, allowing the system to optimize localized cooling effectiveness without requiring complex fixed infrastructure for each possible cooling scenario
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
Effectively cools downhole components, reducing the risk of damage or impaired operation, thereby enhancing the success of downhole operations such as sampling, production, and injection.
Implementation Method 1
circulating a cooling flow to the tool string using a drill string and an annulus of the well
Implementation Method 2
directing the second sub-flow internally through a portion of the tool string to cool, at least, electronic components positioned in the portion of the tool string
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable storage mediums for managing downhole operations are disclosed. To manage downhole operations, the temperatures of various components of tools used in downhole environments may be taken into account. To preserve the life of the components of the tools, cooling flows may be used to retain temperatures of the components within operating ranges. By retaining the temperatures of the components within the operating ranges, the components may be less likely to become damaged, become impaired, and/or operate in undesired manners.