Dual Magnetic Sensor Actuation Assembly for Well Tool Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wellbore servicing systems lack efficient methods for selectively actuating well tools and controlling fluid communication with subterranean formation zones, leading to inadequate control over operations like fluid injection and production.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore servicing system incorporating a tubular string with a dual magnetic sensor actuation assembly (DMSAA) that uses magnetic sensors and an electronic circuit to detect magnetic signals and determine their direction, actuating a sleeve to allow or prevent fluid communication through injection valves based on predetermined signal quantities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional wellbore servicing systems are used, then well tools can be actuated, but selective actuation control and precision over fluid injection/production is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the wellbore into discrete zones with individual injection valves, each capable of selective actuation. Magnetic sensors are segmented and positioned at specific locations to detect magnetic devices in different zones, enabling precise control over fluid injection into specific formation zones without affecting other zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic devices serve as intermediaries between the control system and the injection valves. These magnetic devices transmit signals through the tubular string to actuate specific valves, providing a reliable communication mechanism that works in the harsh wellbore environment where electrical signals may fail.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic sensors are used to detect magnetic signals, then actuation control is improved, but determining signal direction becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic sensors are positioned at specific locations within the tubular string where they can detect magnetic devices traveling in particular directions. The sensors are arranged to have different sensitivities to magnetic fields coming from different directions, allowing the system to determine the direction of travel of magnetic devices and selectively actuate valves based on this information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple injection valves are installed for zone-selective fluid injection, then operational versatility is improved, but system complexity and difficulty of control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the flow of fluid itself to transport magnetic devices to the appropriate zones. As fluid flows through the tubular string, magnetic devices are carried along and automatically trigger the injection valves in the correct sequence based on their position and the direction of fluid flow, eliminating the need for complex external control systems.
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 precise control over fluid communication with subterranean zones, allowing for selective actuation of well tools and improved operational efficiency in wellbore servicing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a dual magnetic sensor actuation assembly (DMSAA) disposed within the housing and in signal communication with the actuator and comprising a first magnetic sensor positioned up-hole relative to a second magnetic sensor... the DMSAA is configured to detect a magnetic signal and to determine the direction of movement of the magnetic device emitting the magnetic signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A well tool comprising a housing comprising ports and defining a flow passage, an actuator, a dual magnetic sensor actuation assembly (DMSAA) in signal communication with the actuator and comprising a first magnetic sensor up-hole relative to a second magnetic sensor, and an electronic circuit comprising a counter, and wherein, the DMSAA detects a magnetic signal and determines the direction of movement of the magnetic device emitting the magnetic signal, and a sleeve slidable within the housing and transitional from a first position in which the sleeve prevents fluid communication via the ports to a second position in which the sleeve allows fluid communication via the ports, wherein, the sleeve transitions from the first to the second position upon recognition of a predetermined quantity of magnetic signals traveling in a particular direction.