Ferrofluid Tool for Modifiable Downhole Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wellbore operations face increased costs, time, and complexity due to the need for multiple devices suited for various environmental conditions, requiring frequent tool string deployment and substitution.

Innovation Solution

Ferrofluid tools that utilize a ferrofluid source and magnet to modify structures within the wellbore by controlling the position, size, shape, and function of objects, such as electrodes and antennas, using external magnetic fields, allowing for adaptive and polymorphic tool configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices are deployed to account for different environmental conditions, then the tool can handle various well environments, but the cost, time, and complexity of well operations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different environmental conditionsVSAvoidcomplexity of deploying and substituting multiple devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single tool body that can accommodate multiple devices with different functions (e.g., resistivity imaging device, acoustic device, gamma ray device) through interchangeable device modules. This allows one tool to perform multiple functions across different environmental conditions without requiring separate dedicated tools for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the device configuration changeable during operations. Devices can be extracted from the tool body and substituted with different devices based on encountered environmental conditions, allowing the system to dynamically adapt its composition rather than being fixed. The tool body itself can be reconfigured by changing device positions or orientations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices are deployed to account for different environmental conditions, then various well environments can be handled, but the time required for tool string deployment and substitution increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle various well environmentsVSAvoidtime for tool string deployment and substitution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling multiple device modules within the tool body before deployment. The devices are prepared and positioned in advance within the interchangeable device modules, so when environmental conditions change, pre-prepared replacement devices are already in place and ready for quick substitution without extensive on-site assembly or preparation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies nesting by placing multiple devices and their support structures within the tool body in a nested arrangement. Device modules are contained within the tool body structure, allowing compact storage of multiple devices that can be quickly accessed and exchanged. The nested configuration enables efficient space utilization and rapid device substitution without requiring external assembly equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices are deployed to account for different environmental conditions, then comprehensive environmental coverage is achieved, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage of different environmental conditionsVSAvoidnumber of devices required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining multiple devices with different functions (resistivity imaging, acoustic sensing, gamma ray detection) into a single tool body structure. Instead of deploying separate tool strings for each device type, all devices are integrated into one unified tool that can be deployed simultaneously, reducing the total quantity of devices needed while maintaining comprehensive environmental coverage capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Reduces operational costs and complexity by enabling a single tool to adapt to different environmental conditions, enhancing efficiency and flexibility in wellbore operations through modifiable structures and improved sensor calibration and communication capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet. The magnet can be magnetically coupled with the ferrofluid from the source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

position, size, shape, and function of objects, such as electrodes and antennas, using external magnetic fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field control: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS9512698B2Ferrofluid tool for providing modifiable structures in boreholes

Publication Date: 2016.12.06 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A tool for providing modifiable structures in a wellbore using ferrofluids in a downhole system is provided. The downhole system can include a tool body, a source of ferrofluid, and a magnet. The magnet can magnetically couple with the ferrofluid from the source for arranging the ferrofluid adjacent for modifying a parameter of an object coupled with or in the tool body when the tool body is positioned in the wellbore.