Energy Transfer Mechanism for Wellbore Junction Wireless Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the oil and gas industry, establishing reliable electrical power and communication signals between lateral and main wellbores is challenging due to pressure barriers and complex wellbore geometries, which complicates the deployment of control cables and maintenance of well integrity.
Innovation Solution
A unitary multibranch inflow control junction assembly with a deformable conduit and energy transfer mechanisms allows for wireless power and data transfer across the junction, eliminating the need for physical couplings and minimizing sealing issues by assembling the junction as a single unit on the surface before installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control cables are extended through junctions between wellbores to enable intelligent well completion equipment, then communication and power transfer are established, but the integrity of pressure barriers is compromised and sealing failures may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cable connections with wireless energy transfer mechanisms (electromagnetic induction) to eliminate physical penetrations through pressure barriers. The junction assembly includes wireless power transfer components that enable power and data communication without cables crossing pressure barriers, thus maintaining seal integrity while enabling intelligent well completion equipment operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The junction assembly acts as an intermediary structure that enables wireless energy and data transfer between different wellbore sections without requiring physical cable penetration through pressure barriers. The inductive coupling components serve as mediators to transfer energy across the junction while maintaining pressure barrier integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate equipment installation is performed in lateral and main wellbores, then completion equipment can be deployed to specific locations, but cable extension becomes difficult and multiple separate trips are required
Solution Approach 1:
The junction assembly is pre-assembled with integrated wireless energy transfer mechanisms before deployment to the wellsite. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for multiple separate trips to install equipment and establish cabling connections, as the wireless power and data infrastructure is already in place to support equipment deployment in both lateral and main wellbores.
Solution Approach 2:
The junction assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides fluid communication between wellbores, enables wireless power transfer, facilitates data communication, and supports equipment deployment in both lateral and main wellbores. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cable deployment operations and reduces overall deployment time.
3Reliability
If physical cable connections are used to transfer power and signals, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but sealing complexity increases and debris-induced sealing failures risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cable connections with wireless electromagnetic induction for power and data transfer. This eliminates physical penetrations through pressure barriers and associated sealing interfaces, removing the risk of debris-induced sealing failures while maintaining reliable energy and signal transfer through inductive coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the cable connection system from the junction assembly, replacing it with wireless energy transfer components. This extraction eliminates the sealing interfaces and mechanical connections that are susceptible to debris contamination and sealing failures, while maintaining the essential function of power and data transfer.
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 solution ensures reliable high-pressure containment and efficient communication and power transfer between main and lateral wellbores, reducing the risk of debris-induced sealing failures and simplifying the installation process by avoiding the need for multiple, complex downhole assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
energy transfer mechanisms allows for wireless power and data transfer across the junction
Implementation Method 2
A unitary multibranch inflow control junction assembly with a deformable conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to controlling fluid flow to/from multiple intervals in a lateral wellbore. The system and method can include a unitary multibranch inflow control (MIC) junction assembly (a primary passageway through a primary leg and a lateral passageway through a lateral leg) installed at an intersection of main and lateral wellbores. An upper energy transfer mechanism (ETM) can be mounted along the primary passageway, and control lines 100 can provide communication between the upper ETM 214 and lower completion assembly equipment. A lower ETM can be mounted along the lateral passageway, with the upper ETM in communication with the lower ETM via the control lines. A tubing string can be extended through the primary passageway to access lower completion assembly equipment. The upper ETM can communicate with a tubing string ETM to receive/transmit control, data, and/or power signals from/to lower completion equipment in the lateral wellbores.