Fiber Optic Deployment Control for Horizontal Wellbores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for deploying wellbore tools, such as fiber optic cables, are limited by gravity-based deployment in horizontal wells, turbulent fluid flows, and non-uniform fluid flow in perforated wells, requiring complex scheduling and skilled labor, which hinders efficient deployment and monitoring during fracturing operations.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion device is used to control the movement of equipment in a wellbore, providing forces that stabilize and control the velocity of deployment, using a fiber optic cable with light signals to monitor and adjust deployment based on received patterns, and power distribution through optical fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gravity is used to deploy tools, then deployment is simple, but it cannot be used to lower tools into horizontal wellbores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gravity-based mechanical deployment with a fluid-driven deployment system. Fluid pressure is used to push the deployment tool and fiber optic cable through the wellbore, enabling deployment in horizontal and non-vertical orientations where gravity would be ineffective.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic principles by utilizing fluid flow (drilling mud or fracturing fluid) to propel the deployment tool down the wellbore. The fluid pressure differential drives the tool forward, allowing deployment in various wellbore configurations including horizontal sections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluids are used to deploy tools, then horizontal wellbore deployment is enabled, but turbulent or non-uniform flow reduces deployment efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates fiber optic sensing that provides real-time feedback on deployment conditions, including fluid flow characteristics and tool position. This feedback allows for dynamic adjustment of deployment parameters to optimize efficiency despite turbulent or non-uniform flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment system is designed to be dynamic, adjusting to varying fluid flow conditions. The tool can respond to changes in flow regime (laminar vs. turbulent) by adjusting its deployment rate and positioning, maintaining efficiency across different wellbore conditions.
3Reliability
If conventional pump-based fiber deployment is used, then fiber optic cables can be deployed, but complex scheduling and skilled labor are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fiber optic cable deployment function with the existing fracturing fluid pumping system. The fiber is deployed through the same wellbore using the fracturing fluid as the propelling medium, eliminating the need for separate pump-based fiber deployment operations and reducing scheduling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment tool is designed to be self-propelled by the fracturing fluid flow itself. The fluid that is already being pumped for fracturing operations automatically serves dual purposes: both fracturing the formation and deploying the fiber optic monitoring system, reducing the need for additional equipment and skilled labor.
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 efficient, on-demand deployment of fiber optic cables and equipment in complex wellbore environments, reducing complexity and enhancing monitoring capabilities during fracturing operations.
Implementation Method 1
converting a portion of the optical light power to electrical energy based on operation of the opto-electric converter
Implementation Method 2
powering a propulsion device of the apparatus when the opto-electric converter converts the portion of the optical light power to the electrical energy; and controlling movement of the apparatus along the wellbore based on operation of the propulsion device
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems and techniques related to a propulsion device that moves equipment along a wellbore. While wellbore equipment may be deployed in a wellbore using gravity or with the flow of a fluid like drilling mud, in certain instances, such techniques are not well suited to this task. Systems and techniques of the present disclosure may be applied to deploy tools in a wellbore by controlling motion of a self-propelled device along the wellbore. This may include using wheels, tracks, propellers, impellers, or other devices to propel tools into a wellbore even when the wellbore has perforations that may disrupt conventional deployment techniques. Techniques of the present disclosure may include transferring power to a wellbore apparatus via one or more elements of a fiber optic cable.