Dual-Mode CCL Tool Mode Selection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The oil and gas industry faces challenges in using separate casing collar locator (CCL) tools for passive and active modes, which increases costs due to the need for different tools for various operations, and there is a lack of a solution that can safely operate during perforation jobs without power and efficiently during logging operations.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode CCL tool with a mode selection circuit that includes a switch and threshold detection circuit, allowing the tool to operate in either passive or active mode by disconnecting or connecting the coil to the wireline based on detected voltage levels, enabling operation in both modes without requiring separate tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate CCL tools are used for passive and active modes, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines passive and active mode CCL tools into a single dual-mode device. The coil assembly is shared between both modes, and a mode selection circuit with switch integrates the active mode amplifier circuit with the passive mode direct connection, allowing one tool to perform both functions reliably without requiring separate dedicated tools for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The CCL tool is designed with universal functionality to operate in both passive mode (direct coil-to-wireline connection) and active mode (coil-to-amplifier connection) using the same physical components. The mode selection circuit enables the single tool to adapt its operating mode based on operational requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools.
2Measurement precision
If active mode operation is used during logging, then measurement precision is improved, but current draw increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between passive and active modes based on operational requirements. During logging operations where precision is critical, the mode selection circuit activates the amplifier connection for enhanced signal detection. When energy conservation is prioritized or during operations like perforation, the system switches to passive mode with direct connection, reducing current draw while maintaining adequate functionality.
3Reliability
If passive mode operation is used during perforation, then safety is improved, but measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-mode CCL tool enables dynamic adaptation of the electrical connection configuration based on the operational phase. During perforation operations where safety is paramount, the system uses passive mode with direct coil-to-wireline connection, eliminating amplifier circuits that could inadvertently trigger explosives. During logging operations where precision is critical, the system switches to active mode with amplifier connection for enhanced signal detection, thus optimizing both safety and precision for different operational contexts.
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
The dual-mode CCL tool reduces costs by allowing a single tool to be used for both perforation and logging operations, enhancing safety during perforation and reducing current draw, thus enabling longer wireline cables for deeper wells.
Implementation Method 1
A CCL tool is an electromagnetic measurement device, which may be attached to a downhole tool and lowered into a borehole for detecting the presence of casing collar joints or other magnetic anomalies. When an active or passive CCL tool is lowered through a cased well, the magnetic field surrounding the CCL tool is disturbed when a change occurs in the effective magnetic permeability of its surroundings... The change in magnetic field causes electrical pulses to be generated in the coil.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are various embodiments of casing collar locator (CCL) tools, circuits and methods, which enable a CCL tool to selectively operate in passive or active mode. More specifically, a dual-mode CCL tool is provided herein with a mode selection circuit, which may be coupled between a coil of the CCL tool and a wireline of a well survey system. The mode selection circuit may be generally configured to detect a voltage on the wireline, connect the coil of the CCL tool to the wireline if the detected voltage is less than a threshold voltage, and connect the coil of the CCL tool to an amplifier circuit if the detected voltage is greater than or equal to the threshold voltage. The mode selection circuit described herein therefore enables a single CCL tool to be used for a variety of different downhole operations, including but not limited to wireline logging and well perforation jobs.