Fiber Optic Cable Depth Profiling via Fluid Hammer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately correlating fiber optic cable data to depth or distance along production tubing, casing, and tubular structures has been a challenge in downhole operations, particularly due to non-linear deployment and varying fluid properties, which can lead to inaccurate measurements and data loss.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing pressure pulses generated by opening and closing a valve in a fluid-filled annulus to determine the deployment profile of a fiber optic cable, where the arrival time of the pressure pulse is correlated with distance, allowing for non-invasive and accurate depth measurements using pressure transducers and information handling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If fiber optic cable is deployed in wellbores through various techniques (in production tubing, within casing, on outside of casing), then data transmission capability is improved, but accurate determination of deployment profile (distance and depth) becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid-filled annulus is introduced as an intermediary medium between the fiber optic cable and the wellbore environment. This annulus allows the cable to be deployed in complex configurations while providing a controlled medium for acoustic wave propagation, enabling accurate depth measurement through acoustic travel time calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical depth measurement methods with acoustic wave propagation through the fluid annulus. By measuring the travel time of acoustic waves from surface to downhole and back, the system determines cable depth and position without mechanical contact, thus preserving data transmission capability while achieving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If downhole tools become longer and more sophisticated to handle deeper wellbores, then measurement capability is improved, but the complexity of determining fiber optic cable deployment profile increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid-filled annulus serves multiple functions: it provides a medium for acoustic depth measurement, allows fiber optic cable deployment in complex configurations, and maintains data transmission capability. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall system compared to separate mechanical measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing fluid environment in the wellbore as the measurement medium, eliminating the need for separate mechanical depth measurement devices. The fluid annulus that is already present for cable deployment also serves as the acoustic wave propagation medium, making the system self-sufficient.
3Loss of information
If fiber optic cable is disposed in various locations within tubular structures, then data transmission from downhole to surface is improved, but the risk of cable damage during downhole operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid-filled annulus acts as a protective intermediary between the fiber optic cable and the harsh downhole environment. It allows the cable to be isolated from direct contact with wellbore tools and operations while maintaining acoustic wave propagation for depth measurement.
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 approach provides a non-destructive, accurate method for determining the deployment profile of fiber optic cables within tubular structures, enabling precise depth measurements and minimizing data loss by correlating pressure pulse arrival times with distance, suitable for both permanent and retrievable fiber optic cables.
Implementation Method 1
sensing the pressure pulse within the tubular structure with the fiber optic cable
Implementation Method 2
opening and closing a valve to form a pressure pulse, wherein the pressure pulse travels within the tubular structure
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determining a deployment profile of a fiber optic cable. The method may comprise disposing a fiber optic cable into a tubular structure, opening and closing a valve to form a pressure pulse, wherein the pressure pulse travels within the tubular structure, sensing the pressure pulse within the tubular structure with the fiber optic cable and at least one pressure transducer, recording data from the pressure pulse with the fiber optic cable and the at least one pressure transducer, and sending the data to an information handling system from the fiber optic cable. A well measurement system may comprise a tubular structure, a fiber optic cable, a valve, and an information handling system, wherein the information handling system is configured to open and close the valve to form a pressure pulse and record data from the pressure pulse.